Amazon Web Services (AWS), this week revealed a new way to train users on its cloud: AWS Cloud Quest: Cloud Practitioner.
Cloud Quest is described by AWS as “a role-playing learning experience that helps you learn practical cloud skills through interactive learning, hands-on activities with AWS services” The game is targeted at adult learners in early careers or new to cloud computing. It allows you to learn fundamental cloud computing concepts and then zap drones and collect gems in order to solve challenges in virtual cities. AWS’ announcement does not mention this term.
AWS documentation and blogging rarely mention the term “metaverse” unlike Microsoft and its Azure cloud. From October 2021, there is only one AWS blog post that includes the phrase “How Immersive Technology Are Changing The Retail Landscape.”
The Azure cloud is, however, all over the metaverse. This is often associated with transformative new age technology such as digital twins and Web 3.0.
Google Cloud (or GCP) meanwhile says that “We are building technology to capture, playback and record the real world in metaverse, bridging between the physical and virtual worlds.” TheStreet reported on the metaverse situation of the cloud giants in its February article, “Google Wants To Catch Up with Web3, Metaverse Rivals.”
Although AWS seems to have been slow to enter the metaverse waters of the universe, the new training initiative could be considered an initial foray into this space, even though AWS never mentions the name.
Cloud Quest was launched alongside AWS Educate, a redesigned training initiative that targets the education sector. AWS claimed that the improvements to Cloud Quest include more interactive content and the removal of the.edu email address requirement.
Kevin Kelly, director of AWS Cloud Career Training Programs, stated that AWS Cloud Quest and AWS Educate are actively moving away from passive content. “We want to make abstract cloud computing concepts tangible through interactive and hands-on activities that allow learners to immediately put theory into practice. These two offerings are designed to help individuals improve their employability and skills. We are constantly innovating how learners can increase their cloud knowledge and practice skills. These programs are free and meet learners where they live.
