Spring 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. community college or technical college.   
• 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 an adjunct at a regionally accredited U.S. community college or technical college. 

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, February 28th.
• 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 sign in and participate all week 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 3 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 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 (as determined by the instructor) 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.  

 Survey:  

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

AI and Data Science with Python

Fridays, March 14th – April 18th from 1pm-5pm CT; 2pm-6pm ET 

Description 

The AI and Data Science with Python workshop is an intensive, hands-on programming course allowing attendees to work directly with AI concepts using Python. Participants will be introduced to modern algorithms and techniques, starting with data preparation, implementing fundamental machine learning algorithms, and advancing to deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision applications. Participants will build neural networks from scratch, work with popular frameworks like PyTorch, and gain experience with deployment strategies and IP protection. The workshop includes coverage of agentic AI implementation and ethical and safety considerations brought about by AI tool development. Participants will develop the technical expertise to teach AI programming in their classrooms through live coding demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and practical projects. NOTE: Between 20% and 30% of this track will be a repeat of content provided in “AI Foundations” (Summer Working Connections 2024, Fall Working Connections 2024) and “AI for Instructors” (Winter Working Connections 2024).   

Objectives

• Implement fundamental machine learning algorithms using Python and apply them to real-world applications
• Design and develop neural network architectures using modern frameworks such as PyTorch, incorporating best practices for training and optimization
• Evaluate and implement appropriate safeguards for agentic AI systems, including safety mechanisms and IP protection strategies
• Synthesize course concepts by deploying  AI models that incorporate data preprocessing, model training, and production deployment using industry-standard tools and practices 

Pre-requisites 

While knowledge of AI Foundations is recommended, it is not required; however, participants should have some basic Python programming experience.   

Required Textbook 

None. 

At-home Computer Requirements 

Laptop or PC. Webcam and dual monitors are highly recommended. A stable, reliable internet connection is needed.

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

Agenda 

Fri, March 14 – Python Fundamentals for AI & Data Science: 

• Python concepts essential for AI development
• NumPy and array operations
• Pandas for data manipulation
• Working with matrices and tensors
• Scikit-learn 

Fri, March 21 – Implementing Classical ML Algorithms: 

• Supervised learning algorithms 
• Linear regression
• Decision trees
• Classifiers 

Fri, March 28 – Neural Networks & Deep Learning Implementation: 

• Perceptrons
• Building neural networks
• PyTorch 

Fri, April 4 – Natural Language Processing: 

• Text processing techniques 
• Tokenization
• Word embeddings
• Sentiment analysis
• Transformers 

Fri, April 11 – Computer Vision & Agentic AI: 

• OpenCV programming
• Image processing implementations
• Working with Agenic AI – implementation & controls 

Fri, April 18 – Additional Topics: 

• CUDA
• Model deployment strategies
• IP protection & security
• Ethics of AI 

Instructor

Wade Huber is currently a residential computer science faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, where he recently served on the committee developing CGCC’s Artificial Intelligence bachelor’s degree. He has over 25 years of experience as a software engineer in the telecom, semiconductor, and medical device manufacturing industries. During this time, he taught math and computer science as an adjunct professor. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, and a Master of Science in Computer Science from The University of Texas at Dallas. 

Essentials of Ethical Hacking

Fridays, March 14th – April 18th from 1pm-5pm CT; 2pm-6pm ET 

Description 

This course will cover ethical hacking (and pen testing information) with labs utilizing common tools (Nmap, Open Vas, Cain & Abel and others). Frameworks will be introduced along with mapping to the Miter Att@ck matrix.  You should gain insight into the ethical hacking process and how it impacts defense of systems.   

Objectives 

• Apply ethical hacking principles.
• Utilize tools to identify threats and vulnerabilities.   
• Analyze impacts of vulnerabilities. 
• Understand the impact of social engineering attacks.   

Pre-requisites 

Background with information security principles, Windows and Linux recommended along with networking and TCP/IP knowledge. 

Required Textbook 

Ec-Council epub and CyberQ Labs.  Directions will be sent to access the materials (Free to educators). 

