Active and interactive cloud-based learning environment

The biggest challenge in developing an effective online learning environment is to map new technologies to proven teaching pedagogies and learning objectives. Pedagogies of engagement, such as discussions, debates, peer interaction, laboratories and other formats fostering student opinions, are often easily implemented in the classroom environment, but such interactive engagement techniques are rarely implemented in online courses. An effective e-learning platform should be able to promote interactive activities and collaborative learning by engaging students in the learning process. In this paper we will discuss the functionalities of some state of art online learning platforms. We will identify some shortcomings of current e-learning platforms. We also present the architecture of cloud based active and interactive learning platforms that supports problem based learning (PBL) and active learning strategies.