Header

Thirty Attend Javascript Survival Guide Workshop

March 20th, 2013 | Posted by ToddLewis in IT-oLogy Defined | Promote IT - (0 Comments)

Javascript(2)Thirty technologists attended the Javascript Survival Guide workshop on February 26 at IT-oLogy. Hosted by the Open IT Lab, the event drew people of all backgrounds and experiences, from the computer science student at the university level to the seasoned web developer.

Javascript is an open source client side scripting language used to create enhanced user interfaces and dynamic websites – it’s a language every developer should know. The workshop’s purpose was to provide useful information designed to steer attendees away from javascript’s cliffs and canyons and lead them towards clear, concise and powerful code. Client side javascript can feel like a big open wilderness if you haven’t been immersed in the culture and best practices.

Brad Dunbar, a developer at Pathable Inc and a graduate of the University of South Carolina, served as workshop instructor and did a fantastic job. He will offer an additional workshop for the javascript beginner in upcoming months.

,

Ubuntu Workshop Another Success

March 6th, 2013 | Posted by ToddLewis in IT-oLogy Defined | Promote IT - (0 Comments)

The Open IT Lab at IT-oLogy led another successful Ubuntu workshop on Thursday, January 24.

The workshop was the fifth Ubuntu offering since the Lab opened and served as an introduction to Ubuntu from the desktop users perspective. Ubuntu Linux is a free and open alternative to Windows or Mac OS X, and the world’s third most popular home computer operating system.

Topics such as how to navigate the desktop, install and manage software and software updates, and take advantage of the features that Ubuntu offers the desktop user were covered by Jim Salter. He also discussed how to customize the UI look and feel, what multimedia support options exist, and more about the Linux file system.

As Ubuntu continues to grow in popularity the Open IT Lab will continue to offer workshops. The next offering will take place in April.

, , ,

IT-oLogy Teaches People to Build a Computer from Scratch

February 7th, 2013 | Posted by ToddLewis in IT-oLogy Defined | Promote IT - (0 Comments)

The Open IT Lab at IT-oLogy hosted its first ever Build a Computer from Scratch workshop on Saturday, February 2.

The workshop targeted those that have wondered what goes on inside a computer and served as a unique hands-on opportunity for attendees to build a desktop computer from scratch. People with all levels of experience participated, from the less experienced college student to the seasoned IT professional that had never looked inside a computer to see how it works.

The workshop explained and demonstrated common components, such as the case, power supply, motherboard, memory, hard drive, and optical drive. Attendees were also shown how to install and connect these pieces to build a working machine.

Finally, the Ubuntu Linux operating system was installed and explained.

By the end of the two our event attendees learned about safety procedures, tools for computer assembly and repair, computer terminology and measurement units (RAM, SSD, BIOS, SATA, Intel Core, gigabytes, etc.), the basics of computer components and cables, installing and connecting basic computer components, Linux-compatible hardware, and how to install the Ubuntu operating system.

, , , , , ,

Computer Science: Filling the Education Pipeline Gap

December 12th, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Promote IT - (0 Comments)

We are almost half way through Computer Science Education Week 2012 (CSEdWeek) (December 9-15) and I have been taking stock of the things I have seen this week and over the past several months, the state of K12 computer science education is heading down a dangerous path.

Running On Empty: The Failure to Teach K–12 Computer Science in the Digital Age released by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) found that only one-third of states in the United States have rigorous computer science education standards for high school, and most treat computer science courses as an elective (often in vocational technology) and not part of a student’s core education. This not only fails to encourage students to seek out opportunities in this rapidly growing field, it actively discourages students from taking a computer science academic track, since it is not offered or does not satisfy a graduation requirement.

Even interested, high potential students are being kept out. I recently spoke with a young woman in Massachusetts, who when asked if she planned to take the Advanced Placement Computer Science (APCS) course, said “I’m hoping my teacher will let me sit alone in a classroom and work on it by myself,” and that it wasn’t offered at her school or through their virtual school exchange. Nationwide only 7% of high schools offer the APCS course. This is a wake up call. We are squandering a precious resource – our students.

CSEdWeek is a call to action to raise awareness about the importance of computer science education and its connection to careers in computing and many other fields. Getting involved is easy. The first step is to voice your support by taking the pledge. Next do something. It can be as simple as writing to your local superintendent to express your concern about the issue or as big as organizing a public event. Wondering where to start and how to plan it? CSEdWeek has a toolkit to help you organize an event that fits your needs.