At-home Computer Requirements 

You will need a reasonable internet connection to work with pods of virtual machines and an ePub reader for course materials. Webcam and dual monitors are highly recommended.  

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

Agenda 

Fri, March 14 – Security & Hacking Fundamentals:  

• Ethics
• Cyber Kill Chain  
• Frameworks  
• Acts/Laws  
• Footprinting  
• Network Discovery  
• Enumeration Basics 

Fri, March 21 – Threats & Vulnerabilities: 

• Malware 
• Att@ck 
• Vulnerabilities and Assessment 

Fri, March 28 – Social Engineering: 

• Phishing 
• Passwords 
• Techniques & Tools 

Fri, April 4 – Network Attacks: 

• Attacks 
• Sniffing 
• Spoofing 
• Wireless 
• Countermeasures 

Fri, April 11 – Web Applications: 

• SQL 
• Burp 
• Cracking 
• Countermeasures 

Fri, April 18 – Wrap Up: 

• IoT 
• Mobile & Could 
• Intro to Pen testing 
• Wrap up Assessment 

Instructor 

Greg Brodt has been teaching IT related courses for over 30 years. He is a full-time IT instructor at Northwood Technical College in Northwest Wisconsin. He has a master’s degree from the U of MN in Electrical Engineering (digital design) and has taught courses in electronics, programming, networking (CCNA), VOIP, Wireless LANs, Threat Hunting, Digital Forensics, Ethical Hacking, Intrusion Detection, Penetration Testing, Information Security, and others IT topics. He is a CISCO IT Essentials instructor trainer and has been teaching Cisco academy materials for over 25 years. He remains connected to the industry by doing consulting work and takes training courses to keep current in the field.  

Past and present industry certifications include: CCNA, WiFi, Cyber Ops, CompTia: A+, Network+, Security+, Pentest+. I challenge students to take at least one certification before graduation! 

AZ-900 – Azure Fundamentals Exam Prep

Saturdays, March 15th – April 19th from 9am-1pm CT; 10am-2pm ET 

Description 

Immerse yourself in the fundamentals and exam considerations for the Microsoft Azure AZ-900 Fundamentals exam.  Learn about the principle of infrastructure-as-code and how to successfully deploy resources in Azure. Attendees that have taken this course in past years, have been able to pass their Microsoft AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals exam. A basic understanding of servers, virtualization, and networking are required to be successful in this course. 

Objectives 

• Describe what to expect while taking the AZ-900 Exam, including question formats and exam topics. 
• Explain core cloud concepts, fundamental Azure services, and management tools. 
• Analyze security features, network security, identity, governance, and compliance principles within Azure. 
• Evaluate cost management strategies and service level agreements to optimize Azure usage. 

Pre-requisites 

Basic understanding of servers, virtualization, and networking. 

Required Textbook 

• Servers Vs Desktops – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByI1PHMcPJQ  
• Introduction to Virtualization – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBI31dmqSX0 
• Introduction to Networking – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNwEVYkx2Kk 

At-home Computer Requirements 

• Web Camera 
• Microphone for asking questions 
• Windows 10, Windows 7 or MacOSX with macOS10.9 or greater. 
• Dual Core 2Ghz or higher 
• Tablet or Smart mobile device with internet access– (Mentimeter Daily Contest) (not required but recommended) 
• 1.0 Mbps up / 600kbps down internet speed for Video and audio Streaming. 
• 60-80kbps down for VOIP only. 
• Webcam and dual monitors are highly recommended.

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

Agenda 

Sat, March 15 – Introduction to Cloud & Azure Fundamentals:  

Objectives: Understand cloud concepts, Azure architecture, and exam expectations. 

• Getting to know the AZ-900 
• Exam Objectives & Format Overview 
• Learn what makes up modern Microsoft Exams. 
• Exam scoring, question types, and key domains. 
• Exam Resources & Study Guidance 

Explore Cloud Concepts: 

• As-a-Service Modeling (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) 
• High Availability, Scalability, Elasticity, Agility, and Disaster Recovery 
• Operating Models – OPEX vs CAPEX 
• Understanding Cloud Consumption Models 
• Public, Private, and Hybrid Cloud computing 

Azure Architectural Framework: 

• Regions and Region Pairs 
• Availability Zones 
• Resource Groups 
• Subscriptions 
• Management Groups 
• Azure Resource Manager (ARM) 

Activities: 

• Daily Labs: Navigate the Azure Portal, create a Resource Group, deploy a basic Virtual Machine 
• Daily Case Study: Cloud adoption scenario discussion 
• Daily Class Contest (Cloud Concept Quiz) 

Sat, March 22 – Azure Core Services & Compute Resources: 

Objectives: Learn about Azure compute, networking, storage, and database services. 

