Winter 2025 Working Connections

Program Policies

The goal of the National IT Innovation Center’s (NITIC) Working Connections professional development is to equip IT faculty at two-year institutions of higher education with the expertise needed to teach their track content in a subsequent semester. This ensures that the most current information reaches their classrooms, either as a stand-alone course or as supplemental material to an existing course. 

Cost:  

• Tuition is FREE; there is no fee to attend. 

Eligibility:  

• Working Connections is for faculty and administrators currently teaching IT credit courses (full-time or adjunct) at a regionally accredited U.S. two-year community college or technical college. 
• To ensure equitable access to new learning opportunities, participants may not enroll in the same track more than once. Tracks that repeat previously offered content will be clearly noted, and individuals who have already completed the course are not eligible to retake it.
• Attendees are expected to use what they learn in their track to teach or supervise a class in the next 12 months. 
• High school teachers may only attend if they also teach as a community college adjunct. 

Registration:  

• Completing the registration form requests your seat. Your seat is not confirmed until you receive the registration email.  
• Each individual may only submit one application for registration. Only the first submission will be considered, and any subsequent registrations will be disregarded without further notice.  
• IT Innovation Network (ITIN) member institutions will have a priority window to register and will be notified of the dates via the NITIC mailing list.  

Cancellation/Track Changes: 

• If you must cancel your registration or request a track change, please notify Mark Dempsey at mdempsey@collin.edu immediately before the deadline of Tuesday, December 2nd. 
• To be good stewards of our NSF ATE grant funding, we must fill all available seats. Attendees who register but then fail to show up without providing advance notice may be ineligible for future Working Connections workshops. Please inform us right away if you’re not able to attend. 

Attendance: 

• This is a synchronous online workshop.
• Attendees must participate in all sessions in real time. Ensure your calendar is clear and out-of-office email notifications are set up for uninterrupted participation.
• Seats will be limited to 2 per institution. Additional faculty will be placed on a waitlist and will receive a seat if space becomes available after registration closes.  

Tracks:  

• Tracks run for the entire duration of Working Connections; attendees may only select one track.  
• Some tracks have specific pre-requisites or requirements. Be sure to read the track details before requesting to register.  
• Tracks may be repeated throughout the year. See the track details to ensure you’re not registering for a track you’ve already completed.  
• Seating capacity varies by lab, track, and instructor, but typically capped at 20 attendees. 
• Webcam and dual monitors are highly recommended. Tracks often require being able to read instructions and perform the project.
• Recordings and use of AI notetaking assistants during online tracks are left up to the sole discretion of the instructor. NITIC is not facilitating, storing, or managing recordings.
• Be sure to check for time zone differences. You are responsible for ensuring you do not miss your track.

Completion Credential:  

• NITIC has teamed up with Credly to provide digital badges to showcase verified Working Connection credentials.  
• Only those who attend every session (morning and afternoon) and pass the required track assessment with a grade of 80 or better will receive their badge.
• Badges will be issued within 30 days of completion and can be showcased on LinkedIn, email signatures, or printed as a certificate. Hard copies can be printed from Credly’s website and will reflect CEUs earned.

 Survey:  

• All attendees will complete a survey before the end of the event. 
• Longitudinal surveys will continue to be sent after the event to measure lasting impact.  

INTRO - AWS Academy Generative AI Foundations

Tuesday, December 16, Thursday, December 18, Friday, December 19, 10:00 AM – 1 PM; 2 PM – 6:30 PM ET 

Description

AWS Academy Generative AI Foundations is intended for individuals who seek an introduction to artificial intelligence with a particular emphasis on generative AI technologies. It provides fundamental concepts, capabilities, principles, use cases and associated AWS services and tools of generative AI in the context of the AWS cloud. This course helps you to prepare for the AWS Certified AI Practitioner exam. 

Objectives

• Understand fundamental AWS services. 
• Effectively discuss the fundamental concepts, capabilities, principles, use cases, and tools in AWS as it relates to generative AI. 
• Developing an understanding of AWS certification exam questions and test taking techniques.  

Pre-requisites

None, but AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner/Fundamental AWS knowledge preferred. 

Required Textbook

None.

At-home Computer Requirements

Internet access for AWS Academy platform site. 

