ECSU is Authorized Cisco Networking Academy
Kesha Williams
June 01, 2007
Elizabeth City State University is proud to announce that its Technology Department is now an authorized Cisco Networking Academy. The department will offer CISCO Networking Academy program. This comprehensive, e-learning program provides students with the Information Technology skills essential in the global economy. The Networking Academy delivers web-based content, online assessment, student performance tracking, hands-on labs, instructor training and support and preparation for industry standard computer networking certifications. Under the direction of Dean Cynthia Warrick, Drs. Ellis Lawrence and Kuldeep Rawat, faculty members in the ECSU’s Technology Department started working in the beginning of spring 2007 to establish CISCO Academy at ECSU. Dr. Lawrence is the liaison between the academy and ECSU. He will manage the overall quality of the networking academy offerings maintain the list of course offerings maintain a list of non-student users and related staff and faculty. Dr. Rawat will serve as the lead instructor for the local academy. Launched in 1997 with 64 participating educational institutions, the program has expanded to over 150 countries. Educational institutions are given the designation of Networking Academy at the level of training that they will be providing in the program. There are currently three possible tiers of training. Industry experts at CISCO Systems train the Instructor Trainers at the CISCO Academy Training Centers (CATCs), the CATC Instructors train Regional Academy Instructors and the Regional Academy Instructors train the Local Academy Instructors who then educate students. Utilizing this three-tier training model helps to provide instructors the training they need in close proximity to where they are located. Educational institutions may play a role at one or more of these training levels. Created by industry and education professionals, the curriculum prepares students for the demands of the workplace and motivates them to continue their education and learning. Delivered globally in multiple languages, the Academy program uses assessment data to adapt and improve lessons, labs, and teacher training. The program recognizes multiple learning styles of students with web-based, multimedia content online assessment and evaluation throughout the course hands-on labs and instructor training and support. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take a certification exam. Participating organizations join a global community of learners including students, instructors, and partners in academia, business, government, and community. Drs. Lawrence and Rawat completed CISCO Certified Network Associate track (networking basics Routing and Routing Basics, Switching Basics and Intermediate Routing, WAN Technologies) at a Regional CISCO Academy before setting up the local academy at ECSU. Dr. Lawrence and Dr. Rawat agree this program is an accomplishment for the ECSU Technology Department. There is a great demand for IT workforce and a CISCO Academy at ECSU will play an important role in attracting more students to the program. Moreover, the curriculum will also be offered online, thereby tapping on to the wider student population. For more information, call Dr. Ellis Lawrence, in the ECSU Technology Department 252-335-3439.