The Future is Cloud
As the new Academic Year approaches, now is a great time to revisit some of the resources the EDTL team have created over the past year. Whether it be ensuring you are following a student-first approach or utilising online learning tools effectively, there is sure to be a resource to either refresh your memory or learn something new.
In spring 2016, Matt Pye, Operations Manager at Amazon Web Services (AWS), came to our campus to talk to our students about cloud computing careers. In the discussion with academic staff, the possibility of joining AWS Academy came up. AWS Academy provides higher education institutions with a free, ready-to-teach cloud computing curriculum that prepares students to pursue industry-recognized certifications and in-demand jobs. A review of AWS Academy, at that time in its beta form, revealed an ambitious, high-quality approach to developing relevant and important cloud skills in students. We enthusiastically joined AWS Academy as a member institution and our students have benefited from this decision.
In summer 2016, lecturers from TU Dublin undertook the rigorous training to become AWS accredited instructors. AWS Academy has high standards for their courses, material, and instructors, and this was a key factor in our decision to join.
The two organisations have a common goal, which is to upskill students for the jobs of tomorrow by exposing them to in-demand skills in a real-world environment. At this time, the beta version of AWS Academy provided materials for one certification – AWS Certified Solutions Atchitect – Associate. In 2017, TU Dublin Tallaght Campus became the first institution in Ireland – and one of the first in the world – to deliver AWS Academy curriculum to university students.
AWS Academy has opened many doors for our students in addition to teaching them cloud computing skills. TU Dublin students have participated in WorldSkills Cloud Computing Competitions at the national and international level, proving themselves to be amongst the best in the world. Because of our long standing relationship with AWS Academy, academics from TU Dublin have opportunities to participate in high-level events organised by AWS. Other AWS sponsored events include AWS GameDay and AWS Jam, which are excellent learning opportunities for engaging students.
Students from TU Dublin have competed in international cloud computing competitions, winning gold medals at competitions in India, Australia, and the prestigious WorldSkills gold medal in Russia. TU Dublin professors have also been recognized as international thought leaders. For example, Dr. Fernando Perez Tellez, TU Dublin lecturer, has been selected as the Chief Expert for cloud computing for WorldSkills twice by national cloud computing experts.
Ireland has produced competitive professionals in cloud computing that now work directly for AWS, or for leading companies using AWS. AWS Academy students have also gone on to participate in health hackathons, where students use their cloud computing knowledge to solve health challenges in public hospitals.
By joining AWS Academy, our students learn valuable cloud skills in a real-world environment. This helps employers tap into a pool of cloud-skilled talent to fill in-demand roles.
TU Dublin has taken a lead in training students with cloud computing skills and this is reflected in the number of students starting excellent careers with industry leaders.
As a result of the success of working with AWS Academy, TU Dublin has incorporated AWS Academy courses in several programmes throughout the institution and has created a new specialization in cloud computing.
“I would highly recommend the Certificate in Cloud Solutions Architecture at TU Dublin. This course provides an in-depth understanding of how to architect systems for the public cloud.
As someone who was missing Cloud computing skills in the software development area, it has given me a new valuable skillset that is in high demand. The course is hands-on, and you get to build many Cloud solutions using AWS services. The course is thorough and well put together, through lectures, tutorials, labs, and other resources. It provides an ideal opportunity to acquire relevant industry knowledge and skills.
The tutors are excellent to explain key concepts, answer any questions and support labs and project work. The course has a large scope, but the material is covered at a good solid pace.
I would highly recommend this course.” – Patrick Phelan, TU Dublin graduate
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