HI-TEC 2022 COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
This page is informational only. If you register online, you will sign on the online form. If you register by mail, send a signed copy of the PDF of this page along with your registration form.
Welcome Back to HI-TEC!
While we are very excited to bring everyone together once again, the health and safety of our community are very important to us.
As such, we will continue to monitor developing federal, state, and local health and safety recommendations and requirements to determine the most appropriate safety protocols for our in-person event. Appropriate adjustments in the future will be based on that guidance. Additional details about policies and procedures will be posted here as they are made available.
HI-TEC is committed to upholding the following health and safety standards as outlined on this page:
POLICIES AND PRACTICES
The following policies and practices will be in place:
- Compliance verification made easy: Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (boosters not required) and/or a negative test in the past 72 hours is required to attend the conference. HI-TEC has partnered with browser-based CrowdPass to provide an easy way to document compliance. Another option is to use OnPoint Testing, which offers verified at home (or in hotel room) testing for $15 using any over the counter purchase kit. We will accept OnPoint results of verified tests within 72 hours of arrival, presented at our check-in desk or uploaded to the CrowdPass site.
- Masks strongly recommended: In keeping with federal, state, and local guidelines, the HI-TEC mask policy has shifted from mandatory to strongly recommended during all conference events.
- Safety supplies: Masks and personal hand sanitizers will be included in conference “swag” bags. Sanitizer stations and disposal masks will be available throughout the venue.
- Red, yellow, or green wristbands? To visually convey personal contact preferences, attendees will have access to red, yellow, and green wristbands:
- Red: Wearer prefers 6′ of distance, masks if possible, and no physical contact.
- Yellow: Wearer prefers some distancing, masking, and/or limited physical contact. Ask wearer for specifics.
- Green: Wearer has no preference regarding distancing or masking.
Should an attendee experience symptoms of COVID-19 or become aware that they have been exposed to the virus, they should notify conference staff and self-isolate.
RELEASE AND WAIVER FORM
- In order to complete your registration, a release and waiver form will be required to read and agreed upon.
Note: Please review the Release and Waiver form and sign it during your registration process. You will not be given your registration credentials without proof of compliance with these requirements.
FACE COVERINGS
- Masks strongly recommended: In keeping with federal, state, and local guidelines, the HI-TEC mask policy has shifted from mandatory to strongly recommended during all conference events.
- We are monitoring this closely and will continue to adjust our face covering requirements to align with state, local, and venue requirements at the time of the event.
INCREASED SANITIZATION AND HYGIENE
- HI-TEC has worked closely with Grand America Hotel to implement cleaning and sanitization standards that meet or exceed the recommendations of the CDC.
- It is the responsibility of everyone to maintain personal hygiene, including the use of hand sanitizer and washing hands frequently.
Again, HI-TEC is committed to upholding the health and safety standards outlined on this page and as these guidelines are likely to continue to evolve, please visit the HI-TEC website for updates necessary to support a safe experience for all attendees.
Updated July 1, 2022
Presenter Shipping
Presenters who are staying at the Grand America can ship to the hotel main address (see below). When you check in, go to the bell stand. A bellman will assist you in getting your boxes. Small boxes are $5, medium boxes are $10, and large boxes are $15.
Guest: NAME
The Grand America Hotel
555 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
If your shipment consists of more than one than one box, each box should be labeled accordingly. Example: “1 of 4”
Welcome
Sunday, July 24
Monday, July 25
MON 7:45–8:30 a.m.
(Morning workshop attendees only)
Building Interest in Mechatronics Through a Hands-on High School Dual-Credit Program
MON 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Milano (3rd floor)
This hands-on workshop will introduce an entry-level mechatronics course taught to high school students at a distance in Nebraska and Minnesota. The course, titled “Concepts of Electronics 1,” is the first of four being delivered at a distance to high school students. The presenters will share best practices for delivering technical coursework online. Participants will assemble a trainer and perform lab exercises designed for high school students. Participants will retain the trainer and be asked to submit a report documenting how they used it. Participants will have an opportunity to earn a stipend following the workshop. Doug Pauley, Associate Dean of Training and Development, Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Karen Wosczyna-Birch, Executive Director and PI, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, Farmington, CT; Doug Laven, Mechatronics Instructor, South Central College, North Mankato, MN; Jerry Muller, Industrial Trainer/Coordinator, Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Dan Davidchik, Instrumentation Instructor, Central Community College, Columbus, NE
Essential Skills for the Next Generation of Work: From Data Literacy to Data Analytics to Artificial Intelligence
MON 8:30 a.m.–Noon, Venezia (1st floor)
This special interest group will explore the implications of a world in which all workers must be data literate regardless of their discipline area. Because data powers everything, many students are considering careers as data analytics technicians and data scientists that often require artificial intelligence knowledge and skills. Our expert speakers will illuminate the progression of careers and learning along this continuum (data literacy creates a foundation for a data analytics technician career, which can be further strengthened with in-demand artificial intelligence skills) in an interactive session suitable for all who are curious about these subjects. Contact Mark Dempsey (mdempsey@collin.edu) for further information.
Monday Morning Workshops
MON 8:30 a.m.–Noon, Sussex (3rd floor)
As technology, education, and workforce needs continue to change at an exponential rate, it is critical that the connection between student outcomes from courses and programs match the requirements of industry. A strong connection between educators and industry is required to obtain this correlation. A program that produces graduates that meet workforce requirements is guaranteed high hiring rates. Often educators are unsure of the best way to approach industry representatives and how to make those connections. This workshop will provide proven steps and approaches that will lead to initial relationships, rapport, communication, and partnerships. Participants should bring their own laptops for independent searches during the workshop. Deb Newberry, CEO/President, Newberry Technology Associates, Milwaukee, WI
MON 8:30 a.m.–Noon, Vienna (3rd floor)
Quantum technologies are emerging as the technologies of the 21st century with a potential to radically transform the way we live, communicate, and sense the world. Quantum cryptography is a technology that uses quantum physics for 100 percent secure communication. New cryptographic techniques combine quantum and traditional methods to provide protection against quantum threats. In this workshop, we will elaborate on the foundations of the quantum cryptography, how it works, and its current challenges. Participants will set up a simple communication link based on BB84 protocol and demonstrate a classical version of quantum encrypted communication. Mo Hasanovic, Principal Investigator, EdQuantum, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL; Chrys Panayiotou, Executive Director, LASER-TEC, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL
(Afternoon workshop attendees only)
Monday Afternoon Workshops
MON 1:00–4:30 p.m., Audubon (3rd floor)
This complimentary workshop will present an overview of NSF with a focus on the proposal submission timeline and the merit review process. Participants will receive a proposal that was submitted to ATE for their review and assessment. Discussion will focus on how well the proposal met the merit review criteria as well as the structure of the proposal with attention paid to the described need, project goals and objectives, evaluation plan, and expertise of the project personnel. NSF POs will facilitate the discussion and in the wrap-up provide a general overview of reviewers’ comments and the post-panel processing steps. Connie DellaPiana, Kalyn Owens, Michael Davis, Program Directors, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA
MON 1:00–4:30 p.m., Sussex (3rd floor)
The session will help participants teach and learn practical digital skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Learn about our project-based curriculum that teaches useful skills for school, work, and life. These free video-based lessons are adaptable for remote, in-classroom, or hybrid modalities. Participants should bring their own laptops. Renee Blackshear, Professor, Texas State Technical College, Brownwood, TX
MON 1:00–4:30 p.m., Fontainbleau (3rd floor)
The “IT Skill Standards 2020 and Beyond” project (DUE 1838535) has convened 250+ employers from across the country to identify required job skills for the most in-demand IT job clusters. Standards produced by ITSS help IT/cyber programs align curriculum with future workforce demands. This project uses the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model to energize the relationship between educators and employers. Through a series of interactive exercises, workshop attendees will learn how to implement the BILT model at their own colleges and how to use completed employer-led ITSS skill standards for the six most in-demand IT careers. Participants should bring their own laptops. Ann Beheler, Principal Investigator, IT Skill Standards 2020 and Beyond, Collin College, Frisco, TX; Christina Titus, Program Director, IT Skill Standards 2020 and Beyond, Collin College, Frisco, TX
Planning and Experiencing the Biotechnology Future
MON 1:00–4:30 p.m. (Grand Reception A)
This meeting is complimentary and open to all educators and individuals involved in biotechnology. Outcomes for the session will include:
- Determining the agenda for the National Biotechnology Summit to be held in 2023, and
- Learning about the latest biomanufacturing technology developed by the company Scientific Bioprocessing.
InnovATEBIO and BioMADE will start the session with conference planning for the summit. We hope to involve the biotechnology educational community, industry, manufacturing institutes, and trade organizations to determine the structure of the conference. Experiences of the past several years have shown how important emerging workforce trends and research are in the biotechnology arena. Even with a pandemic, advances in immunotherapy and bioindustrial manufacturing have accelerated the need for technicians with a diverse skill set. The summit must cover all of these areas in order to predict the future workforce needs of the industry. Come and be a part of the planning for the summit. The session will end with Scientific Bioprocessing conducting a workshop on their latest technology for biomanufacturing making R & D possible in shaker flasks. As a result, more biotechnology community college and high school programs can afford to educate students in biomanufacturing.
Photonics, Optics, and Quantum Technology
MON 1:00–5:00 p.m. (Bagatelle, 3rd floor)
This meeting is open to all educators involved with teaching courses or programs in the areas of photonics, optics, and quantum technologies. It is also open to anyone interested in starting new courses or programs in these areas. Members of this group come from 44 colleges with active programs. During this meeting, every college gives an update of its program, successes, challenges, and future plans. A very active discussion among the group members follows, sharing suggestions on overcoming challenges and addressing future opportunities. This is a great forum for meeting new people, identifying synergies, and creating collaborations for future projects or grants. Learn from senior members of this group who have worked in industry for many years and continue to have a very strong relationship with photonics, optics, and quantum companies and professional societies.
MNTeSIG Live! 2022
MON 1:00–5:00 p.m. (Grand D)
The Micro Nano Technology education Special Interest Group (MNTeSIG) is comprised of educators and industry partners who work together to bring micro and nanotechnology to classrooms across the US and internationally. Our Mission is to foster collaboration between educators at all levels, industry, and agencies for relentless improvement of the micro and nano technology workforce. Come join us for presentations, networking, and professional development! Check us out at https://MNTeSIG.net.
MON 2:30–2:45 p.m.
