AWS
The journey of getting the AWS badge
(How do you get the badge, the learning path from know nothing about AWS until you get the AWS badge, the process of learning, exploration and understanding, when do you start, how do you complete the 10 modules, how long it took for you to complete the 10 modules, what does the badge look like)
Firstly, to get the AWS badge, I completed the 10 modules about the AWS. Initially, my knowledge and understanding about AWS was shallow. I have learned about the AWS through our lecture and slides provided by our lecturer. I found difficulties in understanding the concepts because the notes on AWS were not much and it was quite difficult to understand each component of AWS. I have joined the industrial talks organised by the course on AWS. With the industrial talk and lecture notes I could understand the basics of AWS. Later, I get a chance to explore more on AWS because one of our assessments was to complete the 10 modules about AWS. The 10 modules helped me to increase my knowledge on knowing nothing about AWS until I get the AWS badge. To get a full understanding about the AWS it is compulsory to finish the 10 modules. The process of learning was quite tough because I needed more time to understand each video in the modules. Although they provide subtitles it was still not easy to understand the concept taught. I took an initiative to take down notes while they are teaching so that I can refer the notes for better understanding during revision. I can also evaluate myself on how much I understand by doing knowledge check after each module. It was a good idea of the AWS academy to make students sit again for the knowledge check if they score less than 80%. So, from here I can know which part I couldn’t understand and look at it. I started doing the modules in the mid of December. My progress was slow as I was struggling to understand the terms and their foreign slang too. In the middle I had to face a challenge where our next assessment which was project 1 requires the understanding of AWS concepts. So, I had to speed up myself to complete the modules. I started to spend more time on completing the modules and overall, it took about 1 week to complete all the modules. At first, I was not much interested in completing the modules but after I complete each module it encourages me to explore more. So, I started to enjoy learning about AWS. I felt proud after receiving the AWS badge and certificate as a reward for my hard work towards completing these modules. The badge looked simple and nice with no unnecessary designs. I have gotten an extra knowledge which will be useful in the future especially for my program which is Computer Science (Bioinformatics). Finally, it was all possible when I just add on some focus and interest in it.
Summary
(A summary of what you have gained from completing the course-get a badge)
I successfully get a badge and certificate upon completing the 10 modules in AWS provided by the AWS Academy Cloud Foundations. I have also gained an overall understanding of cloud computing concepts from this assessment.
Motivation to complete this project
(Your motivation to complete this project)
My motivation towards completing this AWS project is to develop my technical skills. I have done some research on how this AWS project will relate to my course. AWS contributes more especially for my Computer Science (Bioinformatics) course. The skills that I learn from AWS is very much important for me to develop myself in this industry. All these points motivate me to continue the AWS project until completing it through the ups and downs.
Opinion
(Your opinion whether getting the badge is easy or difficult? Which module is the easiest/most difficult)
In my opinion, getting the badge was difficult because it was not easy to understand fully each module. Sometimes I took about 30 minutes to complete just 10 minutes of video. We should not miss any contents because all contents are equally important. It was a rush for me to complete all the modules as my group should start doing our next assessment which is very much related to the AWS. I also felt difficulty in focusing for so long during the video because I felt tired physically for sitting for a longer hour. This disrupts my concentration. Some of the modules were lengthy too. The difficulty level for each module increases along its way. For me, module 1 to 3 were easy to understand and the difficulty level increase starting from module 4.
Badge worth
(What's a badge worth?)
The AWS badge is recognised and certified throughout the Information Technology (IT) industry. I can add this badge in my resume so that the probability for me to get into the industry is higher compared to those who didn’t. The skills that we gain from this AWS is supreme for the future because mostly all the companies in this industry are moving forward to cloud computing. So, this badge plays an important role for my future undertakings. I can also say that with this cloud certification, I can be paid higher salary if I get myself enrol in that related field.
Feedback
(Feedback whether getting the badge improve your knowledge and skills on Cloud Computing)
This badge improves my knowledge and skills on Cloud Computing. I tend to widen my knowledge through the AWS as it gives me a detailed overview of cloud concepts, AWS core services, security, architecture, pricing, and support. These are the skills that are essential for an employee to get a job in this industry and also the employers are searching for this kind of employees. Now I can identify the concepts that needed to be used from AWS when developing an application. In future as a developer, I can develop applications with the help of AWS skills.
Opinion on companies shift to Cloud Computing
(Your opinion whether every company should shift to Cloud Computing?)
In my opinion it is a correct move for companies to shift to Cloud Computing. Companies will experience many advantages if they shift to Cloud Computing. First, Cloud Computing will make the company more competitive and flexible. Second, Cloud Computing is efficient as we won’t have to buy, maintain, and replace expensive data centres in business sectors. Third, data can be secured using Cloud Computing as any data backed up in the cloud is encrypted. So, only the authority can see it. Next, Cloud Computing enables remote working. It contributes to lower the carbon footprint. So, in my opinion it is advisable for companies to shift to Cloud Computing for better productivity.
Opinion on students to study Cloud Computing
(Your opinion whether every computer science/UTM student should learn Cloud Computing-get the AWS badge)
In my opinion is it advisable for every computer science student as well as UTM students to learn Cloud Computing and the AWS badge. It enables better collaboration between students. It enhances power remote learning virtual classrooms. Cloud Computing enables easy access and resource availability for students as they can access materials regardless of the devices or internet browsers they use. Learning cloud computing is an additional knowledge that they can get. This extra skill will help them to work in IT industry although they are not from the computer science program. Students can get experience of working in this industry as the future is focusing on IT.
Advice
(Any advice to your friends who have not get the AWS badge yet?)
Dear friends, it is a great opportunity for you all to gain an extra knowledge which will be very helpful for your future undertakings. You will face many challenges while getting the AWS badge but believe me all your efforts in this learning process worth it. Try to come out of your field and explore more. It’s no harm in acquiring new things if it really benefits you. You will be satisfied when you receive notifications on completing the modules. You will know the worth once you complete it. It’s all on how you make use of your skills.
Direction after completing the badge
(What is your direction after completing the badge?)
After I have completed the badge, I will do some research on how these AWS works in the industry. I have decided to join any activity about AWS that is organised. I can also start to explore on the companies which concerning about the AWS from now so that it will be easier for me to get a job once I have graduated.
Opinion on getting AWS that included in SECP1513
(Your opinion about getting the AWS badge that is included in SECP1513 subject)
I am obliged that AWS badge is included in SECP1513 subject. It makes me easy to understand the subject SECP1513. I’m sure that I will be still struggling to understand this subject especially Cloud Computing if AWS was not in our assessment. I’m also thankful for the opportunity given by my lecturer in guiding us to explore new things and gain new skills.