Grids in the classroom

Computational grids are an exciting new technology that blends high-performance computing, distributed systems and operating systems. Grids provide a coherent software infrastructure that permits the seamless integration of wide-area resources, such as computers, instruments, devices and data archives, to solve large-scale scientific and engineering problems. In grids, the wide-area network appears to be a large virtual computer. Computational grids are a powerful technology that has engendered a new paradigm for high-performance distributed computing. Teaching about grids is crucial for enabling the future grid workforce and increasing its productivity. Developing high-quality grid courseware is difficult; instructors at the University of Minnesota have provided a helpful Web site based on their experience with teaching a metacomputing class. Grid researchers and educators need to pool their talents and resources to develop effective shareable courseware. To aid this effort, university instructors are developing a repository for grid courseware.