Embedding vendor certifications in the cloud computing curriculum: scope, strategy and perceptions

A series of previous Working Groups has met at ITiCSE conferences to explore ways of incorporating cloud computing into courses and curricula, including mapping industry job skills to knowledge areas (KAs) and KAs to student learning objectives (LOs). The importance of industry-standard learning content and certification, produced by cloud vendors and others, was apparent throughout this work. This Working Group will focus on the role of certification within cloud computing curricula, from the viewpoints of a range of stakeholders: students, graduates, institutions, vendors and other certification providers; and employers. Areas for study will include: the scope of available certifications and their mapping to our KAs and LOs; approaches to integrating certification in academic cloud curricula, and challenges involved in doing so; and perceptions of the stakeholders of the role and value of certifications in evidencing employability. The outcome of the work will include a set of recommendations for best practice.