| Interviews Valarie Jackson, CCNA Coordinator/Instructor Harlem Congregation for Community Improvement (HCCI) Master of Science in Social Work Master of Arts in Elementary/Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Arts in Bio-Psychology Teaching twelve years in early childhood education Why did you become a Cisco Instructor?  While Director of Elementary Education at HCCI, I developed an interest in technology. I began a technology certificate program at Columbia University. As coincidence would have it the vice president was implementing a Cisco Academy program to train community residents. This was an opportunity for me to integrate my background in education/teaching with my newfound interest in technology.What challenges do you face as a new CCNA, Cisco Instructor? Actual workplace experience is my main challenge. I have supplemented that by incorporating the assistance of our technician who is a CCNA with extensive field experience. He speaks to the class and gives them the context for the skills they are learning, the anecdotes, the real-world scenarios. What advise would you give other new Cisco Instructors? Ask students how they learn best. Try to implement those strategies. Present the same materials in a variety of ways. Take advantage of the Cisco Instructor Tool-box and those bingo and jeopardy games. Customize the forms from the Digital Opportunities site and the curriculum ideas provided by Cisco. Have the students work in teams. Partner yourself with a more knowledgeable/experienced mentor. Is there any one thing or one person that was instrumental in your career? I'm pretty self-motivated and self-directed. I knew I was moving in the direction of technology, but Paul Dunn, Vice President of Human Services at HCCI was instrumental in giving me the opportunity. He showed the confidence that I could take on the challenge and put together a successful program. Are you involved in other digital divide initiatives? Internally, I am working toward having our students network some of our member churches. We are also involved in expanding the Academy services with special projects, i.e. non-traditional careers for women. Externally, I am a member of the Black Data Processing Association, Web Grrls, Women in Technology International (WITI) |
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