National Convergence Technology Center

Big thanks to everyone who supported the National CTC's efforts all these years. Our work here is done, but our staff looks forward to helping the next national center (NITIC at Columbus State Community College) continue helping IT educators, programs, and students.

The National CTC grant ends with the "Convergence College Network" IT educator community of practice at 100 member schools across 32 states. This group met 62 times from 2012-2023. Grant funds sent 103 CCN member faculty to 16 different national education conferences. #NSFfunded

Since 2018, the National CTC has posted weekly #BILTwednesday tips for the "BILT model" to help educators engage employers & align curriculum to workforce needs. That's 200+ Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn posts (43,200+ impressions and 1000 engagements). tiny.cc/BILTlegacy

At the CTC's final 3 (in person) Summer Working Connections, attendees signed our photo mats. July 2012-July 2023 by the numbers: 37 Working Connections events, 88 topics, 2349 seats filled. #NSFfunded

The National CTC turns off the lights and locks the doors this Saturday. Big thank you to all of the colleges and businesses who supported these many years. Special appreciation to @collincollege and @NSF @ATECentral for making it all possible. connectedtech.org/blog/farewell-…

The new “Implementing the BILT Model of Business Engagement” PDF (37 pages) provides a step-by-step overview of how to successfully convene a Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT). #BILTwednesday drive.google.com/file/d/15slA0r…

In our Monday blog... We've at last posted to our YouTube channel the four lunch presentations from July's Summer Working Connections. connectedtech.org/blog/watch-lun…

Now available from the National CTC: two FREE “owner’s manual” PDFs providing step-by-step directions for “How to Plan & Deliver Successful Professional Development Events” (33pp) and “Implementing the BILT Model of Business Engagement” (37pp). #NSFfunded connectedtech.org/blog/ctc-share…

Six new spotlight videos feature testimonials from educators & employers on the value of using the BILT model. It’s a good way to get a quick understanding of why so many programs and schools across the country are using the BILT Model. #BILTwednesday tiny.cc/qd0bvz

Today's Friday video: overview of the National CTC's 2019-21 pilot project that sought to determine whether job applicants with an e-portfolio of their work stand a better chance of getting hired than those without an e-portfolio. youtu.be/-BACOIDhkQg?si…

Take a deep dive into essential strategies and best practices for maximizing your business council with our HITEC conference presentation "BILT for the Future." #BILTwednesday drive.google.com/file/d/1Log7Zz…

The “IT Skill Standards 2020 and Beyond” project – funded by an NSF grant – is hosting a free three-day, in-person workshop October 16-18 to teach attendees how to develop and leverage a future-facing set of skill standards for any technical discipline. connectedtech.org/blog/free-skil…

Our Friday video: Hear from educators and employers how an active BILT (Business and Industry Leadership Team) differs from a more traditional business advisory council and how BILTs can energize the relationship between businesses and schools. youtu.be/T93zsaT6w9w?si…

These are the seven essentials to implementing a successful BILT (Business and Industry Leadership Team) that can help technical programs better align curriculum with workforce needs. #BILTwednesday Learn more: youtu.be/0YTntDOkY2Q

Are you teaching lean and agile principles in your IT classes? That was the subject of our latest half-hour "Brown Bag" webinar. Learn more by reading our Monday blog, which includes a link to watch the entire 30-minute video. connectedtech.org/blog/lean-and-…

The National CTC now has available for download OER course material for ITNW 2327 (Advanced Cloud Concepts). It's provided as a Canvas IMSCC package. Learn more at connectedtech.org/advanced-cloud/ That page provides course information & directions to request the content.

A big change to our KSA Infrastructures from 2022 includes adding new knowledge areas to cover basic AI concepts, online resource forums, DevSecOps, and the increasing interconnectivity of IT. See what other changes were made here: connectedtech.org/blog/ctc-relea…

Are you teaching #blockchain concepts? This webinar might be able to help! connectedtech.org/blog/are-you-t…

Did you know many of our Brown Bag webinars are appropriate for classroom use? Check out the full playlist here: youtube.com/playlist?list=… #NSFfunded

When recruiting employers to your BILT, customize your pitch for each prospect. And be sure you have a good idea of the labor market demand. #BILTwednesday