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Welcome to the Human Network by Gene Longo
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A welcome from Gene Longo, Senior Manager of U.S. Cisco Networking Academy Program Field Operations Like any successful program, we have evolved over these 10 years to address the industry and the needs of our customers. And we will continue to evolve in new and exciting ways over the next 10 years. Right now, we’re shifting our focus from our Academy growth to improving student outcomes. We’re tailoring our courseware to fit individual student situations, moving away from the “one size fits all” approach. And we’re increasing our focus on professional development for instructors. Obviously, we’re thrilled about the direction in which these changes will take us. Speaking of new directions, in October Cisco Systems® launched a new national advertising campaign to demonstrate its growing role in a networked world, where technology impacts all aspects of our lives. As the ads for this campaign dramatically depict, all of us are part of a global collaboration that is enabling us to connect with one another like never before. The network is the source for experiencing this change. And it isn't just a network of computers. It's a network of people. A network of human connections. This is the power of the human network! Of course, the human connections made possible through technology extend to the realm of education, where technology is also improving education delivery. According to John Chambers, Cisco president and CEO, “By providing greater access to educational opportunities through the Internet, students are able to learn more; workers have greater access to e-learning opportunities to enhance and increase their skills; and companies and schools can decrease costs by utilizing technology for greater productivity.” Virtually every job and every career requires some technical skills, no matter what industry. For example, a librarian needs to do detailed searches of books and articles. A doctor needs to view patient X-rays instantly on the computer to make a diagnosis. A designer needs to download images and text files to create communications pieces. Technology literally touches all aspects of our work lives, in addition to our personal lives, which makes the need for Academy courses all the more compelling. Recently, I visited Schenectady High School in New York and was delighted to learn of Akil Middleton, an Academy alumnus who now attends MIT and has been working on a NASA project to bring communications to the moon. Whether an Academy alumnus is entering the workforce, pursuing higher education, or pushing the deep reaches of outer space, they can leverage the Academy program in so many ways. And as you’ll read in this newsletter, that’s exactly what’s happening:
For anyone alive today, the networked future is an exciting possibility—and an ever-increasing reality. And we’re thrilled to be able to contribute to it through the Networking Academy. At Cisco, we have said for a long time that the network will change the way we work, live, play and learn. Today we all know the role technology and networking has played in our jobs, and for many of us in our homes (sometimes I wish I wasn’t so connected!). Recently we announced Cisco’s involvement in the new Oakland A’s ballpark, Cisco Field, which is taking playing to a whole new level. And, near and dear to all our hearts, we can clearly see the network is changing the way we learn. Here’s hoping that the next 10 years are as successful—and as promising—as the first 10 years! Gene Longo is senior manager of the Cisco Networking Academy Program Field Operations in the United States. Gene has worked in the education technology field for 23 years. |
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Announcements
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Introducing the New CCNA Curricula
To learn more about CCNA-A and CCNA-B, please watch this informative video. Certification Magazine: Cisco Networking Academy Program and SCTE Announce Partnership
“The SCTE board of directors and the board’s professional development committee have committed the Society to elevating the level of knowledge in networking technologies,” said SCTE Vice President for Professional Development Marv Nelson. “Being able to offer networking curriculum such as that provided through Cisco’s Networking Academy Program is a huge first step toward achieving that goal.” Read the Certification Magazine story. U.S. Academy Conference 2007—Save the Date We are pleased to announce the following dates and locations for U.S. Academy Conference 2007:
The Academy conferences give you the opportunity to get the latest updates on the U.S. Networking Academy program and global strategy. These conferences also provide an opportunity to train on new products and resources, network with colleagues, and share best practices. We hope to see you there! |
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Models of Practice |
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Best Practices in Offering Networking Academy Curricula for Honors Credit
For the past 10 years, the Cisco Networking Academy Program has provided a learning model for building 21st century success for students. Now, in recognition of the program’s academic rigor and relevance, many schools are designating it as a honors credit course. Three case studies share best practices and benefits from integrating Networking Academy curricula in their honors programs. Download and read the Honors Credit data sheet. Increasing Cisco Networking Academy Program Integration into Four-Year Degree Programs at Colleges and Universities
Of the 31 colleges and universities surveyed, 26 responded that they were now offering Networking Academy courses as part of their degree programs in science, technology, engineering, and business. Some of these programs had also secured accreditation for engineering and technology programs (ABET), information technology programs (NAIT), and business programs (AACSB). Download and read the data sheet. Iowa Regional Academy Meeting Reveals Best Practices On October 26, 2006, Representatives from all eight of Iowa’s regional Networking Academies gathered at the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in Ankeny, Iowa, for a day-long event held dedicated to sharing best practices, learning from Cisco‘s systems engineers, and educating the Iowa Department of Education about the Cisco Networking Academy Program. We encourage you to review and apply some of the successes and best practices that were shared at the event. Articulation agreements
Business Partnerships
Engaging and Retaining Students
Hands-On Learning
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Promoting IT Careers |
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Announcing the First Virtual Field Trip Video
The Virtual Field Trips will encourage students to consider careers in information technology and help them understand the specific skill sets that are required to prepare for and excel at these careers. Visit the Virtual Field Trip Website at http://www.cisco.com/go/virtualfieldtrip to view the first video that has been developed. Additional resources are available on the site to assist instructors in building lessons around the video. Network World IT Careers and Training Newsletter: UMass Amherst Aims to Develop Tech-Savvy Next-Generation Workforce The University of Massachusetts at Amherst is aiming to build a next-generation workforce that is tech-savvy and better able to collaborate with IT pros to use technology in innovative ways. The university offers IT as a minor to students outside of the computer science and engineering field. In the last two years, 85 new UMass Amherst students per year take IT classes as part of their major programs. Interestingly, the technology classes are given by faculty members of the students’ major programs, rather than by computer science teachers, so that students learn about technology as it fits into their chosen fields. |
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Last month, the Cisco Networking Academy Program kicked off its 10th year in the United States by recognizing some of the first year Academies, or “Pioneers” as we call them, who have been with the program since the very beginning. As we look back over the last decade, it’s hard to believe that in such a short time, we’ve grown into such a diverse, worldwide program. During that time, we’ve invested over $200 million into the program, helped to educate over 2 million graduates, and are currently enrolling approximately 450,000 students annually.
North Iowa Area Community Colleges (NIACC) received grants from a technical preparation program to engage women and nontraditional students. NIACC personnel revamped the lab and renamed it The Hard Drive Café to attract young people to the computer lab at the Mason City High School Networking Academy. Neon signs, murals on the walls, and framed PC motherboards and hard drives that can be lifted off the wall for demonstrations during class contribute to an appealing atmosphere. 