Tuesday, July 26
(Morning workshop attendees only)
Tuesday Morning Workshops
TUE 8:30 a.m.–Noon, Fontainbleau (3rd floor)
This hands-on workshop will feature new, free virtual labs and class content supported by the National Convergence Technology Center, which is funded by a National Science Foundation grant. Attendees will hear presentations and test-drive new labs related to 5G concepts and Ethereum blockchains and smart contracts skills with the goal of implementing these materials in their own classrooms. Attendees must bring laptops. Ann Beheler, Principal Investigator, National Convergence Technology Center, Collin College, Frisco, TX; Gordon Snyder, National Convergence Technology Center, Holyoke Community College; Chris Kadlec, National Convergence Technology Center, Georgia Southern University; Debasis Bhattacharya, University of Hawaii Maui College; Bill Saichek, National Convergence Technology Center, San Jose City College; Mark Dempsey, National Convergence Technology Center, Collin College
TUE 8:30 a.m.–Noon, Vienna (3rd floor)
This workshop will introduce SCME BioMEMS (bio-microelectromechanical systems) material using a custom-built Arduino Uno, LabView, and Xbee transceiver-based kits used to emulate the functionality of continuous glucose monitoring with a glucose sensor and micropump. Each participant will receive a kit for experimentation with wireless technology and BioMEMS. The BioMEMS material that will be used is based on the SCME BioMEMS Overview and BioMEMS Applications online course at https://scme.online/login/index.php. Participants should bring laptops so they can run LabView code (Windows). Participants should download programs before the workshop. Andrew Bell, SCME, Department Chair, Engineering, Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne, IN; Musbiha Wali, SCME, Instructor INDT/Engineering, Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne, IN; Haiyan Henry Zhang, SCME, Director, Center for Technology Development Multidisciplinary Design Laboratory, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
TUE 8:30 a.m.–Noon, Sussex (3rd floor)
This session will present lessons learned and practices recommended for the creation of a two-year data science program (associate of science) that focuses on teaching future technicians the skills necessary to succeed in data-driven industries. Participants should bring their own laptops. David Singletary, Professor, Meeting Industry Needs through a Two-Year Data Science Technician Education Program (DataTEC), Florida State College, Jacksonville, FL; Pamela Brauda, Professor, Meeting Industry Needs through a Two-Year Data Science Technician Education Program (DataTEC), Florida State College, Jacksonville, FL
TUE 8:30 a.m.–Noon, Milano (3rd floor)
Because of rapid growth in the demand for drone pilots and drone professionals, there is growing need for drone technology education programs. For schools and districts that would like to develop programs, this raises many questions. What are the legal requirements for engaging students in a classroom or club? What does a teacher need to start a drone class in terms of equipment, software, curriculum? How can a district leverage student interest in drones into a CTE pathway with high completion rates? Attendees to this session will interact with drones, explore curriculum maps and state strands/standards, and see scalable models of instruction for Part107 licensing, design and maintenance, and capstone courses. Geoffrey Warren, CTE Instructor – UAS, Davis Catalyst Center, Davis School District, Kaysville, UT
TUE 8:30 a.m.–Noon
Next Generation Manufacturing SIG
TUE 8:30 a.m.–Noon, Venezia (1st floor)
The 2022 Next Generation Manufacturing Education Special Interest Group will bring together all who are interested in the continued development of a diverse next generation manufacturing workforce. Participants will learn about best practices, challenges, and trends in next generation manufacturing education including technologies under the disciplines of Design; Fabrication; Processing; Supply Chain, Logistics, and Quality Control; and Industry 4.0. Participants will also be invited to share information about their programs and collaborate on how to address workforce needs at local and national levels. This will be an opportunity to network with colleagues and build nationwide partnerships. Doug Pauley, Associate Dean of Training and Development, Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Jerry Muller, Industrial Trainer/Coordinator, Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Chrys Panayiotou, Executive Director, LASER-TEC, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL; Chris Dennis, Supply Chain Instructor, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH; Karen Wosczyna-Birch, Executive Director and PI, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, Farmington, CT
Invitation only
TUE 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Mentor Connect (Grand D)
TUE 8:30 a.m.–Noon
- CREATE (Riviera, 3rd floor)
- Preparing Technicians for the Future of Work (Grand Reception A)
- EvaluATE (Audubon, 3rd floor)
- [CANCELED] Working Partners (Venezia, 1st floor)
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
Cosm
12:45–3:30 (Bus boards at 12:45. Box lunch included.)
Cosm, a global experiential media and immersive technology company, provides a full stack experience solution including the physical design, engineering, and manufacturing, as well as the software, display engine, and content production to deliver immersive experiences at scale. Our technology redefines the way people experience content across three primary markets: sports and entertainment, science and education, and parks and attractions. This convergence of real and virtual worlds is on display today at the Cosm Experience Center in Salt Lake City. There you can see and feel Shared Reality, our brand of immersive experience, showcased on a 20-meter LED Dome’s 5000-square-foot display in stunning 8K resolution—with 29.5 million pixels shining 10x brighter than the best digital cinematic display.
Fortem Technologies: DroneHunter
1:00–4:30 (Bus loads at 1:00. Box lunch included. Limit 20.)
Fortem Technologies produces a flying robot (drone) called DroneHunter that can act as a drone catcher to bring down dangerous or malicious drones with no collateral damage. DroneHunter can be used at stadiums, power plants, government buildings, etc. to protect against a threat to the facility. Identification of the dangerous or malicious drones is done through AI. Join us for a presentation about DroneHunter and a tour of the facility. NOTE: Attendees must be U.S. citizens to attend.
Sponsored by MNTeSIG
Wednesday, July 27
WED 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Opening Session / Keynote
WED 8:30–9:30 a.m., Grand B
How Competency-Based Programs Will Grow Your Enrollments (and Solve World Hunger!)
Matt Bowman, an international speaker and award-winning education entrepreneur, will share practical steps that innovative college leaders can take today to better attract tomorrow’s savvy learners—and maybe just save the world in the process.
Matt has been involved with education, online learning, public school choice, technology, and entrepreneurship for nearly 30 years. Matt holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and is an alumnus of Stanford’s Executive Business Management program.
Matt is the Founder and CEO of My Tech High, which partners with innovative public school districts to offer a STEM-focused, tuition-free, personalized education program for students who learn best at home, online, and in their community. Now entering its 14th year, My Tech High serves nearly 20,000 students across 10 states from Kindergarten to College & Career.
Matt also partners with accredited colleges (see Snow College Online) to offer online, mastery-based degrees and industry certifications.
Concurrent Sessions
WED 10:15–11:00 a.m.
WED 10:15–11:00 a.m., Venezia (1st floor)
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a sharp turn in the Texas State Technical College hands-on technical model as courses were moved from an in-person to an online modality in the Cybersecurity program. Challenges included instructional content, access, hardware/equipment, software, and communication. Each challenge will be detailed regarding how they were addressed and the results of the associated changes. TSTC also saw a shift in the typical student population and data regarding persistence, graduation, and job placement rates of students who were affected by the shift. Amy Hertel, Lead Instructor, National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Online Competency-Based Education of Technicians in Computer-aided Design and Cyber Security (#1901776), Texas State Technical College, Marshall, TX; Norma Colunga-Hernandez, Statewide Department Chair, National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Online Competency-Based Education of Technicians in Computer-aided Design and Cyber Security (#1901776), Texas State Technical College, Harlingen, TX
WED 10:15–11:00 a.m., Fontainbleau (3rd floor)
Alaska Tech Learners is an NSF ATE project that uses multimedia instruction placed on a thumb drive to provide students throughout Alaska with course content. After an overview of the thumb drive model, participants will brainstorm and critique the instruction for content coverage, layout, use of different learning styles, use of enriching activities, and its ability to create diversity, inclusion, and equity in the classroom. Steve Johnson, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems, Assistant Director, Alaska Tech Learners, Prince William Sound College, Valdez, AK
WED 10:15–11:00 a.m., Grand D
While a sustained focus on increasing female STEM pipelines remains, female STEM enrollment across the nation continues to decrease. Tesla’s head of workforce recently commented on increased productivity when female technicians were embedded in male-dominated repair crews while simultaneously expressing frustration at the lack of interest among female graduates. The question is, why? Who better to answer that question than three high school girls. These girls have focused on increasing STEM awareness among their peers through social media, speaking, and club activities. This guided panel will dive into girls’ social and cultural obstacles to choosing a STEM career. Kevin Cooper, PI, RCNET, Indian River State College, Ft. Pierce, FL
WED 10:15–11:00 a.m., Grand Reception A
External evaluation is required for all ATE proposals. But how do you find a qualified evaluator? EvaluATE will be covering essential tips for finding and selecting an ATE external evaluator. Attendees will also have a unique opportunity to meet with ATE evaluators in small groups to practice talking to evaluators, determining qualifications and fit for their projects. The EvaluATE team will be available to help address questions throughout the session on evaluator procurement and will share resources for attendees to take home. Megan Zelinsky, Senior Research Associate, EvaluATE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI; Lyssa Becho, Principal Research Associate, EvaluATE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
WED 10:15–11:00 a.m., Vienna (3rd floor)
The last few years have been anything but peaceful and calm. In fact, words like chaotic and turbulent are more often applied to the last 24 months. What has resulted is the confluence of emerging technology growth, educational constraints, and industry transition. The convergence of these three often separate entities has resulted in a perfect storm scenario. For educators, this existing environment provides challenges and opportunities. This presentation will discuss the direct and indirect impact of these three factors. Consideration and delineation of multiple opportunities for change and growth in response to the storm will be covered. Deb Newberry, CEO/President, Newberry Technology Associates, Milwaukee, WI
WED 10:15–11:00 a.m., Audubon (3rd floor)
In this session the presenters will discuss the development and dissemination of a hybrid aircraft maintenance technician program. This program supports the requirements for FAA AMT General and Airframe certification and was developed with industry guidance and partnerships. The presenters will highlight their research-based approach to hybrid instruction, covering the inclusion of virtual reality, hands-on activities, Universal Design for Learning principles, and microlearning. Rebecca Short, Director of Operations, The Center for Aviation and Automotive Technological Education Using Virtual E-Schools (CA2VES), Clemson, SC; Kapil Chalil Madathil, Director of Technology, The Center for Aviation and Automotive Technological Education Using E-Learning: Providing E-learning Resources and Increasing Knowledge about Their Effectiveness, Clemson, SC; Anand Gramopadhye, Dean, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, The Center for Aviation and Automotive Technological Education Using E-Learning: Providing E-learning Resources and Increasing Knowledge about Their Effectiveness, Clemson, SC; Carl Washburn, Department Head, Aircraft Maintenance Technology, Greenville Technical College, Greenville, SC; Karen Johnson, Associate Professor, Department of Aviation Technologies, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL; Stephen Ley, Associate Professor, School of Aviation Sciences, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT
WED 10:15–11:00 a.m., Milano (3rd floor)
Join us for a recording of the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) podcast Talking Technicians. We are proud to share with you a live-streamed recording of a special podcast episode. This is a unique opportunity to learn about how the sausage is made with a behind-the-scenes perspective in technician podcasting. This HI-TEC podcast episode will feature a new technician, an experienced technician, and a student working to become a technician. Ask questions live and be part of the Talking Technicians podcast. Hosted by Peter Kazarinoff and Janet Pinhorn from MNT-EC with two industry guests and one student. Peter Kazarinoff, Professor, Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), Portland Community College, Portland, OR
WED 10:15–11:00 a.m., Riviera (3rd floor)
