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IT Academy Gives Students Real-World Networking Experience

Participating students from Grand Forks, N.C., high school gained 60 hours of experience by doing security camera work at three middle schools, installing more than 1.4 miles of cable and moving computer labs around at a high school.

(TNS) — Four high school students thrust their heads into the ceiling of Red River High School in Grand Forks, N.D. Standing on ladders, shoulders hidden from view, they routed several feet of cable to each other.

Within two weeks, they finished security camera work at three middle schools, installed more than 1.4 miles of cable and moved computer labs around at a high school.

Students use the IT Networking Summer Academy to gain 60 hours of real-world computer networking experience while earning a half credit for summer school.

The work they explore is so relevant that graduates such as Jay Peterson return to volunteer. Peterson, a former Red River student, will attend UND this fall to pursue a computer science degree.

“You learn a lot about how all networks are set up and how to work with other people,” he said. “I just like helping out, too, knowing the school district benefits from it.”

Well-rounded experience

For 15 years, program students have worked on projects that match what local employers say they need, instructor Paul Zettler said.

They’ve rewired labs, upgraded district computers with more memory, reorganized wiring closets and helped troubleshoot connections that weren’t working, he said. Recently, they installed more wireless access points in Red River classrooms ahead of a new policy this fall that allows students to bring their own electronic devices.

But they also boost their social skills, which “sometimes need to be worked on,” Zettler said.

Industry professionals helped inform the class, too. Networking Specialists, an Internet technology service, and Dellcom, a telecommunications systems business, have offered advice for the program. Dellcom also has hired a number of former students, Zettler said.

But while the work gives them a good feel for the daily rhythms of a job, it’s still a class. Zettler grades the students on initiative, behavior and participation. On the last day, each student will present a slideshow of work completed at one school.

“They say how much work was done there, how much feet of cable was routed and estimate how much it would cost to do that job,” he said.

Some students said the class was valuable for their future. Like many others, Central High School junior Allison Olson knew she liked computers. She’s toying with the idea of being a computer programmer, she said.

“It seemed like a great opportunity for networking because I haven’t had any exposure,” she said.

Zettler called it a win-win for the district and students.

“This is truly a situation where the school district saves money and students benefit with experience they can put on their resume,” he said.

©2015 the Grand Forks Herald (Grand Forks, N.D.), Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.