Please note that content is subject to change or modification based on the unique needs of the track participants in attendance.  

Agenda

Tue, Dec. 16: 

• Module 0 – AWS Cloud Foundations 101 
• Module 1 – Welcome to AWS Academy Generative AI Foundations 
• Module 2 – Introducing AI 

Thurs, Dec. 18:

• Module 3 – Introducing Generative AI 
• Module 4 – Using Prompts and Prompt Engineering 
• Module 5 – Working with Foundation Models 

Fri, Dec. 19: 

• Module 6 – Practicing Generative AI Responsibly  
• Module 7 – Considering Security, Governance, and Compliance for Generative AI 
• Module 8 – Implementing Generative AI Applications 
• Module 9 – Bridging to Certification and Certification Prep 

Instructor

Mr. Asad Ahmad Khan, MSIT is a Full Time Lecturer of Information Technology at Georgia Gwinnett College, part of the University System of Georgia. He has taught the senior level ITEC 4000 – Cloud Computing Technologies course, aimed at preparing students for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification exam, as well as Digital Media and Introductory IT courses.  

He is the former Program Director of the Networking Specialist program and Dean Liaison in the Computer Sciences Division at Gwinnett Technical College, where he served for almost 3 years in these roles, until July 2024.. He has built and taught four different AWS courses for Gwinnett Tech, as an AWS Accredited Educator.  He has taught AWS certification prep courses to students from across Georgia’s technical college system, state employees across Georgia’s state agencies, and instructors in the CCN for the last five years.  He managed the AWS, CompTIA, and Microsoft Learn Academies for the college as well. He currently possesses 35 certificates in IT, including 16 in Cloud Computing (Azure, Google Cloud, CompTIA, and Oracle Cloud), as well as the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified AI Practitioner, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, and the AWS Certified Developer Associate.    

INTRO - Cyber for Beginners: Foundation for Cybersecurity Education

Tuesday, December 16 – Thursday, December 18, 10:00 AM – 1 PM; 2 PM – 6:30 PM ET 

Description

As technology continues to shape every aspect of modern education and business, cybersecurity awareness and competency have become essential — even for those who don’t teach or specialize in the field. This three-day workshop introduces IT instructors to the core principles, tools, and mindsets that define the cybersecurity discipline. Participants will explore foundational concepts such as the CIA Triad, data protection, cyber hygiene, and incident response, while also discussing how emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing are transforming both cyber offense and defense.

Through a mix of discussion, demonstration, and guided exploration, participants will gain a working understanding of how to think like both an attacker and a defender. The goal isn’t to create cybersecurity experts overnight, but to help instructors confidently integrate cybersecurity perspectives into their existing IT or networking courses — preparing the next generation of students for a digital world where security is everyone’s responsibility.

Objectives

• Explain the fundamental principles of information security, including the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability).
• Identify common cybersecurity threats and demonstrate strategies for basic system and data protection.
• Analyze how AI, cloud computing, and emerging technologies are reshaping both cyber offense and defense.
• Apply effective cyber hygiene and incident response strategies in simulated classroom or lab environments.

Pre-requisites

• A foundational understanding of IT or computer networking concepts.
• Basic familiarity with operating systems (Windows and/or Linux).
• Experience teaching or supporting technology-related courses.
• A willingness to engage hands-on in cybersecurity tools, simulations, or discussions. 

Required Textbook

None.

At-home Computer Requirements

Basic work laptop with HTML5 browser. 

Please note that content is subject to change or modification based on the unique needs of the track participants in attendance.  

Agenda

Tue, Dec. 16: Foundations of Cybersecurity

Theme: Understanding the Core Principles of Information Security 

• What is Information Security? 
• The CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability 
• Protecting Systems and Data 
• Strategies for Cyber Hygiene 
• Introduction to Security Tools and Concepts 

Wed, Dec. 17: Offense, Defense, and the Role of AI

Theme: Exploring How Attackers and Defenders Think 

• Social Engineering and Human Factors 
• Red vs. Blue Team Thinking (Introduction to Ethical Hacking & Defense) 
• AI in Cybersecurity: Threats and Opportunities 
• Incident Response Fundamentals 
• Linking Technical Concepts to Classroom Applications 

