What is cloud-based learning: Benefits and how to get started

What is cloud-based e-learning?

Contrary to its name, cloud-based e-learning has nothing to do with actual clouds. Rather, it refers to a learning experience that takes place virtually — in a digital cloud. Not only do you not need to meet in person, but you also don’t need to install any software onto your computer. All you need is an internet connection.

And it’s not just virtual for learners. If you were to launch a cloud-based e-learning program to train your employees, you could also create your learning content online using a cloud-based authoring tool. Depending on the software you use, you could either store your work in the authoring tool or use a cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS).

Regardless of the combination of tools, cloud-based e-learning makes content easily accessible regardless of where you are or what device you’re on.

Learn the differences between online learning and face-to-face learning.

5 benefits of cloud-based e-learning

Because of its flexible nature, cloud-based e-learning comes with many benefits for both learners and content creators. Here are the top five:

• Makes remote learning easy

  As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s become increasingly important for organizations to enable remote learning. Cloud-based learning platforms make this a lot easier. Trainers can create their content in an authoring tool and then host it in a cloud-based LMS. Not only can learners easily access the content remotely, but trainers can also track their progress in real-time. A cloud-based authoring tool like Easygenerator allows you to host your content and track your learners’ activity directly on the platform, offering an all-in-one solution for remote learning.

• Accessible across devices

  As we’ve mentioned, cloud-based e-learning content is accessible across any internet-connected device. This is beneficial for both learners and trainers. For one, online learning traditionally takes place on a desktop. But with so many people owning smartphones and tablets, cloud-based learning allows learners to access content from their preferred device.

  At the same time, trainers benefit from the content creation process. When learning content is stored online, trainers can start preparing lesson materials on one device and continue the process on another. This ability may be particularly beneficial for those that create or prepare content on both their office and home devices.

• Create an interactive learning experience

  Cloud-based learning environments enable an interactive learning experience. Using an authoring tool, you can leverage a variety of features and elements to help bring static content to life. Easygenerator, for example, allows you to add quizzes, fill-in-the-blank exercises, interactive images, and more. These are just some cloud-based learning examples that invite your learners to participate in the course, keeping them engaged.

  Without interactivity, content that’s intended to offer an online learning experience may come off as static PowerPoint slides instead. To avoid the latter, you’ll need to use an authoring tool.

• Data is continuously backed up

  When e-learning content is stored in the cloud instead of on a desktop, your content is continuously backed up. That means, if your computer were to crash, jeopardizing all your locally hosted files, you can rest assured knowing your cloud-based e-learning content is stored safely online. To access it, all you’ll need is another internet-connected device.

• Automatic software updates

  Moreover, not having your cloud-based learning platform stored locally on your desktop means you’re not in charge of keeping your software up to date. With cloud-based tools, software updates happen automatically. That means each time you log in — whether as a learner or to create content — you can sit back knowing you’re always using the latest, user-optimized version.

How can you get started?

Ready to create cloud-based e-learning content? Easygenerator can help you get started. Our authoring tool not only offers cloud-based content creation functions but also the ability to host your content directly on our platform. That means you won’t need a separate LMS to distribute your content to your learners. It also means you can easily track your learners’ results in our tool. Our data-driven insights help you understand how your learners perceive your course, allowing you to make strategic changes to improve the overall learning experience.

And making updates to your content is easy with a cloud-based authoring tool. You won’t need to re-share the link to your course each time you’ve made changes. Just be sure to publish your changes, and let your students engage in the latest version of your course.

Finally, if you still prefer to use an LMS, all you need to do is export your content as a SCORM or xAPI file. That way you’ll get to reap the creative benefits of a specialized authoring tool without giving up your LMS.