38 Review Team: What recommendations do you have for this program?
- Formalize the internship program. Already a strength of this program but requires formalization to maintain continuous success.
- Ensure they have an external learning piece. Need to be able to work with local tech companies and establish firm relationships so that each business has at least one NIC student working for them. Cement that it is a given that local business will recruit at least one NIC student as an intern each year.
2. Bring in the major market manufacturers and vendors – can someone from AWS (Amazon Web Services) come in and speak, as well as additional technology companies? Reach out informally and have these people come and speak to the students about emerging topics. Ask them to explain what they need to know about the market and WHY. Have them stress why this information is relevant to the student. How does it apply to their future in the field? Tool to influence the students – this is not your regular teacher, but someone actually working in the industry with relevant experience and knowledge.
3. Add AI to the syllabus – update/supplement the curriculum to include AI and API integrations. Overall program should strongly consider implementing the Juniper Mist AI interface. Add AI to program description as well; for a potential student comparing two colleges, seeing that we offer AI would increase the chance they come here.
4. Incorporate external resources, expand on their usage within the program (simulators).
5. Faculty need time and support, as well as professional development. Take advantage of the tools that are out there, but need access and training on them before things like the syllabi can be updated.
- Students need the same access (ACLs, etc.); students can be successful then in interviews – may not have used a system or interface but know of it and perhaps can understand the basics. A way of keeping up with technology – continually changing, but then can add to the syllabus as new things are developed. Lab series to increase exposure. Add 1 credit seminar course to discuss emerging topics in computing technology. Is there a current class where this can be added as to not change the curriculum – consider updating 118 to include a CITE piece to include emerging topics.
6. Wireless connection accessibility. Understanding cloud computing (51% of people think bad weather affects cloud computing accessibility).
7. NIC marketing – road show, open house, etc. More things like this need to be formalized so they are continuous. Do more marketing.
8. Student participation in CTF (capture the flag) and competitions.
9. Suggestion: rotation of computer labs, need to create a set schedule of when they are recycled and/or replaced. Revisit opportunities for internal support, utilize existing equipment resources. Meet with IT – figure out if we can alter the ERS rules in order to benefit the CITE program. Cannot rely on the donations of industry partners and cannot charge the students. Reusing old equipment that can be rebuilt is the best course of action.