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In celebration of Computer Science Education week and the Global Hour of Code, Amazon has unveiled an enhanced experience for students aged 14-17. This new initiative grants students access to a revamped website and introduces three innovative learning badges designed to help them explore and expand their cloud knowledge. The platform offers an engaging, user-friendly navigation experience, allowing students to immerse themselves in interactive challenges and practical activities. Additionally, educators can access resources that align with core computer science principles, fostering an environment for both students and teachers to learn, create, and innovate.
Get started with Amazon’s educational resources here.
AWS Learning Badges
Students can now earn three distinctive AWS learning badges tailored to their individual journeys in cloud technology:
- Cloud Explorer Badge: Ideal for those new to the cloud, this badge requires students to complete ten introductory challenges that cover fundamental concepts such as algorithms, programming, and cybersecurity through real-world scenarios.
- Cloud Inventor Badge: Building on their foundational knowledge, students can tackle ten more advanced challenges focused on cloud technology, exploring how variables and big data are utilized in various contexts.
- Cloud Builder Badge: For those ready to take their skills to the next level, this badge presents 14 challenges involving hands-on experience with the AWS console and services, including building a website and a chatbot.
In addition to these badges, students can leverage their AWS Educate starter accounts to access the AWS console and other valuable resources. For those eager for further learning, there’s the opportunity to pursue AWS Educate Badges and Cloud Career Pathways.
New Educator Resources and Enhanced Student Portal
This rollout also features new teacher facilitator guides and a redesigned student portal.
Teacher Facilitator Guides
The Cloud Explorer and Inventor challenges come with facilitator guides, which teachers can download from the AWS Educate Educator Portal. These guides assist educators in leading classroom discussions, conducting supplementary activities, and providing ongoing learning resources outside the classroom. Each guide outlines how the challenges align with the Computer Science Framework from K12cs.org, includes background information, a glossary, and focus questions.
Revamped Student Portal
The student portal has been updated to create a gamified, intuitive experience, providing seamless access to the Cloud Badges. Students can easily navigate to the Badges page to learn more about each badge and begin their journey. The new “My Backpack” feature enables students to monitor their progress toward earning badges efficiently.
These enhancements contribute to the global expansion of Amazon’s educational initiatives for students aged 14 and above, which started last year. As technology continues to evolve, the need for a skilled, cloud-capable workforce is increasingly evident.
Amazon is committed to equipping students worldwide who aspire to careers in technology. Through this initiative, students and educators can access training, resources, and AWS promotional credits to enhance their cloud skills.
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