Participant Guide

Source Document

This documentation site is based on the AWS Jam User Guide (PDF). In the event of any discrepancy, inconsistency or inconsistency between the content of this site and the PDF version, the PDF version shall take precedence.

This section covers how to join, discover, and complete challenges in a Jam event as a participant.

How to Join an Event

There are two ways to join an event, either through an email invitation which contains the event link or by entering a secret key in the Jam homepage. You should have been provided an email invitation or secret key. If you do not have an invitation or secret key, ask the event organizer to send it to you.

1. Check your email inbox for an email titled "AWS Jam – Invitation". It will contain the event details. Open the email and choose View event details. > 📝 Note: Read the email carefully for any important notes.

1. Choose a sign in method depending on which account you want to use. Choose Create or Sign in or Sign In.

1. You will enter the event and be asked to join a team. Choose one of the following options:
   • a. Match Me to a Team: You will be matched to teams based on your skill level and goal. > 📝 Note: Your skill level is based on your self-reported skill level in your profile.
   • b. Create a Team: You can form a team with specific people.
   • c. Join a Specific Team: You can join a specific team that has already been created or you have been invited to.

How to Join an Event with a Secret Key

⚠️ IMPORTANT: You must have the secret key to enter the event. If you don't have it ask the event owner to send it to you.

1. In the Jam homepage navigation, go to Play, then choose Join a Jam Event.

1. Enter the secret key in Secret Key, then choose Join Event.

1. You will enter the event and be asked to join a team. Choose one of the following options:
   • a. Match Me to a Team: You will be matched to teams based on your skill level and goal. > 📝 Note: Your skill level is based on your self-reported skill level in your profile.
   • b. Create a Team: You can form a team with specific people.
   • c. Join a Specific Team: You can join a specific team that has already been created or you have been invited to.

How to Open a Challenge

After accessing an event you will be taken to Challenges page where you will see challenges that you can begin to take part in. There are two ways to open it. First you will see the challenge tile method and the second the challenge menu.

1. In Challenges page choose a challenge name tile.

1. The challenge description panel shows on the right side. Choose Open challenge.

1. The challenge page displays the challenge name, overview and your challenge progress for each challenge.

The second method is done with the Challenges menu.

1. In the challenge page choose Challenges on the left side of the page. Then choose a challenge name to open.

1. The challenge page displays the overview and the challenge progress section with every single task.

How to Start a Challenge

After accessing an event you are taken to Challenges page where you will see the challenges that you can solve.

1. In Challenges page choose a challenge name tile.

1. The challenge description panel shows on the right side of the page. Choose Open challenge.

1. In the challenge page, choose Start Challenge.

1. You can begin working on the challenge using AWS Console or AWS CLI.

How to Solve a Task

When you are in the challenge page you must ensure that you have started the challenge before you can begin to solve individual tasks.

1. In the challenge page, choose Start Challenge.

Choose Task 1, in the Challenge Progress section. > 📝 Note: Tasks are commonly solved in ascending order.

You may also use the menu and choose Challenges, then Task 1.

1. The task page shows the name, possible points, clue penalty, and points available. You earn points by solving and task. Choose Open AWS Console or AWS_CLI.

How to Use Clues

You can use clues within in a task if you need help solving it. Keep in mind that using clues may have penalty points and will lower the possible points earned.

1. In the task page, choose Task and Clues.

1. The Task and Clues page shows specific steps on how to complete the task.

How to view the Leaderboard

The leaderboard shows the real time scores of the competing teams.

1. In the challenges navigation on the left side, choose Leaderboard.

1. The leaderboard shows how much time is left for the challenges, team rankings and team statistics. Choose a team name to see its team members

1. The team info shows on the right side. Choose Close when done.

How to Chat with your Team

You can chat with your team to coordinate solving a challenge and for any reason you choose.

1. In the challenge page, choose Team Chat, on the bottom right of the page.

1. Type your message, then choose Send.

1. Choose open in a new browser ( ) icon, to open the chat window in a new browser tab.

1. Choose minimize ( _ ) icon, to hide the chat window and end the conversation with the team.

How to Request Support Chat

You can request to chat with a dedicated support team member during the live event.

1. Choose Support Chat at the bottom right of the page.

1. The support chat window displays on the bottom right of the page. Type your message in the Type your message field and then Send.

1. A support team member will respond to your request and you can read their response in the support chat window. Type your message and send as many times as needed. Choose minimize to hide the Support Chat window. When done conversing, choose End Chat.

How to Use Feedback

The feedback page is used to record your rating for the event and challenges. A feedback page is shown after you complete a challenge.

1. Choose Challenges navigation menu, then Feedback

1. To submit event feedback choose a number of stars, or yes or no. Type additional feedback in the please add any additional feedback field. When done, choose Submit Feedback.

1. For entering challenge feedback choose a number of stars, a number, or yes or no. Type additional feedback in the please add any additional feedback field. When done, choose Submit Feedback.

How to use Messages

Participants can read messages sent by facilitators in the Messages page.

1. The messages page shows all the messages you have received. Choose Challenges menu, then Messages (number).

1. Choose expand (upside down triangle) next to the message title to show the message body. > 📝 Note: You can receive two type of messages: informational and a warning. A warning type of message has a warning indicator.