Integrating big data and cloud computing topics into the computing curricula: A modular approach

Abstract Big data and cloud computing collectively offer a paradigm shift in the way businesses are now acquiring, using, and managing information technology. This creates the need for every CS student to be equipped with foundational knowledge in this collective paradigm and possess some hands-on experience in deploying and managing big data applications in the cloud. This study argues that, for substantial coverage of big data and cloud computing concepts and skills, the relevant topics need to be integrated into multiple core courses across the CS curriculum rather than creating additional courses and performing a major overhaul of the curriculum. Our approach to including these topics is to develop autonomous competency-based learning modules for specific core courses in which their coverage might find an appropriate context. In this paper, four such modules are discussed, and our classroom experiences during these interventions are documented. Student performance data and survey results show reasonable success in attaining student learning outcomes, enhanced engagement, and interests.