Deploying cloud computing technology in e-learning for Malaysian polytechnic

Abstract

Cloud computing (CC) opens up a new paradigm in web-based learning. It promises ubiquitous services, broad network access, a pool of resources, rapid elasticity and its measured service has made this ready-made platform become popular in every field. Nowadays, though this technology has already penetrate into the educational institution, it is still considered at its infancy in the Malaysian Polytechnic (MP) environment. However, e-learning is currently in its optimization phase according to National e-learning Policy, otherwise known as Dasar e-Pembelajaran Negara (DePAN). Reluctance from educators and students in implementing cloud-based e-learning system has become a main concern because of the hindrances brought about by security issues. Security in cloud has been discussed in many previous works and studies. Many solutions have been proposed to strengthen e-learning systems against attacks and threats. Hence, this study aims to reveal the importance of security awareness and knowledge in the e-learning environment. In order to deal with security issues, this paper proposes an architecture which possesses security features in deploying CC which can be implemented by Malaysian educational institutions (especially MP).