Industry 4.0 generates many questions as well as opportunities for technician educators. How do educators sort through the nine technologies that are commonly grouped as Industry 4.0 technologies to determine what should be added to their programs, how much, and where? What should be taught at the four-year level? With a curriculum already packed with important content, what strategies are being used to ensure that students are prepared for work both with fundamental knowledge and skills and also have experiences with emerging technologies. This discussion-based session will use a short survey to capture best practices of the participants. Marilyn Barger, Senior Education Advisor, Future of Work Caucus for New Manufacturing Skills, FLATE (Florida Advanced Technological Education Center of Excellence), Tampa, FL; Richard Gilbert, Professor, FLATE, USF, Tampa, FL
Concurrent Sessions
WED 11:15 a.m.–Noon
WED 11:15 a.m.–Noon, Fontainbleau (3rd floor)
LabView is a very powerful NI graphical programming language that can be used to design and build many executable programs to support education. These programs can be used in classes to support lectures and labs that are currently used in the education of students. The programs’ design is based on need defined by the instructor. Since LabView is so intuitive, students can quickly develop job skills by building these programs. The programs can then be deployed as executable programs that can be loaded and used on personal and school computers. Andrew Bell, Department Chair, Engineering, Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne, IN; Emily Kwolek, Work Study Student, SCME, Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne, IN
WED 11:15 a.m.–Noon, Vienna (3rd floor)
This session will introduce the audience to a newly created, and freely available, virtual environment created specifically to allow the training of advanced manufacturing cybersecurity concepts without the need to invest in expensive hardware. Attendees are encouraged to bring their laptops and be able to experience the environment for themselves during the presentation. Tony Hills, Instructor, CyberSecurity for Advanced Manufacturing Organizations (CAMO), Northwest State Community College, Archbold, OH; Mike Kwiatkowski, Instructor, CyberSecurity for Advanced Manufacturing Organizations (CAMO), Northwest State Community College, Archbold, OH
WED 11:15 a.m.–Noon, Venezia (1st floor)
NSF ATE Lead Program Officer Dr. V. Celeste Carter will explain current funding opportunities. News about congressional reauthorization of the ATE Program with the potential for substantial budget increases for ATE will be shared. NSF ATE proposals are complex and unfamiliar to many two-year colleges. Understanding expectations and nuances of this funding opportunity contributes to proposal success. Mentor-Connect’s comprehensive, no-cost help for prospective two-year college grantees, customized mentoring options, technical assistance, resources specific to ATE proposal development, and STEM faculty leadership development can lead to success. Mentor-Connect has assisted 210 colleges with a 70% funding rate for those new to ATE. Elaine Craft, PI Mentor-Connect, Mentor-Connect: Leadership Development and Outreach for ATE-3, Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence, SC; V. Celeste Carter, Lead Program Director, NSF ATE Program, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA
WED 11:15 a.m.–Noon, Sussex (3rd floor)
The goal of integrating secure software development (DevSecOps – Development, Security, and Operations) mindset from the beginning of the SSDLC (Secure Software Development Lifecycle) process is to develop secure system design and reduce the risk of software vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. So how do we incorporate such tools in the classroom? This presentation will reflect on the recent executive order ” to enhance software supply chain security” and review the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) secure software risk management requirements. The presenter will share resources and techniques and showcase how to incorporate secure software development tools and frameworks concepts while teaching programming languages. Rajiv Malkan, Professor, CCN, Lone Star College Montgomery, Conroe, TX
WED 11:15 a.m.–Noon, Grand D
The InnovATEBIO Biosciences Leadership Institute (BLI) is a novel professional development model created through the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-five high school and community college instructors participated in a yearlong session that was done initially virtually and ended with a hybrid session in June 2022. Business cases, two of which were actual scenarios provided by industry, were solved in teams with industry representatives. The program consisted of multiple phases including the pre-work assignment of reading, taking a leadership profile, working in teams solving business cases, applying knowledge to one’s own case, and presenting it. Russ Read, Co-PI, InnovATEBIO, NCBW, ForsythTech, Winston-Salem, NC; Tom Tubon, Chief Workforce Director, BioMADE, St. Paul, MN; Todd Smith, CTO, InnovATEBIO, Digital World Biology LLC, Seattle, WA; Linnea Fletcher, Executive Director, InnovATEBIO, Austin Community College, Austin, TX
WED 11:15 a.m.–Noon, Grand Reception A
The NSF’s National Convergence Technology Center (CTC) regularly offers faculty professional development events in a variety of formats from lengthy in-person workshops to streamlined webinars. This includes the popular Working Connections series that has been running in North Texas since 2002 and attracts faculty from across the country. Surveys show Working Connections and its 2850 total faculty enrollments have impacted a least 149,000 students. Attendees will hear best practices and implementation strategies developed across years of successful professional development events and learn from our successes and mistakes. Topics will include event planning, topic selection, attendee registration, and survey evaluations. Ann Beheler, Principal Investigator, National Convergence Technology Center, Collin College, Frisco, TX; Mark Dempsey, Assistant Director Manager, National Convergence Technology Center, Frisco, TX; Debbie Miller, Manager, Program Reporting, National Convergence Technology Center, Frisco, TX
WED 11:15 a.m.–Noon, Riviera (3rd floor)
The enhanced engineering technology major at Bucks County Community College (Bucks) has been redesigned to accommodate rapidly changing industry needs. It promotes diversity and inclusion by offering a wide range of technical electives that will engage students with many interests and backgrounds. Bucks has created additional pathways for students accepting its Center for Workforce Development certifications for college credit. The engineering design course now includes a larger manufacturing component that will enhance hands-on skills. The presenter will share the college’s evolving plan to recruit students from underrepresented groups that has been developed from outcomes of learning sessions comprising faculty and staff. Christine Delahanty, Area Coordinator of Science and Engineering, Increasing the Number of Workforce Ready Engineering Technicians in Southeastern PA, Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA
WED 11:15 a.m.–Noon, Audubon (3rd floor)
This session will include a panel discussion consisting of two collaborating faculty members and a student who participated in a simulated entrepreneurial experience in the biomanufacturing sector. This experience involved original student ideas regarding a company and a novel algae-centric technology that formed the basis of that company. Panelists will discuss the process of coming up with the idea, the resources utilized to support the endeavor, the promise that the developed technology holds should it be further developed, and lessons learned from the overall experience. Daniel Kainer, Director, Lone Star College Biotechnology Institute, Scaling Microsystems Support, Lone Star College-Montgomery, Conroe, TX
WED 11:15 a.m.–Noon, Milano (3rd floor)
This three-part program consists of (1) an overview of the vacuum technology skills required of technicians in the nanotech and semiconductor industries and the resultant design of a two-tier vacuum technology learning system suitable for community college and technical high-school curricula as well as for incumbent worker training; (2) an overview (including live demo) of the assembled vacuum trainers and the vacuum technology content and lab activities involved in using the trainers; and (3) a review of the initial implementation of this system with community college students, high-school students, and incumbent semiconductor technicians. Abraham Michelen, Managing Director, NEATEC, SUNY Poly, Albany, NY; Robert Geer, Principal Investigator, NEATEC, SUNY Poly, Albany, NY; Robert Decker, Developer, NEATEC, SUNY Poly, Albany, NY; Stephen Steward, Developer, NEATEC, Suny Poly, Albany, NY
2022 HI-TEC Awards
WED Noon–1:00 p.m., Grand B
This award represents HI-TEC’s commitment to recognize community college faculty who make significant contributions to the education and training of today’s technology workforce. Nominees for the award must have had a demonstrated broader impact on technology education on both a local and national level. The Educator-of-the-Year Award recognizes a community college educator for outstanding contributions to advanced technological education.
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Lawrence McWherter, Assistant Professor, Information Systems Technology Department, Columbus State Community College
To close the skills gap, the U.S. needs a cybersecurity workforce increase of 62 percent, according to the 2019 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study. Col. Lawrence McWherter has devoted his career to keeping the U.S. safe, primarily through educating the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and diversifying the discipline.
Larry joined Columbus State Community College as an instructor for Information Systems Technology in Autumn 2016. As the Principal Investigator on the Ohio Region Cybersecurity Technician Training Pipeline project (NSF ATE Grant No. 1501194), he established and maintains a new, in-demand program leading to a Cybersecurity AAS degree.
“Columbus State is very fortunate to have Larry McWherter among our faculty,” says Dr. David Harrison, President of the College. “His extensive military experience has been invaluable in his ability to advance our Cybersecurity program. Under Larry’s leadership, the program has attracted external funding, has earned national recognition, and has become a destination program for students and employers in this rapidly growing field.”
Larry currently serves as the PI on the Information Technology Pathways through a Flexible Apprenticeship Model project (NSF ATE Grant No. 1902211). With the innovative goal of integrating structured earn-and-learn opportunities across Columbus State’s Information Systems Technology programs, the project bridges postsecondary education and industry. This initiative led to the award of a $3.8 million U.S. Department of Labor Scaling Apprenticeship grant focusing on Software Development, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics programs.
This award represents HI-TEC’s commitment to recognize industry colleagues who make significant contributions to the education and training of today’s technology workforce. Nominees for the award must have had a demonstrated broader impact on technology education on both a local and national level. The Industry Recognition Award recognizes key industry personnel for outstanding contributions to promote advanced technological education.
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Todd Christenson, Past President of the Micro and Nanotechnology Commercialization Education Foundation (MANCEF)
Todd Christenson has been advocating for technical education programs in the micro and nano technologies for over ten years. As the President of the Micro and Nanotechnology Commercialization Education Foundation (MANCEF), a conglomerate of MNT companies, he supported the MNT ATE program and organized participation in the COMS World Conference and provided the platform to share MNT programs throughout the United States.
Todd has also been a strong mentor to students. Over the past three years, he has mentored a team of Pasadena City College students in the AACC Innovation Challenge and provided his expertise in developing education modules for our community. He consistently provides community college students access to his clean room at his company HT Micro, and spends hours answering questions on MEMS manufacturing and on starting a business.
Todd’s most important work is his commitment in attending, but more importantly recruiting more industry partners to the Micro Nano Technology Education Center’s Business Industry Leadership Team (BILT). During BILT meetings Todd clearly defines the knowledge, skills, and abilities we need to teach in our MNT community college program, and during the trends meeting leads the discussion on the emerging technology that MNT programs need to be aware of and prepare to teach in the future. Todd’s guidance has been instrumental in the development of MNT workforce development programs at community colleges in the US.
This award represents HI-TEC’s commitment to recognize innovation in advanced technology education. The Innovative Program Award is designed to recognize a team of advanced technology education professionals that has designed and implemented a significant innovation, which has led to a positive impact on student enrollment, retention, and/or advanced technological education.
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HSI ATE HUB Initiative
The innovative Hispanic Serving Institution Advanced Technological Education Hub (HSI ATE Hub) is engaged in proactively addressing the unique challenges facing two-year college HSI institutions and supporting technician educators who teach increasingly diverse student populations. Community colleges enroll a higher percentage of Hispanic students than any other sector of higher education, and each year additional two-year colleges become HSIs. The HSI ATE Hub, with funding support from multiple National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE) grants, is unique in its focus on needs of HSI two-year colleges and technician educators. HSI ATE Hub partners have assisted 78 HSI colleges in securing NSF ATE grants to fund improvements in technician education programs, facilitated community building and sharing of best practices among HSI ATE grantees, and curated a library of HSI-specific research and related information. Currently, the initiative is producing a faculty development program for culturally responsive technician education. This program is being developed and pilot-tested with 2-year college HSI faculty and in partnership with industry. Receiving the award are Juan Rodriguez, Principal Investigator, Westchester Community College, and Sarah Belknap, Co-PI, Westchester Community College.
Concurrent Sessions
WED 1:15–2:00 p.m.
