Annexure 1: Hands-on Exercises, Practical Labs and Assignments for real-world Cloud Platforms

Prof.(Dr.) D G Mahto, Founder & CEO -

Abstract:

To get hands-on experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, utilize official and third-party hands-on labs on platforms like Google Cloud Skills Boost, Pluralsight, and Digital Cloud Training, which provide temporary, real-world environments for you to complete tasks. You can also gain practical experience by building personal projects, such as deploying a website, creating a cloud database, or developing a web application using cloud services. For a more structured approach, consider dedicated cloud training programs that offer step-by-step labs covering essential topics like networking, storage, compute, and security.

 
Leveraging Official Platforms
  • Google Cloud Skills Boost:
    Offers hands-on labs that provide temporary access to the actual Google Cloud Platform environment to complete real-world use cases within a set time frame. 
  • AWS:
    While specific platforms are not listed for AWS, the general recommendation is to build your own personal projects or use third-party resources to gain hands-on experience with AWS services. 
Utilizing Third-Party Resources
  • Pluralsight:
    Offers a large library of hands-on challenge labs that allow you to practice skills in a safe, real-world environment. 
  • Digital Cloud Training:
    Provides step-by-step guided labs and challenge labs for Azure, focusing on core services like virtual machines, networking, and security. 
  • K21 Academy:
    Offers detailed, job-oriented labs for Azure, covering basics, compute, networking, storage, and containers. They also provide MLOps-focused labs with tools like MLFlow and DVC. 
How to Use Hands-On Labs
  1. 1. Register for an Account:
    Sign up for a free trial account on the cloud platform (e.g., Azure Free Trial). 
  2. 2. Start a Lab:
    Access a lab through the respective platform or a third-party provider. 
  3. 3. Complete Tasks:
    Follow the step-by-step instructions or tackle challenges to build or configure services. 
  4. 4. Gain Practical Skills:
    Use the temporary, real environment to practice and validate your knowledge and skills in a safe setting. 
  5. 5. Utilize Resources:
    Many platforms provide resources like cloud quotas, templates, and guides to help you complete the labs. 
Project Ideas
  • Deploy a Static or Dynamic Website:
    Use services like AWS EC2, Azure App Service, or Google Cloud Run. 
  • Build a Cloud Database:
    Set up and use services like AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database, or Google Cloud Firestore. 
  • Create a Web Application:
    Develop a simple application using serverless functions like AWS Lambda or Google Cloud Functions. 
  • Implement MLOps:
    Work with tools like MLFlow and DVC to manage machine learning models and data in a shared repository. 

Let's explore the annexure 2 in details 

Cloud computing concepts can only be fully understood when learners actively experiment with real-world platforms. This annexure provides guided hands-on labs, assignments, and exercises designed to strengthen theoretical knowledge by applying it in practice. The activities use popular platforms such as AWS (Amazon Web Services), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), but can be adapted for other providers as well.

1. Objective of Hands-on Exercises

  • Reinforce theoretical learning with practical exposure.

  • Build confidence in navigating cloud consoles and CLI tools.

  • Help students/trainees gain industry-relevant skills.

  • Encourage independent problem-solving and innovation.

2. Guidelines for Practical Labs

  1. Pre-requisites:

    • Basic knowledge of cloud concepts.

    • Access to free-tier or academic accounts on AWS, Azure, or GCP.

    • Installed CLI tools (AWS CLI, Azure CLI, gcloud CLI).

  2. Lab Environment Setup:

    • Use virtual labs or cloud sandboxes to avoid unnecessary billing.

    • Always enable budget alerts to track usage.

    • Document every step for reproducibility.

  3. Structure of Each Exercise:

    • Title of lab.

    • Learning Objective (what concept it reinforces).

    • Step-by-Step Procedure.

    • Expected Outcome.

    • Assignment/Challenge to extend learning.

3. Sample Hands-on Exercises

Exercise 1: Launching a Virtual Machine (VM)

  • Objective: Understand Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

  • Platform: AWS EC2 / Azure VM / GCP Compute Engine.

  • Steps:

    1. Create a free-tier instance (Ubuntu/Linux).

    2. Configure CPU, memory, and network settings.

    3. Connect via SSH and install Apache server.

    4. Test by accessing the server through a browser.

  • Expected Outcome: A working web server hosted on a cloud VM.

  • Assignment: Automate VM deployment using CLI or scripts.

