Learner Profiles

OnDemand Portal Orientation - Learner Profiles

Alex Chen (Graduate Student)

Background

  • PhD student in molecular biology
  • Strong experimentalist but limited computational experience
  • Has SSH access but hasn’t mastered it
  • Uses Windows laptop at home
  • Works with large microscopy image datasets (100+ GB)

Motivation for OnDemand

  • Wants to process data without SSH overhead
  • Needs to share analysis with lab group
  • Prefers visual interfaces

What Alex Gets from This Workshop

  • Comfort with graphical file management
  • Realizes can upload/download large files reliably
  • Learns how to run Jupyter for image analysis
  • Understands how to request help in clear way

Alex’s Success Metrics

  • Successfully uploads large dataset
  • Runs Jupyter notebook for image processing
  • Submits a batch job for overnight analysis
  • Knows where to find help

Jamal Thompson (Undergrad Research)

Background

  • Sophomore majoring in physics and computer science
  • First HPC experience
  • Has Python experience from CS classes
  • MacBook user, comfortable with terminal concepts
  • Working on summer research project

Motivation for OnDemand

  • Wants to run simulations on supercomputer
  • Excited about GPU computing
  • Prefers graphical tools initially but open to SSH later

What Jamal Gets from This Workshop

  • Realizes OnDemand is good entry point, can graduate to SSH later
  • Learns GPU job submission
  • Gets comfortable with job submission and monitoring
  • Understands resource requests

Jamal’s Success Metrics

  • Submits successful GPU job
  • Views output and understands results
  • Moves to SSH-based workflow in future training
  • Attends GPU Computing workshop next

Dr. Priya Patel (Faculty)

Background

  • Assistant professor in neuroscience
  • Leads group of 5 undergrads and graduate students
  • Limited time for computing administration
  • Works across Mac and Windows
  • Needs to monitor student work

Motivation for OnDemand

  • Monitor what students are doing on cluster
  • Make sure storage isn’t overused
  • Provide basic training without effort
  • Manage group’s resource allocation

What Priya Gets from This Workshop

  • Understands how her students experience HPC
  • Can monitor disk usage and jobs via web interface
  • Knows how to demonstrate features to students
  • Realizes when to escalate to HPC staff

Priya’s Success Metrics

  • Can check her group’s disk quota
  • Understands job statuses her students report
  • Can guide students to help resources
  • Feels confident in cluster use

Marcus Williams (Career Changer)

Background

  • Career changer into data science
  • Bootcamp graduate, learning HPC for first time
  • Uses Linux laptop, comfortable with basics
  • First serious research computing experience
  • Working on capstone project

Motivation for OnDemand

  • Avoid overwhelm of full command line initially
  • Focus on learning data science concepts
  • Build confidence gradually

What Marcus Gets from This Workshop

  • Validates his Linux knowledge works here
  • Realizes HPC isn’t as scary as expected
  • Excited to submit first job successfully
  • Plans to learn command line next

Marcus’s Success Metrics

  • Submits and monitors first HPC job successfully
  • Practices on small example before big data
  • Attends next workshop on command-line training
  • Sets up SSH as next step

Diana Garcia (Visiting Scholar)

Background

  • Visiting postdoc from another country
  • Working here for 1 year on collaborative research
  • Limited English; tech-savvy but learning platform is new
  • Uses tablet and small laptop
  • Wants self-sufficient computing

Motivation for OnDemand

  • Graphical interface easier to use with language barrier
  • Visual cues help understanding
  • Can focus on science not tool navigation

What Diana Gets from This Workshop

  • Comfort with visual navigation despite language challenges
  • Realizes can accomplish work with OnDemand alone
  • Gets contact for support in multiple formats
  • References guide in multiple languages if available

Diana’s Success Metrics

  • Navigates OnDemand independently
  • Submits successful job
  • Knows how to contact support
  • Plans to continue collaboration after visiting period

Common Learner Patterns

Pattern 1: “I just want to run my code”

These learners want quick results with minimum complexity. They appreciate that OnDemand gets them computing faster without SSH mastery.

Pattern 2: “I like to understand systems”

These learners want to know why things work this way. Connecting OnDemand features to underlying SLURM helps them learn better.

Pattern 3: “I prefer graphical interfaces”

These learners gravitate toward OnDemand immediately and may never feel comfortable with SSH. Help them succeed with graphical tools.

Pattern 4: “I want to be a power user”

These learners see OnDemand as stepping stone to SSH and advanced HPC. Encourage them toward next workshops.

Differentiated Support

For Complete Beginners

  • Extra emphasis on dashboard navigation
  • Pre-recorded tutorials for review
  • Hands-on help with first file upload
  • Celebrate small wins

For Experienced Linux Users

  • Skip basic terminal coverage
  • Focus on OnDemand-specific features
  • Faster pace through file management
  • Early GPU computing introduction

For ESL Learners

  • Clear written instructions in addition to verbal
  • Visual demonstrations with minimal speech
  • Extra breaks for processing time
  • Contact info in multiple formats

Tips for Instructors

  • Recognize that not everyone arrives at HPC with same background
  • Learner profiles help anticipate questions and needs
  • Create multiple examples for different research areas
  • Have both fast and slow paths through material
  • Celebrate diverse backgrounds learners bring