Wolfschwenger, Patrick: Fostering Software Engineering Skills and Digital Literacy through Cloud Computing Adoption in Collaborative and Active Learning: Advancements and Challenges of Cloud-Based Participatory Learning. Dissertation, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, 2024

online: https://epub.jku.at/obvulihs/content/titleinfo/10239483

This cumulative dissertation explores the transformative impact of cloud computing on educational environments and professional development in the context of action research. Through five research cycles and seven distinct but interconnected publications, this research investigates various dimensions of cloud integration: adoption and implementation of cloud technologies, impact of cloud technology on educational practices, and innovations in pedagogy and educational frameworks. The first two papers examine the adoption of cloud technologies in educational settings, highlighting the value of cloud-based learning environments and the critical factors influencing the effective integration of these services into educational organizations. Issues such as data security, legal concerns and lack of comprehensive strategies for cloud transition are addressed. The third paper provides an in-depth analysis of the effects of Covid-19 on learning conditions, focusing on the Austrian educational system, and compares these with global trends, emphasizing the shift to online instruction. The fourth paper broadens this discussion by presenting a phenomenological study on digital transformation, revealing the experiences and challenges faced by stakeholders during the adoption of cloud and ubiquitous technologies. Furthermore, this dissertation includes a study on the role of storytelling in software engineering education, proposing a novel framework for cooperative learning that leverages narrative techniques to enhance problem-solving skills and motivation. The sixth paper describes the development and evaluation of an agile framework for continuous education that integrates cloud computing and DevOps practices, exploring the potential of these methodologies to facilitate learning and application in professional settings. The final paper focuses on the integration of cloud-based artificial intelligence in the training of software engineers, assessing its potential to enhance learning and professional growth. Collectively, these papers contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the integration of advanced technological frameworks in educational and professional development contexts, offering insights into both the opportunities and limitations of cloud computing and artificial intelligence in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.