Google Cloud Study Jams : A Journey Beyond The Cloud 🚀
Introduction:
Google Developer Students Club is making its way as one of the most optimum platforms for young, budding engineers. In the fast-evolving landscape of technology, staying ahead is not just an advantage — it’s a necessity. As a facilitator of the Google Cloud Study Jams, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative impact these sessions have had on individuals and the broader community. In this post, I’ll be sharing my journey of being the facilitator for my chapter, GDSC VAST Thrissur, exploring the influence of Google Cloud Study Jams and how it has helped the students in my community hone their technical skills in Cloud Computing.
Setting the stage:
I still remember the day the lead of my campus, Jesto K J, invited the members of the community for the post of Facilitator for the study jam. Even though I had a basic knowledge about the cloud , I was still nervous to apply. I got in and was informed about the challenges and the various opportunities I would get during this journey. I also had to choose a suitable cohort for the event and chose cohort 1 according to the schedule of our campus.
Google Cloud Study Jams are immersive, hands-on workshops designed to help participants gain practical experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) products and services. As a facilitator, my role was to guide participants through a series of interactive labs and foster an environment where learning was not just a process but an experience. The participants have to complete two pathways in the campaign- The Google Cloud Computing Foundations and The Generative AI Arcade game.
Virtual Sessions and Meetings:
We conducted two virtual sessions and many offline sessions. The first session was hosted by Neha Baju (Organizational Lead, GDSC VAST) and addressed by Dr Ramani Bai V(HOD, CSE Department) and Ms Mithu Varghese (Faculty Advisor). In the first virtual session I gave the participants a basic introduction to Cloud and Cloud Computing, a quick overview of the various services and a live demo lab of creating a Kubernetes cluster and deploying a containerized application with Kubernetes Engine. Participants were also introduced to the swags that await them on completing the courses.
Offline lab and doubt sessions were arranged at the campus with the help of our faculty advisor, Ms Mithu Varghese and our GDSC team. We had participants who lacked certain facilities like a stable network connection, personal laptops/computers etc., complete the course due to these offline sessions. These sessions marked a crucial step towards achieving our goal in the Google Cloud Study Jams, where the collective effort of the team and the participants played a pivotal role.
In the second session, we had a deep dive into the world of prompt engineering and generative AI. The Arcade provided a gamified experience of learning about AI. Participants were able to learn about LLMs and how they are trained along with security, networking, Machine Learning and Big Data concepts in the cloud. A general guideline on the various career options in the world of Cloud and the value of the skill badges earned during the event and how they can boost our resumes and LinkedIn profiles were also discussed. Participants were also encouraged to join the Google Cloud Innovators Club, a community for cloud enthusiasts!
Building a Knowledge Bridge:
One of the standout features of the Study Jams is their ability to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. The main challenge I, as the facilitator, faced was handling participants who were of diverse range in their technical abilities. Some participants found themselves grappling with foundational concepts, creating a gap that needed to be addressed to ensure an inclusive learning environment.
I had the support and guidance of my community mentors Nikita Gandhi, Tanvi Somani, Hack2skill and our trainer Romin Irani (Google Developer Advocate), without which this campaign would not have been possible. Our train-the-trainer sessions were filled with nuggets of knowledge and use cases that I could share with the participants. This helped them understand the various scenarios and real life applications of the various cloud services and Generative AI.
Tailoring Supportive Approaches:
Recognizing the diverse learning styles and backgrounds of participants, I adopted a multifaceted approach to provide support. This included organizing additional Q&A sessions, offering one-on-one guidance, etc. By tailoring support based on individual needs, participants were better equipped to grasp the fundamentals.
Fostering a Collaborative Community:
Beyond the technical skills acquired, the Study Jams cultivated a sense of community among participants. The collaborative nature of the workshops encouraged networking and knowledge-sharing. The participants were designated smaller learning groups, with the help of the Organizational team, which helped them not only learn from the facilitator but also from each other, creating a rich tapestry of diverse experiences and insights.
Another memorable part of the event was collaborating with the cohort 2 facilitators and helping them on their journey of the study jam. Some facilitators, including myself, solved various queries and helped the cohort 2 facilitators tackle the various challenges they faced. I was able to share various tips and insights with the facilitators from my experience with the study jam, and help them reach their respective milestones.
Hands-On Learning in Action:
The core of the Study Jams lies in their hands-on labs. Participants don’t just listen to lectures; they actively engage with the GCP console, applying concepts in real-time. This approach not only reinforces learning but also boosts confidence in tackling real-world challenges. From deploying applications to analyzing data, the labs cover a spectrum of skills crucial in today’s tech-driven world.
Real-World Impact:
As a facilitator, it was inspiring to witness the real-world impact of the knowledge gained during the Study Jams. The program has become a catalyst for career growth and innovation, inspiring students in creating projects that have an impact on society and people.
Conclusion:
Being a facilitator for the Google Cloud Study Jams has been a gratifying experience. With the help of my team, we were able to reach Tier 1 with 97 successful completions. As we continue to embrace the digital future, the impact of programs like the Study Jams will undoubtedly be a driving force in shaping a skilled, dynamic, and collaborative community in the realm of cloud computing. From understanding the basics of cloud computing to mastering advanced concepts, the journey was both challenging and rewarding. I got to see myself and my community grow, which was an enriching experience that I hope both the students and I will be able to carry forward in our professional lives.