Thurs, Dec. 18: Teaching Cyber in Context

Theme: Integrating Cybersecurity into IT Education 

• Cybersecurity in the Cloud 
• Frameworks and Governance (NIST, NICE, and Cyber Education Models) 
• Tools and Platforms for Teaching Cybersecurity (NDG, TryHackMe, RangeForce, etc.) 
• Emerging Trends: AI-Powered Attacks, Zero Trust, and Future Directions 
• Developing a Cyber Integration Plan for Your Classroom 

Instructor

Jason Zeller is an assistant professor in the Informatics Department at Fort Hays State University. In industry, Mr. Zeller has worked for internet service providers and as a Senior Product Engineer for Network Development Group, where he was responsible for creating and writing curriculum and lab content for use in colleges worldwide. His instructional responsibilities include being the lead professor for the undergraduate and graduate Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Management courses. Mr. Zeller is the Director of Operations for the Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator at FHSU and the Co-Director of the Information Enterprise Institute, which is FHSU’s Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. Mr. Zeller also owns a cybersecurity consulting company, CypherAxe, where he hires students from high school and in his college programs to gain real-world experience in the field. 

INTRO - Teaching AI Hands-On

Tuesday, December 16 – Thursday, December 18, 10:00 AM – 1 PM; 2 PM – 6:30 PM ET 

Description

This three-day professional development track is made for community college instructors eager to bring artificial intelligence into their classrooms. Designed for educators teaching or planning to teach an introduction to AI, this fun, fast-paced and hands-on program combines essential knowledge with practical, ready-to-use lab assignments that can be integrated into your course. 

Throughout the track, participants will explore key AI concepts aligned with select competencies from the Maricopa Community Colleges AIM100 – Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course. You’ll gain hands-on experience with free AI tools and develop activities that promote active learning and critical discussions on the impacts of AI. 

By the conclusion of this experience, instructors will be equipped to confidently facilitate engaging AI labs, utilize free AI tools, and lead meaningful conversations around AI’s effects on work and society.  

This professional development opportunity aims to empower educators to prepare their students for the expanding landscape of AI literacy, opening pathways to careers across numerous industries and fostering informed citizens in an AI-driven world. 

Objectives

• Identify and recall foundational AI concepts and terminology relevant to introductory courses. 
• Demonstrate the use of free/essential AI tools be executing hands-on lab assignments designed for classroom integration. 
• Develop and adapt AI lab exercises and teaching materials that align with best practices and meet the needs of community college students. 

Pre-requisites

A positive attitude, and a willingness to learn! 

Required Textbook

None. Slides and materials will be provided by the instructor.

At-home Computer Requirements

Windows or MacOS PC with preferably the Chrome or Edge browser is required. If following along at home with the KNIME lab, the KNIME application should be installed.

Please note that content is subject to change or modification based on the unique needs of the track participants in attendance.  

Agenda

Tue, Dec. 16: Getting Started, Intro to AI 

• Introductions 
• Maricopa Community College’s AI offerings and programs 
• Common domains of AI 
• Lab – Introduction to AI (AutoDraw, Google Translate, Google Slides) 
• Lab – Introduction to AI Extensions (Blob Opera, Semantris) 
• Lab – Machine Learning (KNIME)

Wed, Dec. 17: AI Lab Day 

• KNIME:  More than Data Analytics 
• Google’s Teachable Machine for Audio and Image Classification 
• Lab – Audio Classification (Teachable Machine) 
• Lab – Image Classification (Teachable Machine) 
• Landing Lens 
• Lab – Detecting Forest Fires Lab (Landing Lens) 
• Lab – Scratch Face Recognition Labs 

Thurs, Dec. 18: LLM and Emerging Trends 

• Prompt Engineering 
• Lab – Solving Difficult Problems with LLM 
• Lab – Stable Diffusion (Text-to-Image) 
• Emerging Trends in AI 
• Lab – AI Song Creation 
• Lab – Using Streamlit to create an AI Chatbot

Instructor

Chris Santo is a residential faculty in the Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering Division of Scottsdale Community College in Scottsdale, AZ, part of the Maricopa Community College District, where he teaches a variety of courses including Java Programming, Data Structures, Data Analytics, Tableau, Power BI, Data Analytics for Python and Artificial Intelligence.  Chris has taught Mathematics, Computer Science and Computer Information Systems courses for the Maricopa Community Colleges for 18 years.   

