We use the flipped classroom methodology where you take multiple passes at learning:
* you prepare ahead of the in person class by studying through videos, screencasts, reading materials.
* you attend the class in person where the expert instructor reviews the materials at greater depth, exposing nuances. Other participants in the class bring their unique and fresh perspective. Homework is reviewed in class as well.
* you get your hands dirty with practical real life projects, doing problems and assignments on your own and submitting not only for the instructor but also for the entire class to review.
* you can read what others have submitted just as they can read your submissions thus multiplying the learning effect.
* you attend weekend lab which dives into hands on action further, wider and deeper, troubleshooting problems faced by someone by remotely connecting into their computer while everyone else is able to learn corner cases that are otherwise missed in routine.
* you form into learning groups on day 1 which become a cohesive unit as you collaborate through the entire program. The coursework requires a considerable amount of hands on work that you will do on your own computer. While you may have a Mac or a PC with Windows 7 or 8, the CloudMASTER program runs from VirtualBox installed on your computer. On the first day, you will download and install
Oracle VirtualBox and the instructor will provide you with a copy of the CloudMASTER Sandbox.7z This package is a virtual computer we call the CloudMASTER Sandbox workstation. It is pre-programmed with software, tools, SDK, and links needed for the course. It also has preserved a state of the machine that you can restore to with a click of a button. This allows you to freely experiment, create a mess if you like, and revert to original state with the click of a button never having to worry about your underlying computer which remains unaffected.
Each student should bring their own 64bit laptop ( Windows 7/8 and Mac, Virtualization Enabled, Minimum 4GB Ram and Free 25GB-50GB hard disk ) with administrative privileges and wireless connectivity. If you have AMD laptop, it should be AMD-V enabled. If you have Intel laptop or Mac, it should support Intel-VTx. An extra USB drive of 16gb minimum will be handy if you want to use your personal USB drive for all files and images.
You will hear this often: Finished? OK, now restore to the golden state and do it again. We believe that the second time you do it is the first time you “get it.” The CloudMASTER Sandbox virtual workstation effortlessly enables experimentation at will without disturbing your computer. Each segment runs over a period of 4 weeks with a week gap in between them. While exact details may differ from class to class/cohort to cohort, a typical week goes something like this.