2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Bringing and utilizing innovative technology solutions in the classroom plays a crucial role in enhancing the learning experience, applying theoretical knowledge, and providing students with significant hands-on practice. While the concept of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) has been widely implemented, it has predominantly focused on personal devices for work-related tasks. In contrast, cluster computing, a technology gaining momentum among developers, researchers, and data scientists, is often impractical to implement in classroom settings due to its resource-intensive nature. This paper introduces the pedagogical approach of Bring Your Own Cluster to the Classroom (BYOCC), which combines the portability and affordability of personal devices with the functionality of cluster computing, offering an innovative learning solution.
Specifically, this paper explores the application of BYOCC through the use of Raspberry Pi clusters, which enable students to gain practical experience in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and current IT trends. The study compares two distinct Raspberry Pi 5 cluster architectures, detailing their building process, their use cases, technologies, and classroom applications. The first architecture utilizes the Turing Pi 2 Board, a compact 4-node ARM cluster board that incorporates a built-in Ethernet switch, offering a secure and scalable solution for edge computing. The second architecture implements a four-node high availability cluster using Docker swarm and a single managed switch. The comparison of these two architectures highlights their benefits in delivering a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience for students, fostering deeper engagement with key concepts in computing and IT infrastructure.
By exploring these cluster architectures, this paper demonstrates the potential of BYOCC in making cluster computing accessible and practical for educational environments, promoting technical learning while encouraging innovation in cloud technologies and IT practices.