Mr. Santo has over 30 years of experience in industry, holding various roles in computer lab management, systems administration, project management, database development, application development and IT management. 

INTRO - Workforce Professional Skills

Tuesday, December 16 – Thursday, December 18, 10:00 AM – 1 PM; 2 PM – 6:30 PM ET 

Description

Develop the essential skills to thrive in any professional environment. This course strengthens communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-management through real-world scenarios and practical exercises. Students will learn to communicate with clarity and empathy, demonstrate professionalism, think critically under pressure, and take initiative in their own growth and development. 

Objectives

• Understand and apply effective communication principles—including verbal, nonverbal, written, and digital skills—to foster empathy, clarity, and professionalism in workplace interactions. 
• Demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, and a strong work ethic by contributing to team goals, showing accountability, and maintaining a positive and dependable presence in the workplace. 
• Analyze and evaluate workplace challenges using critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making strategies to adapt to change and handle competing priorities effectively. 
• Create and implement a self-directed plan for continuous learning, professional growth, and resilience by integrating feedback, reflection, and technology tools into ongoing development. 

Pre-requisites

None.

Required Textbook

None.

At-home Computer Requirements

Must have access to a reliable computer with internet access and a way to communicate (in-computer microphone, headset, etc.). Must have access to the internet (Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.). Access to a word processor (Word, Pages, etc.) for notes, and content creation.

Please note that content is subject to change or modification based on the unique needs of the track participants in attendance.  

Agenda

Tue, Dec. 16: Getting Started, Intro to AI 

• Morning Session (10 AM – 1 PM): 
  • Welcome, introductions, and workshop overview 
  • Icebreaker activity: “First Impressions” — exploring how we communicate without words 
  • Mini-lesson: Elements of effective communication (verbal, nonverbal, written) 
  • Paired exercise: active listening & empathy practice 
• Afternoon Session (2 PM – 6:30 PM): 
  • Discussion: Professionalism and workplace expectations 
  • Activity: Crafting professional emails and messages (peer review & feedback) 
  • Reflection: Identifying personal communication strengths and growth areas 
  • Wrap-up: Key takeaways & end-of-day reflection 

Wed, Dec. 17: AI Lab Day 

• Morning Session (10 AM – 1 PM): 
  • Recap & warm-up activity 
  • Mini-lesson: Principles of collaboration and handling diverse teams 
  • Group challenge: “The Team Task” — cooperative problem-solving exercise 
  • Debrief: communication roles and conflict dynamics 
• Afternoon Session (2 PM – 6:30 PM): 
  • Mini-lesson: Critical and creative thinking in workplace decisions 
  • Case study: Handling customer complaints and conflicting priorities 
  • Activity: Role-play difficult conversations and feedback delivery 
  • Reflection: How to balance empathy and assertiveness 

Thurs, Dec. 18: LLM and Emerging Trends 

• Morning Session (10 AM – 1 PM): 
  • Discussion: Work ethic, motivation, and accountability
  • Mini-lesson: Adapting to change and managing stress in the workplace
  • Activity: Feedback swap — asking for, giving, and receiving constructive criticism
• Afternoon Session (2 PM – 6:30 PM): 
  • Workshop: Building your personal action plan for professional growth 
  • Reflection activity: Setting SMART goals & learning strategies 
  • Group presentations: “My Growth Roadmap” — short presentations from participants 
  • Final reflection and course wrap-up 

Instructor

With a background in bioengineering and over eight years of experience in research, innovation, and teaching, Sienna brings a unique perspective to professional development and workplace communication. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Sienna also teaches college-level courses in Computer Information Systems and Mathematics, blending technical expertise with real-world problem-solving and collaboration skills. 

Passionate about helping students grow beyond academics, Sienna focuses on practical communication, teamwork, and professional growth strategies that translate directly into success in any career field. Their goal is to ensure every student feels confident in their ability to communicate ideas, collaborate effectively, and thrive in their work environment. Known for an approachable, engaging teaching style, Sienna encourages learning by doing—helping each participant build the skills and self-assurance needed to become the best version of themselves.