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Abstract

With the rapid expansion of cloud computing usage and applications, the need to prepare graduates with high caliber cloud computing skills is becoming a necessity. This paper discusses the challenges of teaching cloud computing, and how to overcome these to equip the graduates with modern industry-standard skills. The paper reports on the experience of achieving this goal by employing the cultural–historical activity learning theory in teaching this course. This was achieved by introducing a variety of activities in the course such as: up-to-date technical content, a hands-on projects, technical presentations, and a certification program. The paper assesses the success of the experience by analyzing the feedback of the students twice; at the end of the course, and several years afterward when they have enrolled in the job market. The results clearly show the importance of having practical and hands-on courses that would keep students engaged, at the same time it is preparing them for the job market. The results also showed that the students appreciation for the course have increased after they have started working. Specifically, two-thirds of the students believe that the course was helpful in getting their current job.

Keywords

Cloud computing education professional certification ABET peer evaluation cultural–historical activity theory

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Cloud computing: Bridging the link between industry and the classroom

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