For 16 years Master the Mainframe has introduced thousands of students and learners to IBM Z and enterprise computing. Taking the best of the past and reimagining it for the future, the IBM Z® community will be sunsetting Master the Mainframe to make way for a new learning experience—IBM Z Xplore.
IBM Z Xplore will fully launch this September and will be available globally to anyone interested in developing valuable, in demand IBM Z enterprise computing skills while earning industry-recognized digital badges.
Learners will dive into the digital world behind everyday activities to better understand how IBM Z, IBM® z/OS® operating system and applications helps two-thirds of the Fortune 100 and consumers around the world access bank information, make online and in-store purchases, access health records, and more—all in a security-rich environment.
The no-charge learning experience will be available year-round to reskillers, students 18 years or older and educators—with content continuously being added throughout the year. It includes an entry level mobile gaming application, an interactive learning platform, IBM Z system access, as well as a sponsored student contest. Within the platform, learners will be taken through educational paths and code challenges that start with fundamentals on data and introduce coding languages such as Python and job control language (JCL) while earning points to gain a position on the leaderboard and access to rewards.
Once the fundamental challenges have been completed, the next level will be unlocked and learners will build on the knowledge gained. This level includes a multitude of systems that work together to create an operational system, as well as the security that protects the data and files, and how IBM Z provides continuous availability. Learners will continue to unlock advanced challenges and solve real world examples in self-guided paths based on their areas of interest.
IBM will also sponsor a student contest hosted and run by HackerEarth, an industry leader in hackathons with a global community of over 6 million developers and 450 universities. The month-long competition will kick off in mid-October and will be powered by IBM Z Xplore integrating core challenges to help students complete the contest. To be eligible, participants must 18 years or older and a student at an accredited school. For students ages 16 years or older new to computer science, we are teaming with Code.org to bring Hour of Z to life.
To stay in the loop on the launch of the new IBM Z Xplore learning experience and contest, be sure to join the IBM Z and LinuxONE Community. Students can join our IBM Z Global Student Hub to access additional benefits and bespoke events. Educators interested in exploring the new learning experience and getting more information on how to bring this learning to the classroom are encouraged to join the IBM Z Educator Hub. In order to not interrupt current learning, our Master the Mainframe hub will not sunset until January 2022.
Get ready to dive into the Digital World and start your IBM Z Xplore adventure!
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