We are seeing some pockets of hope in places like Massachusetts and Georgia, having just received a National Science Foundation grant to build on their successful work in drawing more women and under-represented minority students to study computer science, as well as Chicago and their project Taste of Computing which is working to improve and expand computer science education at the high school level throughout the Chicago Public Schools system.

These are all steps in the right direction, but there is still more to be done. To learn more about this issue and ways to support CSEdWeek, please visit www.csedweek.org.

CSEdWeek 2012 is led by the Chair Ruthe Farmer, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the National Center for Women and Information Technology. CSEdWeek is an outreach activity of Computing in the Core (CinC), a non-partisan advocacy coalition that strives to elevate computer science education to a core academic subject in K-12 education.

 

, ,

IT Jobs Series: Information Technology Management

November 12th, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Promote IT - (0 Comments)

In this last segment in our IT Jobs Series we will delve into the Information Systems cluster. In this group professionals compare business practices with technical skills. Hands-on skills and business expertise are needed in this field, as well as a high school, associates, four-year, or graduate degree.

In Information Technology Management, one can directly impact how successful a company will be, regardless of funds or size. Because each venture can be considered a project, time management, teamwork, and self-discipline are important qualities to have in a successful professional. Technical writing skills are also important, as those skills help convey your products to customers. The upper range of jobs in this major require a thorough and first-hand knowledge of business and the ability to converge both business and IT mindsets.

Responsibilities of professionals in IT management include IS administration, project coordination, technical governance, and leadership skills. These don’t only come from traditional education. Sample credentials to help gain these skills include:

  • Project Management Institute Certification (PMI)
  • IT Security Management Certification
  • CIO Designation

Industries like insurance, healthcare, banking, and retail are all impacted by IT. Therefore, the job growth in Information Systems is projected to grow about 18% from 2010 to 2020.

, , , ,

AppAThon: Android Student App Challenge

November 1st, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Promote IT - (0 Comments)

Attention middle school, high school, and college students interested in application development!

IT-oLogy has partnered with the Open IT Lab and the University of South Carolina College of Engineering and Computing to host an Android App Development Contest for all high school, college, post graduate and PhD students. The winning team (consisting of two developers and one artist) will win $1,200, or if it is a group of two (two developers) the prize will be $800!

The contest starts November 3rd, 2012 and closes November 15th. Only students in South Carolina middle schools, high schools, and colleges will be permitted to enter. The development will be on Android platform and in a number of predetermined app categories.

After the contest has closed on Saturday, November 17th, judging, demos, and awards will be presented at an event at IT-oLogy! There will be pizza, snacks, and presentations of demos. Trophies, t-shirts, and prizes will be given away as well, and it is open to the public!

For more information and further contest details head over to the AppAThon website.

, , , , , ,

IT Jobs Series: Software Engineering and Development

October 30th, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Promote IT - (2 Comments)

If you are the kind of person who always knows about the latest technologies and software programs, maybe you should consider working in software engineering and development. The name may sound intimidating, but there are extensive opportunities in both the software industry and within organizations across business and industry. The areas can range anywhere from insurance to retail, energy to aerospace, and more.

Because the needs of companies and individuals constantly change, the future for engineers of computer software and application systems seems promising. This major will provide its experts a chance to be creative in how they create products and meet their customers’ needs, while still focusing on IT and technology.

This sector in the IT cluster also allows for variation of employment. Most business-related software is created by teams of architects, designers, analysts, integrators, and software programmers or engineers. However, if working in teams isn’t in your best interest, games-development can be done independently. The opportunity for you to choose how and in what type of environment you work is up to you!

General skill requirements include fundamental programming languages like COBOL and programming techniques like open source software. Management and design skills are also important, especially if one is working on an independent project. The ability to develop new security systems is also considered essential in this field, since hackers and viruses are threats to business systems daily. Including a passion for development, credentials are an important part of getting the job you want within your field. Some software development credentials include:

  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer
  • Sun-Java Developer Certification
  • Associate of Science in Computer Programming
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
  • Master of Science in Software Engineering

Like most IT sectors, the outlook for development is better than the average national outlook. 30% growth from 2010-2009 due to increased demand for new technologies and computer software forecasts even more growth for the future.

