Cloud computing is used to provide reliable computing environments and highly scalable resources that can make them accessible to users. Cloud based e-learning offers the real concept of e-learning where the users can access the information at any time and place using any computer technology devices. This paper focuses on the concept and architecture of cloud computing. It highlights the state of the art on the utilization of learning technologies in Libya as well as in other developing countries. The challenges and benefits of implementing cloud based e-learning in developing countries will also be discussed in this paper for the improvement of teaching and learning in higher education institutions in developing countries.

In this new century, Internet has become an important medium in human life. Widely used of Internet throughout the world, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been a driving force that transforms economic, business, commercial activities and socio-political changes in a borderless world. The changes has affected education sector thoroughly for the last few years. Nowadays, E-learning plays important roles in education institution. E- learning is the delivery of learning, training or education program by electronic means. This new technology involves the use of a computer or electronic device (e.g. a mobile phone). Through the years, E-learning creates a new paradigm for modern education. However, study shows that there are a numbers of failures when it comes to implementation process of e-learning. Since the model is at the core of any technology in order to meet major challenges and become successful, there is a need to develop appropriate models for E-learning. Thus, to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon, it is vital to focus on emerged models in this area. Questionnaires been distributed to 120 students of Universiti Teknologi MARA Pahang in order to identify the important elements of E-learning based on students perceptions. The results been analyzed using SPSS. Study shows there are 10 elements to ensure successfulness of E-learning which are ease of use, appearance, linkage, structure and layout, information, reliability, efficiency, support, communication and security. It is believes that these elements are very important elements in ensuring successfulness of E-learning in higher learning Institutions in Malaysia. (Abstract by authors)

Flexibility has become a watchword in modern education, but its implementation is by no means a straightforward matter. Flexible Pedagogy, Flexible Practice sheds light on the often taken-for-granted assumptions that inform daily practice and examines the institutional dynamics that help and hinder efforts towards flexibility. The collection is international in scope, drawing on the experience of specialists in distance education from North America, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, and Japan. Contributors to the volume were asked to reflect candidly and critically on questions that include: What precisely is flexible learning? Who or what is driving the flexibility agenda, and for whose benefit? And who or what is resisting it? What challenges must be overcome in order to achieve flexibility, and what are some of the compromises it can entail? In addressing these and other issues, the authors offer a wealth of theoretical insights and a frank assessment of their practical experience. Their report from the trenches will be invaluable to anyone seeking to broaden the reach of higher education.

A one-stop knowledge resource, Emerging Technologies in Distance Education showcases the international work of research scholars and innovative distance education practitioners who use emerging interactive technologies for teaching and learning at a distance. This widely anticipated book harnesses the dispersed knowledge of international experts who highlight pedagogical, organizational, cultural, social, and economic factors that influence the adoption and integration of emerging technologies in distance education. Emerging Technologies in Distance Education provides expert advice on how educators can launch effective and engaging distance education initiatives in response to technological advancements, changing mindsets, and economic and organizational pressures. The volume goes beyond the hype surrounding Web 2.0 technologies and highlights the important issues that researchers and educators need to consider to enhance educational practice.

Education has become the number one demanded commodity for social and economic transformation for both developing and developed economies. Thus the number of persons going and returning to school has become too big to be handled by existing brick and mortar learning institutions. Besides, the majority of lifelong learners do not have the time to become full-time students. Distance education is becoming the solution to the aforementioned challenges. It has been defined as the mode of study where the learner is separated in time and space from the institution and tutors providing the tuition.

This book, written by authors representing 12 countries and five continents, is a collection of international perspectives on distance learning and distance learning implementations in higher education. The perspectives are presented in the form of practical case studies of distance learning implementations, research studies on teaching and learning in distance learning environments, and conceptual and theoretical frameworks for designing and developing distance learning tools, courses and programs. The book will appeal to distance learning practitioners, researchers, and higher education administrators. To address the different needs and interests of audience members, the book is organized into five sections: Distance Education Management, Distance Education and Teacher Development, Distance Learning Pedagogy, Distance Learning Students, and Distance Learning Educational Tools.

E-learning enables students to pace their studies according to their needs, making learning accessible to (1) people who do not have enough free time for studying - they can program their lessons according to their available schedule; (2) those far from a school (geographical issues), or the ones unable to attend classes due to some physical or medical restriction. Therefore, cultural, geographical and physical obstructions can be removed, making it possible for students to select their path and time for the learning course. Students are then allowed to choose the main objectives they are suitable to fulfill. This book regards E-learning challenges, opening a way to understand and discuss questions related to long-distance and lifelong learning, E-learning for people with special needs and, lastly, presenting case study about the relationship between the quality of interaction and the quality of learning achieved in experiences of E-learning formation.

Introduction (excerpt)- Part of the mission of the Commonwealth of Learning is to show intellectual leadership in the application of technology to learning. Although electronic communication is fast becoming a vehicle of choice for the discourse that sustains academic debate, the spoken and printed word retains a special role. The country visits that I undertake for COL include speaking engagements that allow me to explore a range of topics touching on learning for development. This booklet is a partial response to the requests that I receive for “hard copies” of these addresses and follows a similar publication in 2005 containing six speeches I gave in Africa.- Sir John Daniel, April 2006

An e-book discusses on the practice, effectiveness and challenges of e-learning implementation in Malaysian Higher Educations.