Guest Blogger – Cisco Academies: The World’s Largest 21st Century Classroom

March 19, 2012

Guest Blogger, Nancy Null

Imagine teaching over one million students in over 160 countries how to design, build, troubleshoot and secure computer networks.  The Cisco Networking Academy program operates over ten thousand academies worldwide in secondary, post-secondary, and alternate environments ranging from workforce development programs to prisons.  Towson’s IT Affiliate and Cisco Support and Training Centers, located at the Center for Professional Studies, manage and support over sixty academies throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia, providing technical support and professional development resources.

How is Towson helping Cisco Academies to support educational reform?
Academy curricula are aligned to the STEM National Career Cluster Standards and Common Core Anchor Standards in Language Arts and Mathematical Practices.  This summer, Towson’s Cisco Instructor Training Center will offer a three-day workshop for high school IT instructors in embedding Common Core experiences in IT instruction.  The activities and lessons produced from this workshop will be shared through video and other technologies. Three summer “boot camps” for Cisco instructors to earn A+, CCENT, and CCNA certification will continue to raise the bar on quality instruction.  National and state Common Career Technical Core Standards are due for release over the coming year, and professional development to support them will be a key future project for Towson’s Support and Training Centers.

What’s happening in Maryland’s Cisco Academies?
It’s an exciting time to be a Cisco Academy in Maryland:  in response to Governor O’Malley’s goal to make Maryland the “cyber hub of the nation,” the Maryland State Department of Education has designed a high school career and technology Cyber Security pathway partnering Cisco Academy and CyberWatch curricula.  Students following this pathway can earn up to three industry certifications (A+, CCENT, and Security+) along the way.  This new pathway, along with the two existing Network Engineer and Computer and Network Support pathways, provide Maryland students with a wide range of career and college opportunities.

Six two-year colleges were the first community colleges to be named National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance recently by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Three of the six institutions–Anne Arundel Community College, Hagerstown Community College and Prince Georges Community College—are Maryland Cisco Academies.

What “core beliefs” are driving all of this?
Career and technology programs everywhere need to meet the 21st century learners’ needs and expectations, and meet national goals of graduating secondary school students who are truly prepared for success in both college and career.  Towson’s Cisco Support and Training Centers’ goal is to understand and support what Cisco instructors are doing well, identify areas of need, and give instructors the resources to practice those skills in the classroom.

US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan stated in April, 2011, that, “Once CTE programs deliver on the promise of truly preparing students for success in college and careers, their successes will make a compelling case for further investment.”  Towson is helping to ensure that the world’s largest 21st century classroom can meet that challenge.

Nancy Null is a guest blogger for www.tuoutreach.com .  Nancy closed a 38-year career as a Baltimore County Public Schools educator, and opened a new career as co-director of the Towson University Maryland State Department of Education IT Affiliate, and lead contact for the Towson University Cisco Academy Support Center and Instructor Training Center.

4 Comments | IT, Small Business Development, Training, TU Faculty & Staff | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Guest Blogger

(VIDEO) Introducing ESRI’s Newest Raster Data Model: the Mosaic Dataset

March 7, 2012
Jeremy Monn

Jeremy Monn

When asked to assist in developing an ArcGIS 10 training video pilot for a potential client, I thought a perfect topic would be the new raster data model introduced by ESRI in ArcGIS10.  In ArcGIS 9, there were two primary ESRI data model options available for storing raster data: the raster dataset and the raster mosaic. In ArcGIS 10, ESRI added a third option: the mosaic dataset.  The training video pilot provides a description of each ESRI raster data model, a clarification of some differences between the raster catalog and mosaic dataset, and a presentation of several benefits associated with storing one’s raster data as a mosaic dataset.  Watch the training video pilot below.

1 Comment | Mapping, Training | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Jeremy Monn

Graduate Assistantships—A Win-Win for Students and CPS

January 26, 2012

Allie

Each year, a number of Towson University departments, both academic and administrative, offer opportunities for qualified students to become graduate assistants.  . The process is competitive and responsibilities vary depending on the sponsoring department.  Depending on the number of hours graduate assistants (or GA’s) work they receive tuition remission and a stipend making these limited positions highly sought after.  The objective of a graduate assistantship is to provide the student with rich professional experiences that also support the department’s goals and activities.

Within our department, Center for Professional Studies, we regularly utilize graduate assistants to support a number of areas ranging from customized training programs to continuing education.  For the past two years we have had been lucky enough to have, Jenna Frazzini as a member of our team. Jenna is a speech and language pathology major. When Jenna first joined our group we were in the process of submitting a grant to the Maryland Higher Education Commission and identified an active role for Jenna to play in the proposed project. Over the past two years, Jenna has regularly traveled to Dundalk High School to help high school seniors with the college application process, essay writing, and basic interview skills. Jenna worked one on one with the students and feels confident that her interaction with the students had a large impact on the student’s confidence as it came time for them to begin applying to college.

