Learn how a team of subject matter experts, learning designers, and editors are developing an innovative online cloud computing architecture master’s degree program using a project-based learning model and open educational resources (OERs) while concurrently partnering with edX to offer a Cloud Computing MicroMasters degree program.
Organizations are increasingly moving their critical information and assets to the cloud and are seeking employees who understand how to migrate their systems to the cloud, as organizations take advantage of the benefits of storing their data off-site. However, cloud computing is still rarely part of the curricula in higher education, as institutions cite issues with costs, the rapid pace of technology innovation, and a lack of available faculty expertise (Panko, 2017).
University of Maryland University College’s (UMUC’s) newly developed graduate program in cloud computing architecture equips students with the technical and management skills to effectively design, operate, and maintain cloud computing systems. The program is designed to help prepare students for positions in cloud computing, computer network architecture, network and computer systems administration, information technology project management, and computer systems analysis.
Concurrently partnered with University System of Maryland (USM), UMUC designed a four-course MOOC to be offered as a MicroMasters in EdX.
The cloud computing curriculum is centered around completion of authentic assessments in the form of applied scenarios, projects, and hands-on labs that involve real-world tasks, tools, and industry standards. UMUC partnered with leading cloud providers to minimize the cost to students. Courses also exclusively use open educational resources (OERs)—embedded online resources that are accessible to all students who take the course at no additional cost.
We will describe how we overcame challenges to developing cloud computing curricula such as:
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high costs
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rapidly evolving content
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lack of available expertise and texts
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At this session, subject matter experts, learning designers, and editors will describe the process used to design and develop the courses. Participants will view a cloud computing classroom. The session will include demonstrations and interactive participant surveys.
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
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Apply the tenets of project-based learning to a cloud computing curriculum
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Understand the challenges of using OERs and how to overcome them
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Overcome obstacles in developing courses for a rapidly changing field of study
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Design project-based assessments that apply real-world experience to industry standards and competencies
Reference
Panko, R. (2017). Cloud education lags at universities: Four professors' perspectives. Retrieved from https://clutch.co/cloud/resources/cloud-computing-education-2017