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They don't just memorize steps for an exam, they develop the skills needed to manage a real network, install routers, configure firewalls, and ensure switch security, for example. My goal is to make sure that students have opportunities to gain practical experience through hands-on practice with what they learn from the textbook and lecture. Each of our IT classes includes time for lecture and for skill development, which may involve hands-on labs, demonstrations by the instructor, or other learning tasks that build students' skills. In my role as IT director, I have the opportunity to teach high-level networking classes in the Information Systems Engineering (ISE) program, where 60-plus students study operating systems, network infrastructure design, and network administration as they work toward an associate's degree. In 2009 I came to National College in Youngstown, Ohio, as the director of information technology programs. By completing this hands-on training, IT students have experienced greater success in their education, and some have obtained certifications that led to career opportunities.LabSim, an IT certification training curriculum used at National College, gives students hands-on experience through simulated labs that support lecture, videos, and written lessons.
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When students have the opportunity to train with a hands-on curriculum and prepare to certify in the IT field, they become more deeply engaged in both their education and their career path.Students in information technology need realistic, hands-on experience to master IT skills.
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