Computer science professor Erez Zadok has teamed with collaborators across the United States on a $1M National Science Foundation (NSF) cybertraining initiative. This project brings together researchers and educators from the University of Chicago, Stony Brook University, New York University, Northern Illinois University, and University of California San Diego, and it seeks to create shared educational content.

Data plays a critical role in informing decisions across various domains of our lives. As the amount of data expands, an individual’s skills to function in a data-centric world have become more imperative. The challenge, however, is learning more about data systems when there is a scarcity of available educational resources. This project will develop a fount of scaffolded, educational modules or courselets across different areas of computer science, that provide shared content suitable for hands-on exploration on open clouds and testbeds.

Zadok’s role is to develop storage and file systems educational coursework using a Chameleon Cloud platform. Through a series of small courses, students will be able to learn the importance of data storage as it “holds the most valuable intellectual property of any computing system.” Students will explore different concepts and methods that will deepen their understanding and explore new avenues in data systems. 

The educational materials are delivered through Chameleon Cloud because the platform supports computer science systems research and education. Compared to other systems, Chameleon uses OpenStack, which allows for mainstream open source cloud technology and a familiar interface.

FOUNT will create a set learning module designed to give students deep knowledge in data storage systems, from novices to advanced students. The created content will directly impact educational communities by bridging the educational resource gap.