WED 1:15–2:00 p.m., Riviera (3rd floor)
To improve alignment between U.S. technician education and U.S. semiconductor employers, a pilot program was undertaken with five New York State community colleges under the NSF ATE program to evaluate gaps between 20 technician education programs and a new U.S. DOL-ETA semiconductor competency model. That analysis informed multiple curriculum modifications to improve alignment between programs and regional semiconductor employers. These will be presented for their use in for-credit courses, incumbent worker programs, and apprenticeship programs. This pilot intersects with a national effort to develop an infrastructure that leverages a cloud-based National Talent Hub to better attract, train, retain, and advance talent. Robert Geer, Professor, Development and Implementation of a Semiconductor Workforce Certificate Program Based on a Unified Advanced Manufacturing Competency Model, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY; Robert Weinman, Education and Workforce Development Lead, NIIT, Hanover, MD
WED 1:15–2:00 p.m., Vienna (3rd floor)
This session will discuss the ramifications of Industry 4.0, or the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), era on two-year engineering technology education. Starting with an overview of what has changed to deserve this footnote in history, focus will shift to how this digital transformation will alter what should be taught to the engineering technologies that either directly lead to employment in the advanced manufacturing industry (AMI) or currently support AMI. The new technologies that will called for in these areas will be examined. How they can be integrated into existing curricula will also be discussed. Gary Mullett, Professor and Department Chair, Advanced Engineering Technologies Group, Internet of Things Education Project, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA
WED 1:15–2:00 p.m., Audubon (3rd floor)
This session will provide insight on the Manufacturing USA network and advanced manufacturing programs for secondary and postsecondary students and educators. These institutes are part of a public-private partnership consortium formed to adapt, engage, and execute programs intended to increase and diversify the advanced manufacturing workforce. This session will outline the national network and industry areas of the 16 Manufacturing USA institutes and provide steps involved in participating and adopting current initiatives, followed by an opportunity for feedback on how and where the network can scale its reach. Lisa Jean Fronczek, Office of Advanced Manufacturing/Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office/Manufacturing USA, National Institute of Standards and Technology; Tom Tubon, Chief Workforce Director, BioMADE, St. Paul, MN; Joannie Harmon, Workforce Director, IACMI, Knoxville, TN; Taylor McLeod, Content Development Manager, San Jose, CA
WED 1:15–2:00 p.m., Milano (3rd floor)
Established apprenticeship programs like the IT Flexible Apprenticeship have proven that students who participate in industry-hosted experiential learning opportunities graduate with less debt, more experience, and often more offers for full-time employment. Related programs like scholarships, clubs, and K-12 career exploration opportunities have emerged as excellent partners in providing professional experience long before the two-year associate degree and apprenticeship experience begins, such as career exploration summer camps for high school students, dual-enrollment course bundles in specialized areas like the IT Explorers program, enriching co-curricular supports throughout a student’s time at Columbus State, and opportunities for alumni. Stephanie Schuler, Project Manager, NSF-ITFA, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH; Dave Cofer, Director Partnerships and Programs, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH; Larry McWherter, Assistant Professor, Information Systems Technology Department, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH
WED 1:15–2:00 p.m., Venezia (1st floor)
The NSF and InnovATEBIO have (respectively) funded and endorsed the Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam (BACE) managed by Biotility. Biotility has developed a system for generating and validating the exam, which leads to an industry-relevant and recognized BACE credential. Come learn the process by which the BACE is maintained, annually updated, and validated to ensure a credentialing system that is accurate, aligned with corresponding industry-defined standards, and relevant to industry requirements for technician-level positions. Philip Gibson, Principal Investigator, Implementation of an Industry-Recognized Credentialing System, Center for Global Health Innovation, Atlanta, GA; Tamara Mandell, Director for the Education and Training Programs, Implementation of an Industry-Recognized Credentialing System, Biotility, Alachua, FL; Bridgette Kirkpatrick, Biology Faculty, Implementation of an Industry-Recognized Credentialing System, Collin College, Plano, TX
WED 1:15–2:00 p.m., Grand D
Come learn about delivering powerful, interactive, gamified, and engaging professional development for faculty with a budget-friendly and simple-to-use virtual event platform. See the success that the Western Academy Support and Training Center (WASTC) had delivering its annual events: ICT and Digital Media Educators Conferences and summer Faculty Development Weeks. We created unique venues with all the locations (lobby, social lounge, meeting rooms, exhibit halls) that you might see at HI-TEC. Our participants, however, went to Hawaii, traveled to outer space, perused a digital media gallery, and met at the racetrack, where the theme was ” Accelerate into the Future.” Richard Grotegut, Director, Western Academy Support and Training Center (WASTC), Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill, CA; Laura Chappell, Author, Researcher, and Educator, Chappell University vConDev Team, Reno, NV; Karen Stanton, Coordinator, Western Academy Support and Training Center (WASTC), Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill, CA
WED 1:15–2:00 p.m., Grand Reception A
MatEdU created a tool to assist those developing their own materials science programs and lab-based learning environments that helps to focus efforts, organize development, and validate ROI. Best practices and a proven successful approach will be shared and attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to apply the tool to their programs and institutions. As a former NSF ATE-funded Resource Center, MatEdU has helped hundreds of school districts, community and technical colleges, 4-year institutions, architectural firms, and industries address these questions and more. Mel Cossette, Executive Director and PI, Online Instructional Resources for Materials Science Technology Education (MatEdU), Edmonds College, Lynnwood, WA; Billie Copley, Center Manager, Micro Nano Technology Education Center, Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA
WED 1:15–2:00 p.m., Fontainbleau (3rd floor)
Certain impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on science education are investigated here. Two primary shortcomings in STEM education that were uncovered by the pandemic include: the lack of understanding of the scientific method by the general public as evidenced by the worldwide hydroxychloroquine quandary of 2020, and the lack of interdisciplinary research in the early days of the pandemic. A new STEM education paradigm is evolving (STEM 3.0) that emphasizes innovative technical education on technologies that provide self-sufficiency, such as artificial intelligence, intelligent robotics, augmented reality, digital twins, and additive manufacturing. Khalid Tantawi, Assistant Professor, 2000685, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN
Concurrent Sessions
WED 2:15–3:00 p.m.
WED 2:15–3:00 p.m., Vienna (3rd floor)
In this session, the presenters will offer insight into moving to a competency- and performance-based curriculum that is student-guided with the ability to accelerate. The session will include examples of process management, implementation techniques, lessons learned, and future improvements that continue to engage students. Renee Blackshear, Instructor, Texas State Technical College, Brownwood, TX; Gena Jean, PBE Project Manager, Texas State Technical College, Waco, TX
WED 2:15–3:00 p.m., Milano (3rd floor)
Cybersecurity and cryptocurrencies are a topic that interests students in many disciplines. This research reflects an effort at the University of Hawaii Maui College to teach cybersecurity across the disciplines, especially to students who are new to technology. With the advent of the COVID pandemic in March 2020, it became challenging to engage students in hands-on activities that would retain their interest in cybersecurity or cryptocurrencies. This presentation highlights examples of how to conduct activities such as lock-picking and creating NFTs that can encourage and engage students. Debasis Bhattacharya, Associate Professor, Award # 1700562 – CyberSecure: Extended Cybersecurity Education, Curriculum and Workforce Development, University of Hawaii Maui College, Kahului, HI
WED 2:15–3:00 p.m., Grand D
To support the growth of the micro and nano technology (MNT) technician workforce, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) has identified and validated knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) critical for entry-level MNT technicians. In partnership with the National Institute for Innovation and Technology (NIIT), we mapped these KSAs to the National Talent Hub, a portal that leverages dynamic industry input and a competency-based approach to identifying and aligning the KSAs required to work with skill profiles and curriculum. This presentation will introduce the Talent Hub and how it can be utilized to broaden and diversify the talent pipeline. Caitlin Cramer, Assistant Program Chair, Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne, IN; Mike Russo, President and CEO, Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), National Institute for Innovation and Technology, Hanover, MD; Robert Weinman, Director of Workforce Innovation, Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), National Institute for Innovation and Technology, Hanover, MD
WED 2:15–3:00 p.m., Venezia (1st floor)
This session will present NSF programs of interest to the 2-yr community colleges including programs and dear colleague letters that are currently active. Programs both within the Education and Human Resources Directorate will be presented as well as programs across NSF. A brief overview of the new NCSES (National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics) data collection on the skilled technical workforce will be discussed. V. Celeste Carter, Lead Program Director, NSF ATE Program, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA; Connie DellaPiana, Kalyn Owens, Michael Davis, NSF Program Directors, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA
WED 2:15–3:00 p.m., Riviera (3rd floor)
Bioscience Core Skills Institute is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide bioscience workforce skills assessment and issue digital microcredentials that are recognized by industry and educational partners as reliable, valid, and transparent. We will discuss the use of digital microcredentials to document skills mastery in biotechnology talent. The certified faculty evaluator will share personal experience in assessing programs and student self-efficacy data. The presenter will provide a case study overview of the model used by BCSI and describe the assessment and credentialing process utilized, share data compiled from skill assessments, and provide insights on curriculum alignment and a gaps analysis. Edward Kremer, Dean of Math, Business, Science, and Technology at Kansas City Kansas Community College; Ying-Tsu Loh, Executive Director of the Bay Area Bioscience Education Community (BABEC)
WED 2:15–3:00 p.m., Audubon (3rd floor)
Attendees will learn about the benefits to students and employer partners of two colleges that have deepened employer engagement for technical programs collegewide. CAOs representing colleges of different sizes, demographics, and industry sectors will share challenges faced, implementation strategies deployed, and resulting return on investment for employer partners and students. Both colleges will discuss how their institutions’ adoption of the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model has changed their outlook on strategic employer engagement. Ann Beheler, Director of Innovation, Pathways to Innovation, Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD), Waco, TX; Sheri Litt, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL; Phillip Witt, Associate VP, Career and Technical Education, Crowder College, Neosho, MO
WED 2:15–3:00 p.m., Sussex (3rd floor)
Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) merges quantum mechanics-based concepts or those that hone in on how things operate at the subatomic levels with theories on storing, transmitting, computing, and measuring information. This session outlines the Quantum Information Science and Technology Workforce Development National Strategic Plan and offers industry- and academia-recognized ecosystems for workforce development in QIST. JB Groves III, Instructor of Computer Science, National Convergence Technology Center, Wharton County Junior College, Richmond, TX
WED 2:15–3:00 p.m., Fontainbleau (3rd floor)
[CANCELED] [DOWNLOAD SLIDES] Teaching and learning new and emerging technologies require state-of-the-art laboratories with expensive equipment. However, such facilities require large financial resources and time restraint to implement. Use of web-based simulation and remote access visualization tools enhance students’ learning and teaching of new and complex concepts without using expensive equipment. The proposed workshop will discuss application of web-based simulation tools and remote-access visualization (RAIN, Nanohub, Physicell, Phet, Compucell3D) for teaching, research, and collaboration in areas such as nanotechnology, material science, environmental science, electrical engineering, biological sciences, physics, chemistry, and photonics. Ahmed Khan, Professor/Fulbright Scholar, Fulbright / World Learning Inc, World Learning Inc, Washington, DC, Oak Brook, IL; Sala Qazi, Professor Emeritus, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Utica, NY, Hollywood, MD; Atilla Ozgur Cakmak, Assistant Professor, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI
WED 2:15–3:00 p.m., Grand Reception A
Join the American Welding Society and the Weld-Ed Center for a discovery session focused on exploring resources, strategies, and solutions for welding education and industry credentialing. Featured topics include labor market trends for welding professions and an overview of AWS/Weld-Ed products, services, and certifications dedicated to welding and education. Additionally, we will highlight Operation Next as an example of how AWS resources can be utilized to implement a successful welding education and credentialing model. Concluding the session will be an overview of free and impactful resources available from the AWS Foundation. Joe Young, Sr. Manager Workforce Development, American Welding Society, Doral, FL; Michael Fox, Interim Director, Weld-Ed Center (NSF), Lorain County Community College, Elyria, OH