When I asked Jenna what she’s found most rewarding during her tenure as a GA, she responded, “that the skills that she learned from dealing and communicating with several different groups of people in a business-like setting have been invaluable.”

Our Director, Jeff Beeson, while new to the job, is already looking for opportunities for us to employ more graduate assistants in the future.

Image credit: Desiree Stover

Leave a Comment » | Education, Training, TU Faculty & Staff | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Allie Pyzik

Make Time for Training in 2012

January 12, 2012

Lindsey

As the new year gets into full swing, many companies are planning top priorities for their employees and organization. With multiple projects, short deadlines, and budgets in mind, training is often left as a last priority or is sometimes forgotten.

With the help of Towson University’s Center for Professional Studies (CPS), the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is ensuring that training remains a priority during 2012.

But how do we make the time? By offering several methods of training, including:

  1. In-Service Sessions: Specific dates set out in advance to ensure that training takes place. Similar to a staff meeting or priority project, advanced notification helps ensure that employees will be available to attend.
  2. Departmental Retreats: An opportunity for most or all of a specific Department to come together in one room to receive customized training, address questions and concerns, and discuss strategic plans for the upcoming year.
  3. Customized Sessions: Requested by and designed for a specific Department on their topic of choice, and scheduled to meet the availability of their staff.
  4. Open Enrollment: Offered during various dates and times throughout the calendar year to ensure maximum participation.


These are just a few of the ways we are making training a priority in 2012, and we encourage you to try what works best for your employees and organization. The key to success is making sure you set the date(s) and time(s) for training in advance and follow up to ensure effective employee participation.

Leave a Comment » | Training, TU Faculty & Staff | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Lindsey Meyer

Video: Meet Our Team – Jeff Beeson

November 23, 2011

Allie

Jeff Beeson is the Director of the Center for Professional Studies (CPS) within the Division of Economic and Community Outreach at Towson University. As Director, he is responsible for managing a dynamic team dedicated to meeting the diverse educational and consultation needs of clients regardless of their location. Prior to coming to Towson, Jeff was the Director of the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program for the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (DLLR), and prior to that he was Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning at DLLR. Jeff has also worked for the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and as an aid for Senator Barbara Mikulski. Jeff is a graduate of Towson University earning his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and his Master’s degree in Social Sciences. To hear more about Jeff’s background and vision for the Center for Professional Studies watch the interview.

Leave a Comment » | Education, Entrepreneurship, Small Business Development, Training, TU Faculty & Staff | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Allie Pyzik

Social Media and Video Tips from the 2011 PRSA Chesapeake Conference

November 16, 2011

Jenn

If you noticed that the TUOutreach Facebook and Twitter accounts were quiet on Thursday November 3,  good observation! I am the social media manager around here, and I spent Thursday at the 2011 PRSA Chesapeake Conference, learning about social media and other marketing, public relations, and advertising media.

I could go into an in-depth discussion about my day, but I’d like to instead focus on a few of the sessions that I attended, and what I learned from them.

I started my day with a video presentation by Ed Beckett and Sharon Brown from University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). My top take-away ideas from this session:

1. If you don’t have a good space for video, you may be able to rent production space from a local public television station.
2. Try to include experts in your videos, this allows for strong content.
3. Be selective about who you interview on camera and make sure they’re comfortable on camera.
4. Take a thumb drive with you to video meetings so that you can collect photos, presentations, and other visuals to include in the video.
5. Be sure to have the visuals in your video complement the spoken words (for example, if you say “dog”, show a dog, and if you see a dog, say “dog”).
6. Use phrases like “you”, “as you can see here”, and “take a look at this” to draw audience attention.
7. Use your video in other outlets such as emails and social media to maximize efficiency.

After the video session, I sat in on a Twitter session presented by Governor O’Malley’s New Media Manager, Zoe Pagonis, as well as Lori Livingston, New Media Manager for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Some key take-aways from this session include:

1. Use presentation platforms like Prezi to switch it up from PowerPoint.
2. Use a hashtag so that the audience can tweet about your presentation.
3. Have a laptop on hand during the presentation so that the presenters can answer questions received via Twitter.
4. Integrate social media with other departments to maximize efficiency.
5. Include videos in press releases.
6. Use videos to personalize your message.
7. Use websites like Vimeo for paid and free background music for your videos.

While the conference had several sessions, these two stuck out as my favorites. As you can see, the sessions of the 2011 PRSA Chesapeake Conference left their audiences with some great take-aways. This event was a valuable experience, and I hope to return next year.