Check back early next week for the next IT Jobs post on Web and Digital Communications!

, , , , , ,

November Cyber Saturdays in Columbia and Greenville!

October 25th, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Promote IT - (0 Comments)

Registration is open for Cyber Saturday in both Columbia and Greenville! This will be our kick-off Cyber Saturday in Greenville so we want to invite any and all middle school students who are interested in IT to come! Cyber Saturday is a hands-on program where middle school students can learn about IT and technology.

Cyber Saturday – IT-oLogy @ Innovista
1301 Gervais Street, Suite 200 | Columbia, SC
Saturday, November 10 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Eventbrite - November 2012 Columbia Cyber Saturday

We are excited to announce that Cyber Saturdays at IT-oLogy @ Innovista are made possible by Connect a Million Minds.

Cyber Saturday – IT-oLogy @ University Center of Greenville
225 S. Pleasantburg Drive | Greenville, SC
Saturday, November 10 | 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Eventbrite - November 2012 Greenville Cyber Saturday

, , , ,

IT Jobs Series: Information Support and Services

October 22nd, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Promote IT - (0 Comments)

In our first post of our IT Jobs Series, we’ll discuss one of the broadest groups in the IT Career Cluster: Information Support and Services. Experts in this field generally extend their knowledge and expertise to help others figure out their technology. Depending on what field the worker is in one’s day can consist of anything from setting up work desktops in an office to maintaining database security for a large company. The responsibilities for this kind of field are especially important to an average company, since IT support experts are one of the first sources of technological help for companies working on computers (which, when you think about it, adds up to a lot). Sample tasks include: software and hardware training, providing PC support, testing and installing software systems, and integrating multiple databases. If you enjoy personal interaction along with problem-solving and hands-on participation, IT Service may be the right path for you.

It might be easy to know what kind of things you’re good at or interested in, but when it comes to job hunting, credentials and certifications are important to have on one’s resume. Though an Associate degree in Administrative Office Technology or a Bachelor’s degree of Science in Information Technology are both great ways to show your academic studies in the area, they are not one way tickets to a job. IT service management has numerous other ways to show a person’s professional expertise in an area, some of which being:

  • Oracle Certified Professional
  • CompTIAA+ Certification
  • Microsoft Certified Database Administrator
  • Certified Information Security Services Professional (CISSP)

The outlook for IT support is one of the best in the country. More than 216,000 jobs in IT support are expected immediately. Also, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the IT field has a job growth projection of around 35% over the next three years. With annual salary ranges between $30,000 – $100,000 depending on one’s expertise and academic achievements, the IT Service field is one that can provide for personal growth and achievement as well as professional stability.

 

, , , , ,

IT Jobs Series

October 16th, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Promote IT - (0 Comments)

What comes to mind when you hear the words “information technology?” Nerds? Math? Boredom? These are all common misconceptions about a flexible and diverse sector in the job market that can open many doors for its experts. The IT field not only allows those working in it to go into almost any field they choose, but it also allows for innovation, creativity and problem-solving.

As the global economy and marketplace become more technologically dependent, the jobs for those working in that field will grow exponentially — and it’s not just for web developers or graphic designers. Now that we know there will be jobs available, next is to decide what career path in IT would be a good fit for you. Based on a career system aimed at lowering drop out rates, all South Carolina 8th graders choose a career cluster from a group of 16 that they are interested in. In 10th grade students choose a career path within that cluster. In the IT cluster there are five career paths:

  1. Information Support and Services
  2. Software Engineering and Development
  3. Web and Digital Communications
  4. Information Systems
  5. Networking Systems

If it seems like math and science are the only skills you would need for a job in IT, think again. Though knowledge of technology, science and math are generally desired, skills in business, arts, marketing and multimedia are also important to have. These kinds of skills can lead a person into different sectors of IT that allow for creativity, like human resources, administration, graphic design or web development. If a student’s results point to a career in the Information Technology field, there are tons of different positions in varying sectors. Though they are in the same overall cluster, they are completely different.  Through the career cluster program students can change their general clusters or career paths at any time, which provides an opportunity to learn about many different sectors and jobs. Over the next few weeks we will go over each of these specific categories and detail the knowledge and skills required to excel within them. The different sections can produce numerous types of jobs that have varying needs and requirements.

Keep up with the IT Career posts to find out more, and feel free to ask us any questions!

, , , , , ,