Forming a cloud computing based lifelong learning platform: integration of basic computer courses as mass open online courses to university

Abstract

Today's formal educational institutions remain incapable of keeping people's knowledge up to date. Updating information in fields like general culture, information technology, language education and vocational education is needed. Online learning settings, certificate trainings, in service trainings and social network settings greatly contribute to updating information. The learning function is a lifelong process besides formal educational institutions. Lifelong learning can be defined as individual's whole collaboration of events which aims to develop their knowledge, skills and talents individually, vocationally or socially in order to manage their lives. It can be said that a web based learning settings has contributed to the learning processes the most these days. In this regard, people and especially universities grants free access to supply of information they have through Mass Open Online Courses (MOOC). In order for users to access MOOC, having an internet browser is enough. MOOC is also able to develop lifelong learning skills and brings the participants ways of self-learning and information gathering. Strong hardware and software substructure is needed for an MOOC system which will be accessed by thousands. Rapid developments in information technology have decreased hardware costs significantly. By decreasing the costs, developed software and hardware platforms are formed and brought into mutual use of people. Bringing the hardware and software components (storage, data base, mail services and some private software) into people's mutual use form the basis of cloud computing. Cloud computing systems provide great advantages in terms of cost and workforce. Also, through cloud, many subunits can be managed at one origin. In this study, processes of forming a cloud computing based MOOC platform where basic computer technology subjects are included are given place. Through the formed platform, individuals learn new information in the information technology field or keep their knowledge up to date. This will ease people's learning interest and provide lifelong learning opportunity.