Logo for the 2011 PRSA Chesapeake Conference


1 Comment | Education, Events, Marketing, Training, Web Services | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Jenn Lake

MTA’s Bus Operator Mentoring Program

November 7, 2011

Lindsey

According to Dictionary.com, the definition of Mentor is as follows:

1. a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.

2. an influential senior sponsor or supporter.

While the definition is certainly a start, the positive impacts of a mentoring program on both employees and an organization are nearly impossible to measure. As a part of my position with the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), I get to hear and see some of those positive effects first hand as I have the pleasure of working with Towson University’s Center for Professional Studies (CPS) to develop and coordinate the first Pilot offering of MTA’s Bus Operator Mentoring Program.

The Bus Operator Mentoring Program aims to foster a strong internal support system to help with daily questions and concerns on the job. The first group of 16 mentors completed formal training on October 27, 2011, and is now working in each respective Bus Division to assist fellow Operators as needed. Following formal training, Mentors receive continued one-on-one coaching from Towson University Instructors and will also attend several “Best Practice Sessions” to discuss strategies, answer questions, and address concerns. Along with continued coaching Mentors will receive strong support and recognition from upper management within Bus Transportation to ensure the program’s success.

Issues and questions that Bus Operator Mentors will be able to assist with may include:

  • How to deal with difficult  customers
  • Where to get information about training opportunities available
  • How to best talk to management about a problem
  • Career advancement options
  • Referrals to MTA internal  programs (i.e. Employee Assistance Program)

“Bus Operators have a very challenging position and are also asked to maintain a positive, professional attitude as they represent the MTA,” states Robert Potts, Director of Bus Transportation. “The Bus Operator Mentoring Program will provide MTA Bus Operators with the support they need and will also open up the doors to positive communication for all levels of our organization.”

Mentors for the program were selected based on strong job performance and outgoing, empathetic personality. To be considered, they must have a minimum of 5 years of experience as a Bus Operator for the MTA.  Now that they are on the field there is no question that they will be able to continually serve as a positive role model for not only their peers but also employees across the organization.

For more information on MTA’s Bus Operator Mentoring Program, contact Lindsey Meyer at Lmeyer@mta.maryland.gov.

Leave a Comment » | Education, Training | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Lindsey Meyer

VIDEO: Education Meets the Workforce – Student Interns Get Hands-on GIS Experience

October 11, 2011

Jenn

Our newest Education Meets the Workforce video features student interns from Towson University’s Center for GIS. The interns, Justin Mannion, James Parmeter, and Alex Stapleton, work closely together on data collection processes in connection with the Maryland Broadband Map project. The Maryland Broadband Map allows residential and business consumers to discover the high-speed Internet services and providers in their neighborhood, anywhere in Maryland.

Watch the video to learn more about how the interns are contributing to the Maryland Broadband Map Project and to other projects at CGIS.

1 Comment | Community Outreach, Economic Analysis, Education, IT, Mapping, Marketing, News, Students, Training, TU Faculty & Staff | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Jenn Lake

Federal Tax Update Seminar Early Bird Discount Still Available

October 6, 2011

Allie

Towson University Center for Professional Studies is hosting an annual Federal Tax Update Seminar on November 2 and 3, 2011 in the Minnegan Room located in the Johnny Unitas Field house overlooking Towson’s Football stadium.

The seminar’s objective is to provide an update on federal law changes including bills that might pass later this month.

Participants have the opportunity to

  • earn 16 Credits of CPE/NASBA/CFP/EA and
  • receive certificates upon course completion
  • speak one on one with the instructors and questions in a group or setting

Two instructors lead the seminar discussing topics including:

  • New Legislation
  • Rulings and Cases
  • Individual Taxpayer Issues
  • Financial Distress
  • Business Issues, Retirement Issues
  • Agricultural Issues
  • Investment Issues
  • IRS Issues
  • Trusts and Estates
  • Tax Practices
  • Basis of Assets
  • Ethics
  • Tax Rates and Useful Tables

Don’t miss out on this great seminar! Contact me at 410-296-8596 for more information or register now.

Towson University's Johhny Unitas Stadium

Leave a Comment » | Training, Education, Community Outreach | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Allie Pyzik

RESI’s Fall 2011 Economic Outlook Conference at Towson University

September 7, 2011

Raquel Frye

It’s a busy time here at RESI as preparations for the November 9th Economic Outlook Conference get underway.  This conference is particularly exciting for us since it will be the first time since 1999 that it is hosted on campus.  We are really looking to hosting the event this year and taking advantage of the newest building on campus – the West Village Commons building.  Implications of the 2010 Census Data will be the central focus of the day with a variety of experts weighing in on the impact of the data on matters such as government services, the business community, workforce development and higher education.  Looking forward to seeing you there!

Leave a Comment » | Business Analysis, Economic Analysis, Education, Events, Training, TU Faculty & Staff | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Raquel Frye

« Previous Entries
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.