Pilot case

OnPIT: Online Platform for Interactive Tutorials

Building cloud-based interactive labs with learning analytics.
Illustration of a human figure on a ladder, holding a cloud

Pilot leader

Mario Di Francesco

Schools

School of Science

Timeline

Jan 2020 – Dec 2020

Overview

Learning about new technologies is challenging if not adequately supported by appealing hands-on activities. A compelling approach is represented by interactive labs: an online environment made available to users as a web application over the Internet. Users can then follow a tutorial and carry out the related tasks directly in the browser, without the need to install any software locally on their computer. This is particularly beneficial for many cloud-native technologies (such as Docker and Kubernetes), the installation and setup of which could be very cumbersome in the first place.

The goal of this pilot is to build an online learning environment for interactive labs as a web application. The web application enables users to carry out interactive tutorials directly in their browser and allows an administrator (e.g., a teacher) to to keep track of the progress as well as of the outcome of the labs. The pilot includes the realization of a prototype that could possibly be used in teaching already in fall 2020.

Platforms and tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Xtermjs

Django

Involved courses

The system will be used in courses CS-C3140 Operating Systems and CS-E4190 Cloud Software and Systems, should the level of functionality / reliability by the end of summer be considered adequate.

People

Mario Di Francesco
School of Science, Department of Computer Science
Pilot leader

Kidus Mammo
School of Science, Department of Computer Science
Software developer

Ngadhnjim Plaku
School of Science, Department of Computer Science
Software developer

Christian Yudhistira
School of Science, Department of Computer Science
Software developer


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