Learning Cloud Computing and Security Through Cloudsim Simulation
Ming Yang, Becky Rutherfoord, Edward Jung
Information Security Education Journal, Vol. 1, No. 2, 2014.
DOI: 
Link: 
Abstract:
Cloud computing is fast evolving and growing and is rapidly transforming the IT service industry. Many universities are offering or planning to offer cloud computing courses to meet the growing demands for cloud computing professionals. However, most of the course offerings nowadays focus on theoretical aspects of cloud computing, and there is a lack of practical learning experiences for students. A hands-on labware will be a big plus for teaching and learning
cloud computing. This paper proposes a cloud computing labware with the open source CloudSim (Cloud modeling and simulation toolkit) and its extension projects to promote authentic learning experiences for students. The proposed
labware supports learning on important topics such as cloud principles, concepts, architecture, load balancing, and task scheduling. The proposed labware has been implemented in a cross-listed course (as both an undergraduate course and
a graduate course) in two sections (hybrid section and fully-online section). At the end of the semester, an online survey has been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the CloudSim in the promotion of student learning experiences, and
highly positive feedbacks were received from students. On average, over 80% of students gave non-negative feedback on all evaluation questions, and about 70% students agreed with the design objectives of the labware.