Poster Sessions
WED 3:00–5:30 p.m., Grand Reception BC
The poster highlights findings from a three-year pilot study funded by the NSF. The poster offers an overview of the focus group and survey responses of female students who participated in peer-led team learning (PLTL) activities embedded in engineering courses. The findings explore how these intervention strategies through PLTL improve engineering student’s retention, persistence, career choice, and engagement in STEM activities. Specifically, the program instilled confidence in both the peer leaders and participants and provided the support necessary for students traditionally underrepresented in engineering. The results give insight into the experiences that are most important to the PLTL students. Kimberly Luthi, Assistant Faculty and Research Coordinator, College of Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, NSF IUSE Engagement in Engineering Pathways Award Number 1712008, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL; Mohua Kar, Professor and Program Chair, Engineering, NSF IUSE Engagement in Engineering Pathways Award Number 1712008, Valencia College, Orlando, FL; Lisa Macon, Professor and Program Chair, Computing Technology and Software Development, NSF IUSE Engagement in Engineering Pathways Award Number 1712008, Valencia College, Orlando, FL
We have developed with our employers a BETA Professional Development Program that covers good manufacturing practices and good documentation practices, cyberbio security, and nanobiotechnology. We will describe our in-person professional development program held in June 2022 after two years of delivering virtual summer programs. This session will also highlight the people skills our employers have requested. Russ Read, Executive Director, Skills for Biomedical Emerging Technology Applications, NCBW ForsythTech, Winston-Salem, NC
Student representatives from schools in the CTC’s nationwide Convergence College Network (CCN) community of practice will provide an overview of recent research, learning projects, and career opportunities in the information communications technology space. Mark Dempsey, Assistant Director, National Convergence Technology Center, Collin County Community College, Frisco, TX
Troubleshooting is a systematic approach to problem-solving. Troubleshooting has become a critical skill for technicians in advanced manufacturing. A machining technician who is highly skilled in troubleshooting will be able to reduce waste and increase production in manufacturing companies. Over the past year, Bridgerland Technical College (BTECH) has worked with industry experts to create visual aids that scaffold troubleshooting. This poster session will present the iterations of troubleshooting products. These troubleshooting scaffolds include classroom posters displaying troubleshooting processes as well as troubleshooting scaffolding integrated into curriculum and hands-on labs. Additionally, we will define our intended evaluation strategies. Vance Briggs, Machining Technology Instructor, Innovations in Advanced Machining Technician Education (IAMTE) (ATE #2000786), Bridgerland Technical College, Logan, UT; Tiffany Chalfant, Instructional Designer, Innovations in Advanced Machining Technician Education (IAMTE) (ATE #2000786), Bridgerland Technical College, Logan, UT; Mason Lefler, Associate Vice President for Educational Innovation, Innovations in Advanced Machining Technician Education (IAMTE) (ATE #2000786), Bridgerland Technical College, Logan, UT
Community college students participated in the Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEAPHAGES) program, which is jointly administered by Graham Hatfull’s group at the University of Pittsburgh and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science Education division. Since the work is all computer based, the project adapted easily to a remote project during the pandemic. Providing the opportunity for students to participate in authentic research increased their interest in technical careers. In addition to annotating phage genomes, students used this opportunity to introduce high school students and teachers to bioinformatics and biotech careers. This work was support by NSF ATE Grant #1801062. Sharon Gusky, Professor/PI, Engaging Students from Classrooms and Camps to College and Technical Careers, Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted, CT; Sandra Cangelosi, High School Teacher, Engaging Students from Classrooms and Camps to College and Technical Careers, Torrington High School, Torrington, CT; Rebecca Giarnese, Community College Student, Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted, CT
The 2022 ATE PI Census Survey includes two question sets developed by the Formative Assessment Systems for ATE 2 project: “Assessment of Professional Development Activities for Educators” and “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Professional Development Activities for Educators.” The purpose of these question sets is to identify, explore, and understand how ATE projects and centers incorporate high-impact educational practices and attention to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion into their professional development activities. This poster presents a “first look” analysis of the survey responses that PIs and evaluators may use to better shape their formative assessment and evaluation practices. Robin Datta, Instructor, A Workshop to Improve the Assessment of Professional Development in Technician Education (e.g., Formative Assessment Systems for ATE 2), Edmonds College, Lynnwood, WA
The Support Center for Microsystem Education (SCME), an NSF ATE Center, proposes a new deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) learning module that reviews the working DRIE principles and the influence of independent parameters on the tool’s performance and etch quality. The proposed module is aimed at two-year technician students who want to expand their technical skills beyond what is available in typical technical programs. DRIE is an important process that involves numerous interdependent parameters that affect the resulting etching quality and device functionality. This module can assist students in technology fields to better comprehend not just the DRIE tool, but also how a similar methodology could be applied to other tools, techniques, and processes. Pallavi Sharma, Graduate Research Assistant, SCME, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM; Irma Rocio Vazquez, Research Assistant, SCME, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM; Matthias Pleil, Research Professor and Senior Lecturer III, SCME, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
The goal of this “New-to-ATE” project is to develop open-source resources, specifically an e-book, laboratory manual, and instructor’s guide to enhance vacuum technician education. The project team will share lessons learned, including the choice of publishing platform and necessary things to consider for publishing a technical book with interactive resources: adequate engine for mathematical formulas; ability to embed animations and videos in the text; adequate presentation of graphics; support of multiple formats; common themes from subject matter experts’ reviews, and others. Elena Brewer, Associate Professor, Developing an E-book and Other Interactive Instructional Materials for Technician Education in Vacuum Technology (#2000454), SUNY Erie Community College, Williamsville, NY; Nancy Louwagie, Instructor, Chair of Engineering Technology Programs, Developing an E-book and Other Interactive Instructional Materials for Technician Education in Vacuum Technology (#2000454), Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN
The Support Center for Microsystems Education (SCME) Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) provides two-year technician students with opportunities to conduct research and gain skills in micro nano technology (MNT) that are not available in typical technician programs. Students are exposed to microfabrication processes utilized in the making of a micro pressure sensor device. These week-long experiences continuously optimize the process steps with the students and faculty participants. The community college students come from diverse backgrounds, promoting diversity within STEM. The students’ feedback of the course over a two-year period will also be presented. Irma Rocio Vazquez, Graduate Research Assistant, SCME, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM; Pallavi Sharma, Graduate Research Assistant, SCME, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM; Matthias Pleil, Research Professor and Senior Lecturer, SCME, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Project-based learning (PBL) creates a cohesive culture and the development of important skills bridging college-to-career readiness. The biotechnology program at Los Angeles Mission college, which mainly serves an underserved community, collected the data from 52 students about using PBL pedagogy regarding soft skills and class conduct parameters. The contextualized skill set included critical thinking, teamwork, motivation, effective communication, time management and self-efficacy. Class conduct parameters addressed preference for PBL, student attendance, and retention. The majority of students (94%) preferred PBL over traditional class, 89% percent had perfect attendance, and the retention rate was 94%, leading to at least 90% employment. Par Mohammadian, Life Sciences Faculty, ATE #2054891, Los Angeles Mission College, Sylmar, CA
The new edition of this etextbook has 14 chapters and is suitable for both high school and community college classes. Newly authored chapters in the latest edition include autonomous mobile robots and introductions to networks and cybersecurity. An updated instructor’s manual is available to assist in planning and organizing courses that use this eText. The manual includes learning objectives, sample syllabi, case studies appropriate for classroom discussions or homework assignments, additional supplemental exercises, and all eText review exercise solutions. Robert Sompolski, Dean of STEM and Health Careers, National Center for Supply Chain Automation, Oakton College, Des Plaines, IL
South Arkansas Community College’s Hands-on Technician Training (HoTT) instructional model involves redesigning three traditional face-to-face courses: Introduction to Industrial Technology, Industrial Safety, and Instrumentation I. Utilizing the flipped classroom concept, course content is delivered online via our LMS with students scheduling open lab hands-on practice activities and assessments at their convenience. This design provides the flexibility to attract more students. The courses contain competency-based outcomes that align with industry skill requirements vetted by subject matter experts. The project includes a first semester CP followed by options for a TC and an AAS, plus three exit ramps for students entering the workforce. David Carty, Program Director, Process Technology, Hands-on Technician Training (HoTT), South Arkansas Community College, El Dorado, AR; Ray Winiecki, Dean of Career and Technical Services/Co-PI, Hands-on Technician Training (HoTT), South Arkansas Community College, El Dorado, AR
he Texas State Technical College Online Competency-Based Education Project is a “Small, NEW to ATE Project” that proposes to develop online competency-based programs for technicians pursuing careers in architectural design and engineering graphics technology (CAD) and cyber security. The project will involve updating existing curricula to respond to current industry demands, providing professional development for faculty, providing on-going mentoring and support services for students, developing handbooks for faculty who are teaching the courses, developing an online CBE model for other CTE fields and institutions, and improving job placement opportunities so graduates are placed promptly and appropriately. Amy Hertel, Lead Instructor, National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Online Competency-Based Education of Technicians in Computer-aided Design and Cyber Security (#1901776), Texas State Technical College, Marshall, TX; Sam Pizano, Statewide Department Chair, Drafting and Design Technology, National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Online Competency-Based Education of Technicians in Computer-aided Design and Cyber Security (#1901776), Texas State Technical College, Harlingen, TX
The first review of our AS in Biotechnology program reveals insights that are crucial to help strengthen the program. Student demographics in the program (24% Black, 24% Hispanic, 38% Asian, 14% White) mimic the overall diversity of the QCC student population. Major findings include low enrollment and low retention numbers. The program’s strength lies in its faculty and facilities while program weaknesses lie in recruitment and advisement. This poster will share how we will use local high school recruitment efforts and student clubs for student engagement as well as high-impact practices in our curriculum to strengthen our program. Nidhi Gadura, Chair/Professor, NA, Queensborough Community College, CUNY, Bayside, NY
Our ATE project includes partners from community colleges, Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEP), Manufacturing Institutes, and the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education. Working together, we are designing a badge whose content is at the convergences of cybersecurity and robotics/automation/mechatronics (RAM). Badge earners will be attractive to manufacturers because their knowledge and skills will enable them to provide a much-needed additional layer of protection against cyber-attacks on connected machines. The poster will highlight the badge creation process from a generic point of view, and will include details used for development of our initial Cyber4RAM badge. Evelyn Brown, Director, Extension Research and Development, Advanced Technological Education Coordination Network for Knowledge Sharing in Robotics/Automation and Cybersecurity, NC State University, Raleigh, NC; Zack Hubbard, Dean of Technical Programs, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Salisbury, NC
Before writing my ATE proposal, I attended several training workshops that focused on building a UAV program. Although this preparation was necessary for project planning and taught me a great deal, there were still things I didn’t realize I needed to know to get this started on my own campus. In this poster I will describe the initial challenges encountered as I started the program and how I figured out what I needed. I will then provide specific information about the hardware, software, and peripherals I needed to get this program off the ground. Buffy Quinn, Associate Professor, Integrating UAV Data Analysis Credentials into a Geospatial AAS Program, Onondaga Community College, Syracuse, NY
Concurrent Sessions
WED 3:45–4:30 p.m.
