ABSTRACT
Big Data (BD) and the cloud are playing the central role in R&D and educational system in developing countries. Imported as well as locally developed BD- and cloud-based e-learning tools and systems are rapidly transforming developing countries' educational landscapes. BD and cloud computing have allowed African biomedical researchers to conduct R&D on diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and tropical diseases. This chapter describes key drivers of BD and cloud deployment in E-Learning and R&D. Bridge utilizes BD, algorithms, and a scripted-learning education methodology. Eneza Education has developed a mobile platform, which utilizes BD and the cloud to offer students access to quizzes, mini-lessons, and other educational contents. Coursera is a massive online open courses (MOOC) platform, which provides cloud-based education by offering courses in science, math, medicine and other areas. Advance learning interactive systems online (ALISON) provides cloud-based learning solutions. The chapter summarizes the use of BD and the cloud in two key developing countries: Brazil and South Africa.
