MU BRG-ISEA: Introduction to Server Environments and Architectures Reflective Learning Journal – Assignment Brief

BRG-ISEA Reflective Learning Journal – Assignment Brief

Weighting: 100% – Due Date: Please refer to LMS Gradebook

Word Count: 1500–3000 words (excluding appendix)

Submission Checklist

Reflective Journal in Word docx file, with screenshots/scripts/configs

GitHub Repo – Public Link

GitHub clearly documented all lab activities to demonstrate the process, screenshots, and outcomes.

GitHub Repo – completed pages saved as PDF file(s)

15-minute self-narrated Video Demo of labs completed – downloadable MP4 file web link. Include this table on the cover page:

Purpose of Assessment

This journal reflects on a series of structured lab tasks completed throughout the BRG-ISEA unit, focusing on the real-world application of server environment concepts in both Linux and cloud systems. Each lab involved practical, hands-on experience with system operations, automation scripting, cloud provisioning, cost modelling, DNS configuration, and security hardening. The learning journey culminated with a recorded video demonstration, allowing for both technical execution and reflective analysis of decisions, challenges, best practices, and lessons learned.

Scope of Assessment

Reflect on all activities completed across the 4-day intensive mode. These include Linux setup, cloud deployment, scripting, permissions, DNS configuration, SSL certificates, a consulting session, and one self-selected additional server service.

You must reflect on the full range of activities across the 4-day intensive schedule, including:

• Discovery and observations
• Problems you solved
• Tools you used
• Insights gained
• Relevance to industry roles (e.g., System Admin, DevOps, IT consultant)

Structure of Reflective Journal

1. Installing a Linux Environment on Your PC

(Based on: Obtaining a Linux Environment Lab)

2. Exploring Ubuntu Desktop and CLI Tools

(Based on: Ubuntu Desktop Familiarisation Lab)

3. Managing and Controlling Linux Services

(Based on: Linux Services Lab)

4. Understanding and Applying Linux Permissions (Based on: Linux Permissions Lab)

5. Searching and Navigating the Linux File System

(Based on: Searching File Systems Lab)

6. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in Cloud Infrastructure

(Based on: TCO Analysis Lab for AWS vs Azure)

7. Provisioning and Securing a Cloud VM (AWS EC2)

(Based on: Amazon EC2 Web Services Lab)

8. Writing Bash Scripts and Using Regular Expressions

(Based on: Bash Coding Lab)

9. Configuring DNS and Testing Domain Resolution

(Based on: DNS Configuration Lab)

10. Obtaining and Managing Digital Certificates with Let’s Encrypt

(Based on: SSL Certificate Lab)

11. Scripting Linux Server Functions for Automation

(Based on: Scripting Linux Server Functions Lab)

12. Additional Server Service (Self-Selected) (E.g., MariaDB, Docker, Nextcloud, VPN, etc.)

Video Demonstration Requirements

• Submit a 15-minute video that includes:
• Demonstration of all completed labs and your working cloud/Linux server.
• Self-narration explaining what you learned, including scripts, commands, and outputs.
• Webcam view included, with verbal reflection on challenges, insights, and decisions.
• Walkthrough of the additional server service you explored.
• The video link provided must be downloadable

Academic Integrity and AI Use

You may use AI tools for:

• Grammar, formatting, sentence structure
• Script validation or assistance

Prohibited

You may NOT use AI to:

• Generate large parts of your journal or video script, narration
• Complete labs or fabricate technical content

Mandatory

Include a section titled “AI Tools Used (if any)” at the end of your journal.

All work must be your own. Any detected academic dishonesty (plagiarism, undeclared AI use, ghost-writing) will be reported and penalized.

Resources

• Kaplan Canvas LMS
• GitHub Docs
• Ubuntu ISO
• AWS Free Tier
• VirtualBox
• virtualization – Install Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 ARM64 on macOS Apple Silicon (M1/Pro/Max) in Parallels – Ask Ubuntu
• Download Ubuntu Desktop | Ubuntu
• DITMS Tech – IT Subscriptions – Home
• Amazon Web Services Educate
• Microsoft Azure Dev Tools for Teaching
• Microsoft Azure for Students
• Oracle Academy
• VMware Academy

MU BRG-ISEA: Introduction to Server Environments and Architectures