WED 3:45–4:30 p.m., Grand Reception A
In this session, we will discuss strategies for fulfilling an NSF ATE grant titled ” Training Technicians to Install and Maintain Connected Technologies in Business and Smart Homes,” a joint effort of the Information Systems and Construction Engineering Technology programs. The PI and Co-PIs will discuss the IoT and Smart Technology certificate program developed at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, methods used to implement the curriculum, and the challenges involved in crossing these disciplines. Robin Hayes, Data Analytics and Computer Programming Instructor, NSF Principal Investigator, Connected Coast Initiative, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Gulfport, MS; Brian Donegan, Construction Engineering Instructor, NSF Co-Principal Investigator, Connected Coast Initiative, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Gulfport, MS; Jamie Gruich, Computer Networking Instructor, NSF Co-Principal Investigator, Connected Coast Initiative, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Gulfport, MS
WED 3:45–4:30 p.m., Riviera (3rd floor)
The COVID-19 pandemic has had wide-ranging effects, one of which has been its significant impact on 7-12 education. Schools have realigned priorities for education, restructured how curriculum is delivered, and redefined mastery of content knowledge. The recent behavioral, academic, and interpersonal challenges at the 7-12th grade level are leading to a very different portrait of a graduate than in years past. As pandemic graduates begin to join the workforce and higher education, some negative outcomes will become apparent in these new settings. Please join us for a facilitated discussion of behavioral challenges that have emerged as a ramification of virtual learning. Mary Ann Nickloy, Kelly Fahrenkopf, Curriculum Developers, NEATEC, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY
WED 3:45–4:30 p.m., Audubon (3rd floor)
It’s critical to apply an equity lens that is guided by principles that produce measurable gains when identifying, addressing, and closing equity gaps in programs leading to high-skilled technician jobs. Parishes Community College (RPCC) faculty have undertaken the “messy” work of collecting and using data to help identify areas where concerted effort must be made to attract, retain, and train students from underrepresented backgrounds in its instrumentation programs. This presentation will focus on RPCC’s use of the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity’s 5-step Program Improvement Process as a means of increasing the access and success of underrepresented groups in its CTE programs. Esperanza Zenon, Associate Professor, Physical Sciences, River Parishes Community College, Gonzales, LA
WED 3:45–4:30 p.m., Sussex (3rd floor)
This presentation will focus on a course developed from a collaboration with rural Arizona community colleges funded by ATE to contextualize math in CTE courses and programs. This new course at Arizona Western College demonstrates connections among math and welding faculty, covering the principles and applications of mathematics to real-world welding applications. The course was launched in spring 2022 to increase the likelihood of understanding the applications of technical mathematical concepts while also learning transferable math credits. Students who have minimal backgrounds in mathematics and need a general knowledge of mathematical concepts for the trades and practical job situations will benefit. Reetika Dhawan, Vice President of Workforce and CTE, Contextualized Math: Math for Welders Course, Arizona Western College, Yuma, AZ; Pedro Ordaz, Lab Technician, Contextualized Math, Arizona Western College, Yuma, AZ
WED 3:45–4:30 p.m., Vienna (3rd floor)
Looking for fun and engaging ways to incorporate IoT and electronics fundamentals into your technical courses and curriculum? Look no further. This session will cover tools and resources that are open-source and freely available for you to use in your classroom instruction. Instructor training opportunities and resources will also be discussed. Kristine Christensen, Professor, Computer Information Systems Director, Faculty Development, CSSIA, Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills, IL; Chuck Bales, Professor and Coordinator, Automation and Engineering Technology, CSSIA, Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills, IL
WED 3:45–4:30 p.m., Venezia (1st floor)
The Journal of Advanced Technological Education (J
ATE) is a peer-reviewed technical journal produced by and for the ATE community. J
ATE is supported by multiple ATE National Centers—MNT-EC, InnovATEBIO, NCAT, NCyTE, and ATEEC—and welcomes articles from all projects and centers. The Journal serves as a means of communication and dissemination for people interested in teaching and learning in advanced technological education. In this interactive session, you will learn about J
ATE, the peer-review publishing process, and manuscript submission to J
ATE for review and publication. We will pair writers with experienced editors to make your journal article ideas a reality. Become a published author in J
ATE and disseminate your results! Peter Kazarinoff, Professor, Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), Portland Community College, Portland, OR; Linnea Fletcher, InnovATEBIO Principal Investigator, InnovATEBIO, Austin Community College, Austin, TX; Neda Habibi, Assistant Professor, Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), University of North Texas, Denton, TX; Atilla Ozgur Cakmak, Assistant Professor, Micro Nano Technology Education Center, Grand Valley State University, Allendale Charter Township, MI
WED 3:45–4:30 p.m., Milano (3rd floor)
How can you strengthen your next NSF ATE proposal? What are some ideas for supplementing your current work? The only survey of its kind to capture ATE activities year after year, the annual survey of ATE grantees can help you answer these questions by providing a unique look at the ATE community’s diverse portfolio of work. This presentation will demonstrate how to use EvaluATE’s interactive data dashboard in Tableau, and how to use findings from the annual ATE Survey to craft data-informed proposals and discover ideas that will help to elevate your work to the next level. Erika Sturgis, Data Analyst, EvaluATE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI; Valerie Marshall, Project Manager, EvaluATE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
WED 3:45–4:30 p.m., Fontainbleau (3rd floor)
In this session, Justin Tickhill and Jason Tucker from North Central State College (NCSC) will provide a set of resources for technician and distance education in the field of biotechnology. These resources will include accessible course shells for Biology I and II (Majors Biology), Introduction to Bioscience Techniques, Advanced Bioscience Techniques, Histology, Genetics, Introduction to Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, and Pharmaceutical and Toxicology Bioscience. During the COVID-19 pandemic these education materials were put to the test in a rigorous fashion. The presenters will discuss best practices and lessons learned during this opportunity for disruptive innovation. Justin Tickhill, Associate Professor and Program Director of Biology, Bioscience Technician Expansion Project, North Central State College, Mansfield, OH; Jason Tucker, Assistant Professor and Bioscience Program Coordinator, Bioscience Technician Expansion project, North Central State College, Mansfield, OH
WED 3:45–4:30 p.m., Grand D
NEATEC and CNEU presenters will discuss the development and implementation of their respective veteran programs. Although Vet S.T.E.P. (Semiconductor Training and Experience Program) and NCP (Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program) both train service members and connect them with employers, the format and delivery of training, the role of community college partners, and the outreach tactics differ. We’ll explore these models and discuss how aspects of each can be implemented by your school to expand your technician programming, in any STEM discipline, to the military community in your market area. Kate Alcott, Associate Director, Northeast Advanced Technological Education Center (NEATEC), SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY; Robert K. Ehrmann, Managing Director, Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization (CNEU), Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Thursday, July 28
THU 7:00 a.m.–Noon
REGISTRATION OPEN (Grand Ballroom Registration Desk)
THU 7:30 a.m.–Noon
Concurrent Sessions
THU 8:15–9:00 a.m.
THU 8:15–9:00 a.m., Audubon (3rd floor)
Faculty play a valuable role in helping students gain employment. Their endorsement of a student carries weight with employers, but recommending a student with a disability can often lead to awkward conversations. This session provides valuable information and resources for faculty to use in their conversations with employers around hiring students with disabilities. This interactive panel with expertise in human resources, diversity and inclusion, STEM employment, and technician education will discuss general best practices that will help faculty advocate for students, address concerns related to communication, and educate employers about misconceptions related to hiring students with disabilities. Maureen Gallagher, Associate Director, DeafTEC, AccessATE, Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Rochester, NY; Jonathon Little, Associate Professor of Geography/GIS, Meeting Workforce Needs with Virtual GIST, Monroe Community College, Rochester, NY; Scott Van Nice, Cybersecurity Director, Procter & Gamble; Greg Pollock, Vice President of Human Resources and Accessibility Officer, PNC Financial Services; Michelle Maybaum, President, Desiderata HR Consulting; Rachael Bower, PI, ATE Central, Madison, WI
THU 8:15–9:00 a.m., Fontainbleau (3rd floor)
Since the start of the Engaging Students from Classrooms and Camps to College and Technical Careers project in 2018, Torrington High School has added five technical courses that align to local workforce needs and introduce students to technical careers. During this presentation, participants will learn about the technical courses that were added to a comprehensive high school curriculum in order to introduce students to technical careers and how the collaborations between the community college, high school, and industry partners helped facilitate course development and student interest. This project is supported by NSF ATE Grant #1801062. Sharon Gusky, Professor/PI, Engaging Students from Classrooms and Camps to College and Technical Careers, Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted, CT; Saradina Redman, Student, Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted, CT
THU 8:15–9:00 a.m., Riviera (3rd floor)
This session will address the topics of the growing skills gap and the lack of people entering high-demand, high-paying industrial/manufacturing careers. We are not recruiting enough students into the secondary and postsecondary education pathways in which the skills needed for these careers are developed. The presenter will show exciting ways to expose and engage students at an earlier age, even at the middle school and elementary school level. Through Binocs for Education, STE(A)M programs, and fun and engaging camps, we can engage more students at earlier ages. Tony Oran, Vice President, Festo Didactic, Inc., Eatontown, NJ
THU 8:15–9:00 a.m., Vienna (3rd floor)
Participants will learn about a new electronics project used to recruit high schoolers during a workshop for underprivileged high school students. This is a newly developed platform designed to raise awareness and excitement for learning to solder through-hole and SMT. Students learn how to calculate resistance, voltage drops, and current in different types of circuits, and to build series, parallel, and combination circuits. They learn to test voltage and resistance in circuits and combine circuits to complete the project. Students also learn to work independently to complete their individual boards and as a team to complete the project. Sandra Castonguay, Lead Instructor, Electronic Engineering Technology, Central Carolina Community College, Sanford, NC; Jeff LeSueur, President, Awesome Cube, LLC, Northfield Center, OH
THU 8:15–9:00 a.m., Milano (3rd floor)
The AppConnect NW network collaborates across multiple colleges on a strategic approach to industry engagement to facilitate career opportunities for individuals who are underrepresented in technology fields. This session will discuss how we have grown as a consortium and how we plan to move forward by adding a computer science degree. We will share best practices that create student and industry connections and how we will adapt those to the new degree. Attendees will be invited to share their experiences and insights in an interactive conversation about collaborating across colleges for student success and meeting industry needs. Cherie Bachman, Director of Industry Outreach, AppConnect North West, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Kirkland, WA
THU 8:15–9:00 a.m., Venezia (1st floor)
Partnerships provide important resources and insights for ensuring that advanced manufacturing programs meet industry’s workforce needs. During this session, leaders from the National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing will share partnership models with industry and organizations that have helped to make their programs impactful. Sometimes these collaborations can come from unexpected partners! Attendees will learn where to look for partnerships and how to maintain them. Karen Wosczyna-Birch, Executive Director and PI, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, CT College of Technology, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, Farmington, CT; Doug Pauley, Associate Dean of Training and Development, Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Jerry Muller, Industrial Trainer/Coordinator, Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Chrys Panayiotou, Executive Director, LASER-TEC, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL; Chris Dennis, Supply Chain Instructor, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH
THU 8:15–9:00 a.m., Grand Reception A
Internships are an integral part of technical education training. However, obtaining one can be a challenge. Valencia College’s biotechnology program wrote an NSF ATE grant to improve the internship experience. originally designed to be implemented pre-COVID. While seeking to understand student needs and unexpected challenges, project personnel uncovered new opportunities during the process of implementing the grant in the unprecedented conditions caused by COVID. In this session, strategies will be presented to initiate a grant and successfully complete the first year’s objectives. Participants will reflect on the strategies presented and their impact on the student internship experience. Participants will share their own obstacles and insights. Susan Ingersoll, Professor and Program Director, Improving the Biotechnology Internship Experience to Better Prepare Student Technicians for the Modern Workforce, Valencia College, Orlando, FL; Sothy Kien, Instructional Lab Supervisor, Improving the Biotechnology Internship Experience to Better Prepare Student Technicians for the Modern Workforce, Valencia College, Orlando, FL
Concurrent Sessions
THU 9:15–10:00 a.m.
