Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - AWS Cloud Quest: Ignite growth with hands-on skill building (PEX113)

Summary

• Curtis Borden, a Senior Product Manager for the Game-Based Learning Products team, introduced AWS Cloud Quest, a game-based learning product designed for cloud learning with no prior experience required.
• AWS Cloud Quest is available on AWS Skill Builder and includes various game-based learning options such as industry quests, escape rooms for exam prep, AWS Card Clash, and a recertification version of Cloud Quest.
• The product aims to address common training pain points by being easy to set up, flexible in timing, collaborative, immersive, and free.
• Cloud Quest offers 12 solution-building assignments and simulates real-life roles like solutions architect and serverless developer, providing hands-on experience in a fictional city with fictional customers.
• The learning process in Cloud Quest involves customer conversations, solution center guidance, building real solutions in the AWS console, and validating solutions without guidance to ensure understanding and retention.
• Cloud Quest includes seven roles, with the Cloud Practitioner role being free. Completing assignments earns a certified badge that can be shared on Credly.com.
• Cloud Quest tournaments can be created for collaborative and competitive learning experiences.
• Industry-specific quests are available for financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and automotive.
• Game-based learning has been shown to increase content consumption by three to four times due to higher engagement and responsibility.
• Cloud Quest provides a comprehensive learning system with quizzes, service cards, challenges, and more, not just lab steps.
• It includes generative AI solutions and a risk-free console environment.
• Customized learning paths can be created with a team subscription, allowing for tailored onboarding and training experiences.
• A live demo showcased the functionality of Cloud Quest, including creating a tournament, navigating the platform, and building solutions in the AWS console.

Insights

• AWS Cloud Quest represents a shift towards more interactive and engaging learning methods, leveraging gamification to increase user engagement and content consumption.
• The product addresses a critical need for scalable and accessible cloud education, particularly for individuals and organizations without prior cloud experience.
• By simulating real-life roles and providing hands-on experience, Cloud Quest aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, which is essential for effective learning and skill development in the cloud domain.
• The inclusion of a free version of the Cloud Practitioner role on Skill Builder democratizes access to cloud education, potentially expanding the pool of cloud-literate professionals.
• The ability to create tournaments and customized learning paths suggests that AWS is focusing on collaborative learning and team-based skill development, which could enhance team dynamics and project outcomes in professional settings.
• The integration of generative AI solutions within Cloud Quest indicates AWS's commitment to keeping the platform up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends, ensuring learners are equipped with current and relevant skills.
• The risk-free console environment provided by Cloud Quest allows learners to experiment and learn without the fear of incurring costs or causing disruptions, which can be a significant barrier to hands-on learning in a real-world environment.