Exercise 2: Deploying a Website on Cloud Storage

  • Objective: Learn Platform as a Service (PaaS) and serverless hosting.

  • Platform: AWS S3 / Azure Blob Storage / GCP Cloud Storage.

  • Steps:

    1. Create a storage bucket.

    2. Enable static website hosting.

    3. Upload HTML/CSS files.

    4. Access the site through the public URL.

  • Expected Outcome: A static website hosted without servers.

  • Assignment: Add custom domain and HTTPS using CloudFront / CDN.

Exercise 3: Building a Scalable Application with Load Balancer

  • Objective: Understand scalability and elasticity.

  • Platform: AWS Elastic Load Balancer / Azure Load Balancer / GCP Load Balancer.

  • Steps:

    1. Deploy two identical VMs running a simple application.

    2. Configure a load balancer to distribute traffic.

    3. Test load distribution by refreshing the web page.

  • Expected Outcome: Traffic distributed across multiple instances.

  • Assignment: Implement auto-scaling based on CPU utilization.

Exercise 4: Creating a Cloud Database

  • Objective: Explore Database as a Service (DBaaS).

  • Platform: AWS RDS / Azure SQL Database / GCP Cloud SQL.

  • Steps:

    1. Create a managed MySQL/PostgreSQL database.

    2. Connect from a client VM.

    3. Perform CRUD operations.

  • Expected Outcome: Database setup accessible over the cloud.

  • Assignment: Migrate a sample dataset to the cloud database.

Exercise 5: Implementing Identity and Access Management (IAM)

  • Objective: Reinforce cloud security concepts.

  • Platform: Any cloud provider.

  • Steps:

    1. Create multiple IAM users with different roles.

    2. Assign least-privilege policies.

    3. Test access restrictions.

  • Expected Outcome: Role-based access control in action.

  • Assignment: Create a group policy that allows read-only access to storage services.

Exercise 6: Serverless Function Deployment

  • Objective: Explore Function as a Service (FaaS).

  • Platform: AWS Lambda / Azure Functions / GCP Cloud Functions.

  • Steps:

    1. Write a simple “Hello Cloud” function in Python.

    2. Deploy function via console/CLI.

    3. Trigger using HTTP request or cloud event.

  • Expected Outcome: Executing serverless function on-demand.

  • Assignment: Create a function that processes uploaded files in a storage bucket.

4. Assignments for Students/Professionals

  1. Mini Project 1: Develop a two-tier web application (frontend hosted on storage, backend on VM/DB).

  2. Mini Project 2: Implement a CI/CD pipeline using AWS CodePipeline / Azure DevOps / GCP Cloud Build.

  3. Mini Project 3: Create a cost-optimized architecture using monitoring tools and alerts.

  4. Capstone Project: Design and deploy a complete cloud-based e-commerce application.

5. Evaluation and Reporting

  • Maintain a Lab Journal with screenshots and explanations.

  • Submit weekly assignments for instructor feedback.

  • Conduct peer-review sessions to discuss alternative solutions.

  • Final grading based on complexity, creativity, and optimization.

6. Conclusion

Hands-on exercises transform learners from passive readers into active practitioners. By working with real-world platforms, they not only solidify their theoretical foundations but also gain employable skills demanded in the industry. These labs, when combined with structured assignments and projects, prepare students and professionals for certifications and real workplace scenarios.

👉 Would you like me to also design sample screenshots and lab report templates (in PDF/Word format) for these exercises so that your learners can directly use them for documentation?

Prof. (Dr.) D. G. Mahto: A Visionary Director, Professor, Leader & Educator With over 25 years of excellence, Prof. (Dr.) D. G. Mahto is a Director, Professor, Philanthropist, HEI Builder, writer, consultant, reviewer, and career advisor at "Career Education for Success—Discover, Apply, Succeed!" He has empowered individuals, brands, and institutions through insightful content, innovation, and mentorship. Holding a Ph.D. in Engineering from NIT Jamshedpur, he has pursued Post-Doctoral Programs at IITs, NITs, and IIITs, reinforcing his expertise. A member of prestigious global organizations like NPA (USA), IET (UK), ASME, IAENG, and MRSI, he actively contributes to engineering, research, and education. An accomplished writer and researcher, he shares knowledge via Career Education Success Now, Career Edus, and Discover Knowledge Wisely. His vision integrates technology, innovation, and leadership, bridging gaps between aspirations and achievements. Connect with him for insights into education, research, and professional growth.

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