THU 9:15–10:00 a.m., Riviera (3rd floor)
BioMADE’s mission is to enable domestic bioindustrial manufacturing at all scales, develop technologies to enhance U.S. bioindustrial competitiveness, de-risk investment in relevant infrastructure, and expand the biomanufacturing workforce to realize the economic promise of industrial biotechnology. This session will introduce the newest Manufacturing USA Institute underwritten by the U.S. Department of Defense. Participants will learn about the benefits of membership and opportunities for funding bioindustrial processing projects. The presenters will discuss biomanufacturing sectors, cooperative agreements, and the proposal process for funding. Thomas Tubon, Chief Workforce Development Officer, BioMADE, St. Paul, MN; Louise Petruzzella, Education and Workforce Development Senior Program Manager, BioMADE, St. Paul, MN
THU 9:15–10:00 a.m., Venezia (1st floor)
The Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) aims to better match the MNT technician graduate to the workforce by fostering academic and industry mentorship. We have blended existing paradigms taken from Working Partners and the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) to form a hybrid partnership model resulting in specific goals for each industry relationship. Micro Nano Technology spans multiple industry segments and therefore requires a more individualized, focused approach. This presentation will highlight how we’ve built strong and effective partnerships crucial to the success of the center while nearly tripling the number of industry partners over the past year. Caitlin Cramer, Assistant Program Chair, Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne, IN; Matthias Pleil, Research Professor and Senior Lecturer III, Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), Albuquerque, NM
THU 9:15–10:00 a.m., Grand D
Bring your connected device and join the team from the Hidden Innovation Ecosystem Project led by Rutgers University to learn about the impacts of ATE projects and centers on local economies. You will also be led through a hands-on demonstration and exploration of the project’s data visualization tool. The amazing tool makes quick work of exploring IPEDS data and instantly reveals the trends over time of graduates from one or more CTE advanced technology programs. The tool can compare across the country or a single or multiple states at one time as well as reveal grads or completers of programs of different lengths. We can’t wait to share this awesome tool! Marilyn Barger, Senior Education Advisor, Hidden Innovation Infrastructure, Rutgers University and FLATE, Tampa, FL; Michael Lesiecki, Principal Consultant, Preparing Technicians for the Future of Work, CORD, Phoenix, AZ
THU 9:15–10:00 a.m., Grand Reception A
Miami Dade College was recently designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency. Our CyberSecurity program aims to shorten the gap of underrepresented minorities and women in this high-demand field. This presentation will share how we are intentional in our approach to ensuring representation is part of the development of outreach programs, marketing, curriculum, and instruction as well as how we are building a pipeline to Cybersecurity careers through our program’s five pillars: 1-State Framework, 2-Industry Certifications, 3-NSA Knowledge Units, 4-Internal Expertise, and 5-Industry Advisory Board. Diego Tibaquira, Professor, ASCEND, Miami Dade College Padron Campus, Miami, FL
THU 9:15–10:00 a.m., Vienna (3rd floor)
Allowing ultimate flexibility for students to attend class during uncertain times doesn’t have to sacrifice student engagement and interaction. This presentation will demonstrate how Athens State University successfully blended the concepts and technology of the HyFlex model with active learning and instructional design principles to create a rich learning environment that both students and faculty enjoy from anywhere. The session will define what we have come to term as ActiveFlex classes, give best practices we have learned throughout the journey, and explore the possibilities of ActiveFlex outside of academia. Mark Gale, Associate Professor of Instructional Design, Athens State University, Athens, AL; Letitia Bergantz, Assistant Professor of Instructional Design, Athens State University, Athens, AL; Marla Williams, Assistant Professor of Elementary Education, Athens State University, Athens, AL
THU 9:15–10:00 a.m., Audubon (3rd floor)
Are you interested in submitting a proposal to the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program? Then don’t miss this presentation! We will cover the essential elements of an effective evaluation plan and demonstrate how to integrate them into an ATE proposal. Experienced ATE evaluators will also share tips on budgeting for an evaluation, locating a qualified evaluator, and working with an evaluator prior to receiving funding. Participants will receive evaluation resources to assist when writing a proposal and have a chance to network with evaluators accepting new clients. Lyssa Becho, Principal Research Associate, EvaluATE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI; Megan Zelinsky, Senior Research Associate, EvaluATE, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
THU 9:15–10:00 a.m., Milano (3rd floor)
This session will feature hands-on activities using the Circuit Playground Express and MicroBit devices. Both of these devices have been used to engage students for summer camp activities and encourage them to design and build devices that they’ll have fun using. The simple coding interface and accessible device inputs give students an opportunity to complete specific tasks in a creative manner. Attendees are encouraged to bring a computer (not a tablet) to interact with these devices. Michael Davis, Academic Department Chair, St. Petersburg College, Palm Harbor, FL
Videos and Observational Tools to Support Employability Skills Development (Fontainbleau, 3rd floor)
THU 9:15–10:00 a.m., Fontainbleau (3rd floor)
Instructors in STEM technician fields focus on teaching technical skills but also know that their industry partners seek strong employability skills in their future employees. This session will present two employability skills tools that have emerged because of a partnership between education researchers and STEM technician instructors. These include: (1) a set of brief YouTube videos that instructors can use to engage students in reflecting on employability skills in their courses; and (2) a digital observational tool that instructors can use to track students’ demonstration of employability skills in their courses. Louise Yarnall, Senior Researcher, Project GOALS (Greater Opportunities to Advance Lifelong Success): A Research Collaborative for Building STEM Tech Employability Skills, SRI Education, La Selva Beach, CA; Maniphone Dickerson, Dean of Business and Workforce Development, Project GOALS (Greater Opportunities to Advance Lifelong Success): A Research Collaborative for Building STEM Tech Employability Skills, Evergreen Valley College, San Jose, CA; Taylor McLeod, Content Development Manager, Project GOALS (Greater Opportunities to Advance Lifelong Success): A Research Collaborative for Building STEM Tech Employability Skills, NextFlex, San Jose, CA
Concurrent Sessions
THU 10:30–11:15 a.m.
THU 10:30–11:15 a.m., Vienna (3rd floor)
Metropolitan Community College’s Project Nexus aims to teach young adults the basic principles of sensor usage in relation to the world of the Industrial Internet-of-Things. Because of COVID, a 100 percent hands-on program utilizing industrial sensors, networking, prototyping, and learning guides had to move to a 100 percent virtual learning platform in which the entire curriculum and facilitation had to shift. Project Nexus shifted to multi-modal to serve a larger span of individuals by creating an asynchronous course. This session will cover topics related to choosing a platform, instructional design, shift of facilitation, and creating relative virtual simulations. Mike Guericke, PI and Instructor, Project Nexus, Metropolitan Community College, Omaha, NE; Lyndsie Gibbs, Project Director, Project Nexus, Metropolitan Community College, Omaha, NE
THU 10:30–11:15 a.m., Venezia (1st floor)
Do you have an idea for improving your college’s technician program but lack the funding to implement it? Are you interested in learning how to develop a competitive ATE grant proposal? Do you want to learn successful practices for getting support from your college administrators and involving them in the ATE-supported Community College Presidents Initiative? Experience proves chances of receiving NSF ATE awards significantly increase with assistance from one of the ATE grant development and mentoring initiatives. This session will compare the different mentoring initiatives with special focus on Mentor Up and FORCCE-ATE and will include a discussion of successful previous cohorts and the application process. Kathleen Alfano, Co-PI Mentor Up and the CREATE Energy Center, Mentor Up and CREATE, College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, CA; Elizabeth Teles, Co-PI, Mentor Up, Teles Consulting, LLC, Locust Grove, VA; Karen Wosczyna-Birch, PI, Mentor Up, Education Connection, Litchfield, CT
THU 10:30–11:15 a.m., Fontainbleau (3rd floor)
Educational institutions are increasing their focus on equity, particularly in terms of how to serve their Latinx students. Providing professional development in culturally responsive education can help existing and future faculty learn to productively engage their students. Culturally responsive approaches use the cultural knowledge, prior experiences, frames of reference, and performance styles of ethnically diverse students to make learning encounters more relevant and effective for them. Sarah Belknap, Instructor of Mathematics, Culturally Responsive Instruction for Advanced Technician Education, Westchester Community College, Valhalla, NY; Juan Rodriguez Jr. , Instructor Computer and Information Technologies, Westchester Community College, Valhalla, NY
THU 10:30–11:15 a.m., Riviera (3rd floor)
Structured and intentional employer engagement is one of the hallmarks of the IT Flexible Apprenticeship program at Columbus State Community College (CSCC). During a 2020 employer roundtable conversation, our partners expressed an interest in engaging with students earlier in the process, prior to high-stakes interactions such as networking and interviews. Simultaneously, CSCC’s Career Services was exploring the launch of an innovative student mentorship initiative. From this convergence of opportunity emerged the Gamification Mentorship initiative. Born out of the COVID era, the Gamification Mentorship program is a virtual, gamified student development initiative. Attend this session and learn more about the origins, design, implementation process, and pilot results. Julie Collet, Career Counselor, NSF-ITFA, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH; Dave Cofer, Director Partnerships and Programs, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH
THU 10:30–11:15 a.m., Grand Reception A
As the need for work in the manufacturing sector increases, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI) is working to raise awareness about careers in through grassroots efforts. Learn how PMMI has fostered relationships in communities between high schools, colleges, and industry through the creation of student manufacturing summer camps. Stephan Girard, Sr. Director, Workforce Development, PMMI, Herndon, VA
THU 10:30–11:15 a.m., Audubon (3rd floor)
In this session, the panel will review the outcomes of the Enhancing Associate Degrees for Information Technology Technicians and Professionals grant. Each panelist will present their role in the grant and provide participants with resources developed. At the end of the session, participants will understand how to undertake a holistic review of class outcomes aligned to industry certifications. We will also present tutoring videos developed as part of the grant for participants to incorporate into their classes. Kyle Jones, Chair/Professor, Enhancing Associate Degrees for Information Technology Technicians and Professionals (Award Number: 1800755), Sinclair Community College, Dayton, OH; Eric Renegar, Professor, Evaluation Plan for Enhancing Associate Degrees for Information Technology Technicians and Professionals (Award Number: 1800755), Sinclair Community College, Dayton, OH; Jon Neff, Project Manager, Sinclair Community College, Dayton, OH; Amberly Hofman, Adjunct Faculty, Sinclair Community College, Dayton, OH
THU 10:30–11:15 a.m., Milano (3rd floor)
In this session we are going to discuss the need for colleges to shift their focus toward the skills earned and learned by students in order to help bridge the gap to employment in an unbiased manner. When colleges and employers redirect their focus to the abilities of jobseekers and the skills they have proven to have, it opens up opportunities that students might not otherwise have had access to. We believe that a fundamental shift in both education and workforce systems to re-center around skills provides the perfect opportunity to address issues surrounding equity in both education and employment. Bob Slaman, Sales Director, Jobspeaker, Inc., San Francisco, CA
THU 10:30–11:15 a.m., Grand D
Finding approaches to meeting the advanced technology skill needs of the manufacturing industry has been challenging for over a decade. It is clear that upskilling incumbent workers will need to be a key part of the solution. We look forward to sharing our learnings from implementing three new initiatives designed to develop opportunities for upskilling with local industry: a bilingual cohort for the industrial maintenance certificate that has increased our engagement with the Latinx community, launching new targeted focus area certificates, and developing off-campus partnerships with local companies. Jill Thiede, Associate Dean of Engineering Technologies, 1800965 – New Approach to Building a Workforce Pipeline for Electro-mechanical Technician Education, NWTC, Green Bay, WI
THU 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions
THU 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
THU 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Milano (3rd floor)
This session will present findings from the Problem-Solving Inventory Survey, specifically on female students’ perceptions of problem solving through a virtual learning platform. The presenters will share the differences between students’ problem-solving abilities and technology motivation by gender, race, and ethnicity as part of the larger ATE-funded project, iNoVATE-X. Students were enrolled in courses within the Network Enterprise Administration Certificate program embedded as a specialized track leading towards the Networking Systems Technology Associate Degree program. Ernie Friend, Executive Director of FLATE; Project PI, ATE iNoVATE-Expansion Project, Florida Advanced Technological Education Center, Orlando, FL; Kimberly Taylor Luthi, Assistant Professor and Research Coordinator, College of Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Project Research Collaborator, ATE iNoVATE-Expansion Project, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL; Angelicque Tucker Blackmon, CEO and Chief Inspiration Officer; Director of Research and Evaluation Innovative Learning Center, LLC; Project Evaluator, ATE iNoVATE-Expansion Project, Innovative Learning Center, LLC, Atlanta, GA
THU 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Grand Reception A
Co-mentoring is a new ATE initiative for assisting faculty and institutions with ATE grant project proposals. ATE National Centers such as the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) are collaborating with Mentor-Connect to provide discipline-specific subject matter expertise simultaneously with grant proposal development mentoring. The co-mentoring initiative includes proposal reviews with constructive feedback, guidance on the ATE solicitation (NSF 21-598) and PAPPG, and assistance with the NSF on-boarding process and new awardee packet. Recommendations and best practices on the technical aspects of the proposed project will also be shared, along with available mentoring resources. Greg Kepner, Co-PI, Micro Nano Technology Education Center, Pasadena City College, Ottumwa, IA; Mel Cossette, Executive Director and PI, MatEdU and Micro Nano Technology Education Center, Edmonds College, Lynnwood, WA; Elaine Craft, PI, Mentor-Connect, Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence, SC
THU 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Venezia (1st floor)
The IT Skill Standards 2020 and Beyond project (DUE #1838535) has convened 250+ employers from across the country to identify future-facing required job skills for the most in-demand IT job clusters. Sessions attendees will learn about the process of working with employers to develop skill standards that include required knowledge, skills, abilities, and tasks; key performance indicators; employability skills; and shared learning outcomes (SLO). They will also learn how to apply the skill standards already published to perform a gap analysis against their own curriculum to identify potential improvements. Ann Beheler, Principal Investigator, IT Skill Standards 2020 and Beyond, Collin College, Frisco, TX; Christina Titus, Program Director, IT Skill Standards 2020 and Beyond, Collin College, Frisco, TX
THU 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Audubon (3rd floor)
This session will introduce attendees to a project that can give high school students access to four entry-level mechatronics courses at a distance in Nebraska and Minnesota. Attendees will learn the best practices used in delivering hands-on technical courses at a distance utilizing high school instructors as the facilitator. The session will also cover the value of utilizing the Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) to help sustain the project and best practices for delivering technical coursework online. Participants will see the trainers and observe activities the students participate in. Grant Award #2037491. Doug Pauley, Associate Dean of Training and Development, Enhancing the Independent Mechatronics Technical Curriculum and Creating a New Pathway from Rural High Schools into Mechatronic Careers, Central Community Central, Columbus, NE; Jerry Muller, Industrial Trainer/Coordinator, Enhancing the Independent Mechatronics Technical Curriculum and Creating a New Pathway from Rural High Schools into Mechatronic Careers, Central Community College, Columbus, NE; Doug Laven, Mechatronics Instructor/ PI, Enhancing the Independent Mechatronics Technical Curriculum and Creating a New Pathway from Rural High Schools into Mechatronic Careers, South Central College, North Mankato, MN
THU 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Riviera (3rd floor)
Clearly defining and articulating industry partnership goals is crucial for initiating and sustaining successful relationships with employers. Mapping these goals onto known industry partnership modelsfor which resources and best practices are availableis a terrific way to refine and deepen your understanding of your goals. Join the leads from the Working Partners Project and Workshops for an interactive, hands-on session that provides practice with refining and mapping your industry partnership goals while also learning more about the best practices used in partnerships throughout the ATE community. Donna Lange, PI, DeafTEC: Technological Education Center for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students, Rochester, NY; Rachael Bower, Co-PI, Working Partners Project and Workshops, Internet SCOUT, Madison, WI
THU 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Fontainbleau (3rd floor)
The CREATE Energy Center’s SCADA (Supervisory Controls And Data Acquisition) project has developed a job task analysis, a set of six curriculum modules, a control board with four hands-on labs, and an open-source platform/database with three computer-based labs that allows colleges to connect their renewable energy assets and provide analytical training to their students using their own data, along with data from other regions and simulation sets. Participants will see the freely available resources and learn how to integrate them into existing energy technician and other technology programs. Ben Reid, Principal, CREATE SCADA, Impact Allies Inc., Vero Beach, FL; Kenneth Walz, Director and Principal Investigator, Center for Renewable Energy Advanced Technological Education (CREATE), Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI; Kevin Cooper, Principal Investigator, Project Vision, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, FL
THU 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Vienna (3rd floor)
Big data analytics and data visualization are becoming a norm in business today. Data-driven organizations are having strategic advantages. Higher education is slow in adopting these tools to enhance graduation and student success. This presentation will showcase a community college in Texas where data analytics tools are used to develop course scheduling and student success programs. Data Camp and Data Institute for faculty and staff are creating a data-centric culture that is driving innovative business and strategic planning processes. The presenter will demonstrate dashboards developed in PowerBI to make data-driven decisions. Rajiv Malkan, Professor, CCN, Lone Star College Montgomery, Conroe, TX
Keynote Luncheon
THU 12:30–1:45 p.m., Grand B
Emerging Technologies & Industry Innovation: Preparing a Skilled Technician Workforce for a Changing World
Our keynote panel will provide insights on emerging technologies and industry innovation, discuss how these developing trends will impact the skilled technician workforce, and how we might best prepare future skilled technicians for these jobs.
