A Novel and Efficient Introduction to Clustering using a Classroom Laptop-based Computer Cluster

Fitting newly important topics into an already crowded IS/IT curriculum is an ongoing challenge. In this paper we present an innovative and simple way to introduce and demonstrate computer clustering concepts in less than a single class hour, at no cost, by constructing a high performance cluster in the classroom using student laptop computers, classroom Ethernet facilities, and free, downloadable software. Although we initially tested our approach in a Linux Operating System class, the technique is applicable to any appropriate IT class in which students have been previously exposed to the basics of computer hardware, operating system software, networking, and system architecture.