Cloud native technologies are reshaping the tech industry, yet they remain underrepresented in academic curricula. In this talk, we’ll explore why teaching cloud native concepts in academia is essential for preparing students to meet industry demands. I'll address key challenges, such as the overwhelming complexity of the CNCF Landscape and the rapidly evolving best practices that make curriculum design difficult.

To bridge these gaps, I’ll present actionable solutions, including starting with foundational tools like Docker, simplifying Kubernetes learning through hands-on projects, and structuring topics into manageable modules from containers to CI/CD pipelines. I’ll also highlight free resources, such as the CNCF Playground and online tutorials, and the transformative impact of community engagement through platforms like Slack, GitHub, and meetups.