All posts by Kimberly Gaskin

HITT Grant: New Location, New Look

College of Computer and Information Technology

With a new location at the Corporate Training Center and the addition of non-credit certificate programs, the Tampa Bay High Tech Technology (HITT) Grant Program at St. Petersburg College (SPC) is thriving for the 2014 academic year. Since its start in the fall of 2012, the program has experienced tremendous growth.  According to Dr. James Connolly, Director of Corporate Training at SPC, 52 students out of 155 found employment since August of 2013. “We’re extremely excited,” he said in optimism about the future of the program.

Though the objective of the HITT Grant Program is to help the unemployed get back to work, the program is also designed to “help students get the skills they need to move up in the IT field, “said, Marie Couch, Coordinator of the HITT Grant Program. Kate Caruso also plays a vital role as the Career Outreach Coordinator since she is instrumental in “helping students with their employability skills, making sure that they are ready to get back out to the job market and focus their efforts in a strategic way in the job search,” she said.

One of the significant changes that the HITT Grant Program has experienced is the addition of a Career Outreach Specialist, which is especially critical with non-credit programs. Prior to enrolling in the certificate programs, students are given an assessment to see how knowledgeable they are in a particular field. They also take an assessment test for adult education (TABE) which is a career source requirement to see if they have the math skills needed for the program. Once enrolled, students can now complete their courses in as little as eight weeks. Upon completion, students receive a certificate and a certification voucher is provided to take certification exams. Students begin the program with Agile Development training where they earn a certificate. Agile is used in project management and team building; it was the top sought-after job skill, based on the IT Skills Gap Analysis conducted by Career Source Pinellas.

As in the past, students will once again be able to visit companies such as Tech Data.  In the near future, students will have the opportunity to speak to a recruiter about the hiring process of companies and learn of ways to enter into the IT field. Caruso feels that hands-on opportunities such as what Tech Data provides, instills confidence in students who have been out of work for some time.

For more information about the HITT grant program, please contact Yvette Weiss at 727-608-2498 or e-mail her at tbhitech@careersourcepinellas.com .

Phil Kuligowski Expresses Gratitude to St. Petersburg College

Student Accomplishments

Contributing Writer

After completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University Of South Florida (USF), I reapplied at SPC for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA-CT) Program.

 I am 23 years old and have always had a passion for anything IT. I think my fascination of the field comes from always having a different challenge and a multitude of answers for that challenge. As you can probably tell, computers have been a part of my life for a long time. I think my passion for computers stems from my love of video games when I was younger. I still spend some free time playing video games but as my career in the IT field progresses, I find myself with less time playing and more time learning.

 SPC has been extremely supportive of my advancement in the IT field. Upon completing my bachelor’s degree, I was able to get support through the HITT program to work towards my CCNA Certification. Having student loans, little money, and no prior work experience made it extremely difficult to accomplish much of anything. With the help, a passion for networking, and excellent career advisement I was able to complete my certifications and get superior support as I applied for various jobs. Rosaria Pipetone, my career counselor gave me great practice before my interviews which helped me work on my presentation and overall business acumen. Having someone to practice with before interviews and presentations allowed me to work out the kinks and become more comfortable with information.

 As of recent I obtained a career at Cisco Systems as an Associate Systems Engineer. It was a rigorous process having done 3 separate interviews on different occasions and on various topics. The application process itself took a while as I applied for the position back in December 2013 and didn’t start the interview process until March of 2014. For those looking for careers in the IT field, there are some things which I have found to be invaluable. These things include: Networking with others in the field, volunteering your time for experience, applying for everything, and staying positive and persistent.

Alec Fyfe discusses NETLAB+ and its role in the SPC community

computer technology

According to Alec Fyfe, Systems Analyst Intern for the AIS department at St Petersburg College (SPC), NETLAB+ is an Internet-based lab for instructor-led training developed by the NDG (Network Development Group, Inc.). Through the use of an Internet browser, NETLAB+ provides a gateway to course content located on servers within the EpiCenter campus at SPC. These servers contain high amounts of virtual machines attached to physical hardware allowing for a student to interact. Essentially, the NETLAB+ device provides a gateway to virtual labs from anywhere an Internet connection can be made.

For the purposes of St. Petersburg College (SPC), NETLAB+ has been incorporated and managed by SPC’s CCIT department. The device is currently being used by three professors for online classes.  Fyfe stated that John Long, a professor for the CCIT department, will soon complete a class using NETLAB+.  Professors’ Michael Gordon and Dr. Holly Hoopes will be conducting their own classes soon with the heavy usage of NETLAB + to serve their students’ lab environment.