Moderator
Mike Davis
Program Director – Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) at National Science Foundation
Thomas Tubon
Chief Workforce Development Officer, BioMADE
Panelist
Kevin Cooper
Executive Director, Indian River State College
Panelist
Karen Wosczyna Birch
Executive Director, National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing
Concurrent Sessions
THU 2:00–2:45 p.m.
THU 2:00–2:45 p.m., Venezia (1st floor)
Aviation maintenance technology (AMT) programs rely heavily on kinesthetic learning, and the COVID-19 crisis caused major disruptions to AMT programs’ curricula. Applying a resilience engineering framework, this NSF ATE project investigates AMT programs’ immediate and long-term learning responses to the pandemic. The researchers use qualitative and quantitative research methods to gain in-depth insights into the adaptations employed to maintain academic continuity in March 2020 and subsequent semesters. We discuss our findings and share evidence-based guidelines based on our data and other published work. These guidelines can help ATE programs maintain academic continuity during any disruption. Katie Shakour, Research Association, Clemson University, Clemson, SC; Tim Ransom, Gayatri Anoop, Graduate Students, Clemson University, Clemson, SC; Eliza Gallagher, Assistant Professor, Clemson University, Clemson, SC; Rebecca Short, Director of Operations, Clemson University Center for Workforce Development, Clemson University, Clemson, SC; Kapil Chalil Madathil, Associate Professor, Clemson University, Clemson, SC; Karen Johnson, Associate Professor, Aviation Technologies, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL; Stephen Ley, Associate Professor, School of Aviation Sciences, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT
THU 2:00–2:45 p.m., Milano (3rd floor)
The NSF ATE DeafTEC Resource Center is partnering with CompTIA, the leading provider of vendor-neutral information technology certifications, on this ATE-funded project to offer a CompTIA A+ Certification bootcamp for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who have traditionally been underrepresented in the IT workforce. This presentation will cover lessons learned from this partnership and findings of the project. Additional opportunities for community colleges to partner with the non-profit CompTIA Tech Career Academy to address the industry shortage of skilled IT professionals and open career doors for populations who have traditionally been underrepresented in the IT workforce will also be discussed. Brian Trager, Chairperson, Information and Computing Studies, Pilot Program to Prepare Adults Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing for Skilled Technical Positions in Information Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY; Nancy Hannervik, CEO, CompTIA Tech Career Academy, CompTIA; Amy Kardel, SVP, Strategic Workforce Relationships, CompTIA, Downer’s Grove, IL
THU 2:00–2:45 p.m., Fontainbleau (3rd floor)
The DOE-FIU Science and Technology Workforce Development Program is designed to build on the existing DOE-FIU relationship by creating a pipeline of minority scientists and engineers specifically trained and mentored to enter the DOE workforce in technical areas of need. In this session participants will learn about the successful approaches and lessons learned during the FIU’s workforce development, including best practices in student recruiting, hands-on training, research engagement, and summer internship partnership development. Detailed case studies will present successful histories of students from groups underrepresented in STEM already placed in diverse research institutions and industries across the DOE complex. Leonel Lagos, Director of Research, Applied Research Center @ Florida International University, Miami, FL; Anthony Abrahao, Research Scientist, Florida International University, Miami, FL
THU 2:00–2:45 p.m., Riviera (3rd floor)
During a 2020 employer roundtable conversation, our partners expressed an interest in engaging with students earlier in the process, prior to high-stakes interactions such as networking and interviews. Going beyond just their involvement in hosting our students in apprenticeship positions, we’ve found that bringing the industry perspective into career exploration summer camps for high school students, dual-enrollment course bundles in specialized areas like the IT Explorers program, enriching co-curricular supports throughout a student’s time at Columbus State, and opportunities for alumni have created a really vested interest in the talent pipeline in the industry sector and everyone benefits. Dave Cofer, Director Partnerships and Programs, NSF-ITFA, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH; Stephanie Schuler, Project Manager, NSF-ITFA, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH; Larry McWherter, Assistant Professor, Information Systems Technology Department, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH
THU 2:00–2:45 p.m., Vienna (3rd floor)
Learn about replicable employer-developed IT career pathways piloted for high school graduates, college graduates, and career changers to enter IT careers. At the onset of COVID-19, Hawaii experienced the highest unemployment in the nation, with the hospitality and service industries hardest hit. Pacxa, Hawaii’s premier technology solutions provider/systems integrator, piloted an IT career pathways program designed to meet its entry-level employment needs and provide opportunities for motivated individuals to enter recession-resistant, sustainable-wage careers. Participants with little or no IT experience receive six months of paid work experience, mentoring, access to and support for IT industry training and certifications, and jobs! Jean Schneider, Executive Director, Workforce Development, Pacxa, Honolulu, HI
THU 2:00–2:45 p.m., Audubon (3rd floor)
This hands-on session will present an innovative, technology-rich blended learning environment for biomanufacturing and IoT education and professional skills training developed in collaboration with biopharma companies. It enables students to perform authentic online experiments using digital copies of actual equipment and, in this context, study pertinent theoretical subjects and develop troubleshooting skills. Making students comfortable with equipment and process workflow and boosting their job-related understanding prior to hands-on practice dramatically enhance their performance at college labs and during on-site training. Participants will learn how to adapt virtual labs and associated resources and integrate them with their own curricula. Yakov Cherner, Co-PI, Blended Learning for Biomanufacturing Education and Training in Emerging Technologies #1902673, The Internet of Things Education Project #1801090, ATeL – Advanced Tools for e-Learning, Swampscott, MA; Isso Bayala, Professor of Biotechnology and Compliance at Quincy College, Blended Learning for Biomanufacturing Education and Training in Emerging Technologies, #1902673, Quincy College, Quincy, MA; Gary Mullett, Professor and Department Chair of Applied Engineering Technologies Department, The Internet of Things Education Project #1801090, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA
BREAK REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE
(Venezia [1st floor] and 3rd floor foyer)
Concurrent Sessions
THU 3:00–3:45 p.m.
THU 3:00–3:45 p.m., Audubon (3rd floor)
Educational/assistive technology in the classroom can help level the playing field for students of all learning types, including students with disabilities, student veterans, and educationally disadvantaged students. Learn how these technologies are used by students and how you can build them into your universal-design classroom for a more inclusive learning environment for all students. Mike Sauter, Alternate Media/Assistive Technology Specialist, ATE Access, DeafTEC, Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA
THU 3:00–3:45 p.m., Riviera (3rd floor)
This session will highlight AgCentric participants, including secondary teachers, postsecondary staff, curriculum designers and authors, and industry partners. Each will discuss their role in the project and review the lessons learned to date in bringing in a new career pathway in technology applications in the agricultural engineering and maintenance sector. A project overview and completed trainings to date will be reviewed, along with best practices gathered from trainees (secondary teachers) and industry partners. Additionally, the presenter will review the concurrent enrollment options originating from this project. Participants will experience one activity utilized in the training of ag technicians. Finally, the session will cover next steps for industry in solving talent shortages in collaboration with high schools and colleges. Keith Olander, AgCentric, Executive Director, Technical Applications In Agriculture (#2000787), Central Lakes College/AgCentric, Staples, MN
THU 3:00–3:45 p.m., Vienna (3rd floor)
This session will give attendees the information needed to deploy a LiFi (Light Fidelity) lab at their college or school. Workforce development classes in optical wireless communications at WCJC will also be covered. JB Groves III, Instructor of Computer Science, National Convergence Technology Center, Wharton County Junior College, Richmond, TX
THU 3:00–3:45 p.m., Venezia (1st floor)
This session will cover best practices that have been discovered from outreach to K-12 students, returning students, and veteran students who show an interest in our programs. Our recruitment practices help students see themselves in the program and gives the potential student actual experience in the program prior to application/enrollment. Our retention practices follow the student from first contact with a faculty member to completion of the program. This is accomplished through meaningful faculty mentoring, employer connections, and hands-on student services. Tom Hebert, Gas Utility Construction and Service Program Faculty, Utilities and Energy Coordination Network, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay, WI
THU 3:00–3:45 p.m., Milano (3rd floor)
Since the great Virtual World (VW) exodus that started in 2012 from Second Life, educational institutions have struggled to find engaging low-cost virtual content for education. Some of the lost worlds just mimicked campuses around the world in a virtual space while others attempted to blur the lines between the real world and what could be. This presentation will show how Ivy Tech has started to rebuild some of the past virtual worlds by infusing and using new MEMS (from SCME) and CAD (Solidworks and Blender) technology into existing coursework for enhanced student education. Andrew Bell, Department Chair, Engineering, SCME, Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne, IN