Amazon Web Services (AWS) has provided a host of free and informative resources for educators and students that are focused on preparing the future cloud workforce. With the increasing demand for cloud employees, AWS Educate provides an academic gateway for the next generation of IT and cloud professionals. AWS Educate is Amazon’s global initiative to provide students and educators with the resources needed to accelerate cloud-related learning. What’s even better is that they have personalized these resources for TCEA’s members.
AWS Educate
Designed for students aged 14 and older around the world, the content at the website is rich and is also free. The program offers students access to self-paced content designed to introduce cloud computing technologies that drive innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence, voice and facial recognition, gaming, medical advancements, and more. For teachers, the site provides facilitator guides to help you lead conversations with your students, run supplemental activities, and provide resources for continued learning outside the classroom. Each guide includes how the challenge aligns to the Computer Science Framework from K12cs.org, background information on the challenge topic, a glossary, and focus questions.
Student Badges
AWS Educate also provides opportunities for students to earn badges by completing self-paced, online curriculum units. The Cloud Explorer Badge is a great place for students who are newer to computer science. Curious about building and sharing games online? Complete interactive challenges that let students explore concepts like algorithms, programming, and cybersecurity through real-world examples. The Cloud Explorer Badge and corresponding facilitator guides are aligned to the K-12 Computer Science Framework for grades 6 through 8.
The Cloud Inventor Badge is designed for students who understand computer science basics and are ready to expand their knowledge with more in-depth challenges on cloud technology. Expanding on AP Computer Science concepts like how variables, big data, and more are used in the cloud today to create the world of tomorrow, the Cloud Inventor Badge and corresponding facilitator guides are aligned to the K-12 Computer Science Framework for grades 9 through 12.
The Cloud Builder Badge is for students students who are ready to start building in the cloud. This badge covers the AWS console and services by starting to create on AWS through challenges and hands-on activities like building a website. Learners will discover how the cloud sparks innovation in a variety of industries, putting themselves in the shoes of a cloud engineer. There are also even more advanced opportunities for online learning available.
How to Get Started with Cloud Computing
Join today to start your and your students’ cloud learning journey and receive up to $200 in AWS Promotional Credits. TCEA educators will also receive automatic enrollment in the Cloud Basics Classroom, which enables you to invite up to 100 of your students to join the classroom and get their own AWS Educate benefits. And again, all of this is completely free to educators.