Fyfe believes that NETLAB+ is very beneficial in an academic setting since students enrolled in a class associated with NETLAB+ have no need to show up to any campus and conduct lab testing. NETLAB+ allows for that connection to be made from anywhere a student can gain access to the Internet. Since the class and lab content are virtualized with NETLAB+, the lab is not limited to a physical campus with hours of operation that might not fall in line to student work hours.

The good news is that NETLAB+ is not limited to just one browser, which makes NETLAB+ extremely user friendly. Fyfe further stated that there are several companies and organizations currently working with NDG, Inc. which has several certifications that go along with these organizations. So far, SPC has utilized only three of these classes offered. Fyfe is optimistic that this device usage will “prove to be very valuable in SPC’s future since it increases our presence within the community and the world.”

Therezita Ortiz recognized for 15 years of Service at St. Petersburg College

Faculty

For the past 15 years, Therezita Ortiz has served as a full-time faculty member for St. Petersburg College (SPC). Throughout her career, she has taught over 155 online courses. As a professor for the College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT) department, she has taught courses such as CTS 2106 Fundamentals of the LINUX/UNIX Operating Environment, CNT 1000 Local Area Network Concepts, CTS 2321 Linux System Administration I and CTS 2322 Linux System Administration II, all online.

Ortiz received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master of Science from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She also received Microsoft certificates and is currently CompTIA Network+ certified. Prior to serving as an instructor, she has served as a Peer Reviewer/Master Librarian for MERLOT (Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching) from 2000-2005, as a course developer for a National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored Linux Curriculum for delivery at the state and national level, as well as on an Advisory Group for a Hispanic Outreach Center in the Tampa Bay area.

Ortiz said that one of the most touching moments in her career took place about ten years ago when her students were introduced to web-based tools such as “people finder.” One of the students told Ortiz that she was able to find her husband’s long lost father using this tool. This was a joyous occasion for the student since the search spanned many years. To her surprise, her father-in-law was right here in Florida. She emailed Ortiz mid semester to thank her for aiding in finding her family member. “That truly made my day,” Ortiz said.

Apart from teaching, Ortiz enjoys WWII history, dancing, vintage glass art, as well as diverse cultures and traveling. She has had the opportunity to travel to approximately 21 countries spanning three continents. Commenting on the fulfillment that teaching brings, Ortiz concluded, “Our profession not only changes people’s lives from an academic and professional point-of-view, but also from a personal point-of-view. This is why I love what I do.”

Five Years at SPC

Faculty

Contributing Writer

Nathan Heinze

Five years at St Petersburg College! (SPC) It hasn’t seemed nearly that long, so that means I must be having a lot of fun here.

I started off as an online adjunct for SPC while teaching full-time at California State University (CSU), Chico. When Chico announced that they would be closing the extension campus where I was teaching, (budget cuts, imagine that in California), I decided to take a full-time job at SPC, and I taught management and IT classes for the CTM.

I got to know the College of Business (COB) professors at SPC, but was then transferred to the College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT), as I was the only COB faculty member with IT degrees. Since then, it has been great working with everyone here, and there is a lot of passion for what we teach. I know that comes through to the students.

Right now, I’m quite excited about the new Data Analytics courses I’m developing; course development is extremely fun for me. I will have the Data Fundamentals course completed by the end of May and the Data Analytics course completed this summer.

With all the work going on, my main focus remains on one thing – serve the students. If we make sure they are learning relevant material and they enjoy it, then we have succeeded in our mission here at SPC.

For the department and in life, I am a big believer in open and honest communication. I know it’s a cliché, but Jesus said it first, so it is wise –“Do unto others as you would have them to do you.” I have always said, half the enjoyment of any job is the people with whom you work. Happy Easter!

CCIT Introduces: Adjunct Professor Angela Blackshaw

Faculty

Prior to teaching at St. Petersburg College (SPC), Angela Blackshaw has served in a wide gamut of capacities in the Information Technology (IT) field. Blackshaw was a Business Analyst and Project Officer from 2000-2011 for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh, NC. She also served as an IT Project Manager for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at Bay Pines, FL from 2011-2014.  She is currently an Adjunct Professor for the College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT) department at SPC, where she teaches CGS 1100 Computer Applications and CIS 2321 Systems Analysis and Design, both online.

 Throughout her career, she has associated with professional organizations such as the BDPA, Triangle Chapter from 1996- 2011, as well as the Project Management Institute from 2004 to present. She attributes her desire to teach stemming from the instruction that she received while in school from adjunct instructors. She views teaching as an opportunity to “give back to the community.”

Blackshaw feels that the best part of her job would be interacting with students through the discussion boards in her classes. “The posts keep the students and me up-to-date about what is going on in the industry,” she said. She believes that this platform is effective since it allows everyone to see things from different points-of-view which contributes to an enjoyable interchange.

She advises students who would like to pursue a career in information technology to “keep persevering in their studies to get to their goal; its achievable.”

