The Group Methodology of Using Cloud Technologies in the Training of Future Computer Science Teachers

Abstract

The development of cloud computing resources and their implementation in university education require an increase in the ICT-competence of future computer science teachers. The article considers the use of project method as an effective tool of encouraging students’ cooperation while solving practical problems and as a means of developing their essential professional skills. The following pedagogical approaches and techniques were used: partnership of group members, development of group work skills, heterogeneous grouping, combined use of individual and peer assessment, teacher’s monitoring of the students’ work, focus on the task and group work skills, chance for every member to be a leader, essential feedback. The authors suggest using private and public cloud technologies to support the implementation of group methodology in the teaching process. One of such technologies is academic cloud based on the Apache CloudStack platform. This cloud environment is deployed in Physics and Mathematics Department of Ternopil V. Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University. The suggested method has been verified experimentally by using Wilcoxon signed-rank test.