John Long to serve as Academic Chair for CCIT department

Faculty
JohnLong
John Long

Contributing Writer

I am very happy to be joining St. Petersburg College (SPC) in the College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT) on a full-time basis. I have been an adjunct here for the past 15 years and have thoroughly cherished every moment of it.

I earned my Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a major in Information Systems and my Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of South Florida (USF). I am also an alumnus of St. Petersburg Junior College (SPJC). I came into education from an industry background because I love to teach and observe the learning process. I have earned many IT industry certifications and am most proud of my designation as an Oracle Certified Professional Database Administrator.

My wife and I are on our 30th year of marriage. We have two children, both teenagers that make us proud every day. My daughter is a Junior at St. Petersburg Collegiate High School and my son is a Freshman at Dixie Hollins High School.

In my capacity as Academic Department Chair for CCIT, I look forward to working with the adjunct instructors for which I will be responsible, as well as the challenges and rewards associated with the position.

Judy Mercado expresses gratitude to CCIT department supervisor

Staff

Contributing writer

Among the many benefits of working for the College of Computer & Information Technology department at St. Petersburg College (SPC), would be the obvious benefit- to embark on a very lucrative, long-term and rewarding career after graduating. Another benefit would be our highly competent, skillful and caring professors as well as the innovative and cutting-edge Dean of the CCIT department, Dr. Sharon Setterlind. Since coming on board in November of 2013, it has been a privilege working for Program Coordinator Nancy Russell. Nancy is a gifted and extremely experienced team member at SPC. She has care and concern for students and the love for her job shines every time she speaks.

Being Nancy’s assistant is rewarding in many ways: My assistance helps her have time to do her job. Since she has many students that want to see her, I schedule appointments for both face-to-face and phone conferences. Due to a large volume of calls, we prioritize the calls to respond to the students in a timely fashion. I greet students in a warm and friendly manner to answer questions that do not necessarily require Nancy’s assistance. We work on the schedule and I assist with keeping the waiting list up-to-date each term. I also initiate technology work orders for rooms that our professors use on the 2nd floor of the ES building at the Clearwater campus, reserve rooms at the EpiCenter campus, as well as room ES205 at the Clearwater campus. I also order supplies for the Clearwater and EpiCenter campuses.

Apart from my duties, Nancy encourages me to attend events that will enhance my professional growth as a team member. On top of everything else, she is a great cook and baker! Watching Nancy as well as our entire faculty and staff really care for the students at this college, really gives me a sense of pride to be a part of such a great college community. Nancy has truly made me feel a part of the CCIT family at SPC.

 

CCIT introduces new courses for the 2014 fall semester

College of Computer and Information Technology

Last fall, St. Petersburg College’s College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT) department purchased server hardware to start offering virtualization courses in the fall 2014 semester. The new courses offered will be the EMC Information Storage, and Management (ISM) course, followed by the VMware VSphere Install, Configure Manage 5.1 course. These are the industry standard introductory courses to cloud computing and desktop server virtualization. Both courses will be offered fully online using the NDGs NetLAB+ appliance.

The ISM course will help a student acquire understanding of leading storage and data protection technologies, as well as how to mitigate storage infrastructure security threats. On the other hand, the VMware course teaches students the basics of installing, configuring and managing VMware.

HITT Grant Students Take Cisco Tour

Student Stories,

Contributing writer

10Courtesy of Steve Marcenik, five HITT Grant students from Michael Gordon’s CCNA class, toured Cisco facilities Wednesday April 2, 2014. Marcenik, a St. Petersburg College(SPC) Computer & Information Technology advisory committee member, cleared his calendar for two hours to educate students, staff, and faculty about Cisco products and IT profession insights. The tour began with self-introduction about how Marcenik acquired his position at Cisco. Marcenik conducted an informal Q&A session to encourage students to ask questions about Cisco products, the company and careers in information technology.

Students took advantage of the Q&A portion inquiring about what employers seek in2 entry-level IT candidates, how to obtain positions, what additional education Marcenik thought would be beneficial and specifics about Cisco products and services. Marcenik explained his belief that his MBA coupled with his technical background paved a solid path for his current position as Systems Engineer. With this tip, Marcenik advised that an MBA would assist a potential IT recruit with navigating the corporate environment.

The final tour segments showed students the latest networking equipment, including Cisco routers, and demoed the use of Cisco’s cutting-edge teleconferencing equipment. Marcenik wrapped up the tour with an open invitation for the students to network and ask questions. When interviewed, one excited student said of the tour “…enjoyed seeing how Cisco incorporated technical expertise with sales skills into providing customer solutions. It was a great example of how the IT field is built on people and technology. Ultimately, an IT solution or project should solve a problem or fulfill the need of a business organization or person.”

Please follow the link to view pictures of the CISCO Facilities Tour that took place.