Core Azure Resources: 

• Virtual Machines, Azure App Services, Azure Container Instances, Kubernetes, Windows Virtual Desktop 
• Virtual Networks, VPN Gateways, and ExpressRoute 
• Blob Storage, Disk Storage, and File Storage w/ Storage Tiers 
• Cosmos DB, Azure SQL Database, Azure Database for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Managed Instances 
• Azure Marketplace & Service Offerings 

Activities: 

• Daily Labs: Deploy a Virtual Machine, create Storage Account, and explore Networking Basics 
• Daily Case Study: Choosing the right compute service for a business scenario 
• Daily Class Contest (Azure Core Services Quiz) 

Sat, March 29 – Core Azure Solutions & Management Tools: 

Objectives: Learn about AI, analytics, DevOps, and Azure management tools. 

Core Azure Solutions: 

• IoT Hub, IoT Central, and Azure Sphere 
• Azure Synapse Analytics, HDInsights, Azure Databricks 
• Azure Machine Learning, Cognitive Services, and Azure Bot Service 
• Azure Functions, Logic Apps, and Serverless computing 
• Azure DevOps, GitHub, GitHub Actions, and Azure DevTest Labs 

Azure Management Tools: 

• Azure Portal, Azure PowerShell, Azure CLI, Cloud Shell, and Azure Mobile App 
• Azure Advisor for recommendations 
• Azure Resource Manager (ARM) Templates 
• Azure Monitor & Azure Service Health 

Activities: 

• Daily Labs: Deploy an Azure Function, explore Azure Monitor, and create an ARM Template 
• Daily Case Study: Choosing the right serverless compute option 
• Daily Class Contest (Azure Management Quiz) 

Sat, April 5 – Cloud Security & Governance in Azure: 

Objectives: Understand Azure security tools, identity management, and governance. 

• Cloud Security – Real-world case studies 

Azure Security Features: 

• Microsoft Defender for Cloud (formerly Security Center) 
• Azure Key Vault (Secrets, Certificates, Encryption) 
• Azure Sentinel (SIEM & Threat Detection) 
• Azure Dedicated Hosts 

Azure Network Security: 

• Network Security Groups (NSGs) 
• Azure Firewall 
• Azure DDoS Protection 
• Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF) & Application Gateways 

Activities: 

• Daily Labs: Configure NSGs, enable Azure Defender, and analyze logs in Azure Sentinel 
• Daily Case Study: Securing a cloud-based e-commerce solution 
• Daily Class Contest (Azure Security Quiz) 

Sat, April 12 – Identity, Compliance, and Cost Management: 

Objectives: Learn about Azure identity governance, compliance, and cost management. 

Identity & Access Management in Azure: 

• Azure Active Directory (Microsoft Entra ID) 
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) 
• Azure Policy & Resource Tagging 
• Azure Blueprints & Cloud Adoption Framework 

Privacy, Compliance, & Governance: 

• Security, Privacy, and Compliance Overview 
• Microsoft Privacy Statement, Product Terms, and Data Protection 
• Trust Center & Azure Compliance Documentation 
• Sovereign Cloud Regions (Azure Gov & China) 

Azure Cost Management & Service Level Agreements: 

• Cost factors & Reserved Instances 
• Pricing Calculator & Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Calculator 
• Azure SLAs & high availability considerations 

Activities: 

• Daily Labs: Configure RBAC roles, analyze cost using Pricing Calculator, and deploy Azure Policy Daily Case Study: Cost optimization for a company migrating to Azure 
• Daily Class Contest (Azure Identity & Compliance Quiz) 

Sat, April 19 – Final Review & Credly Badge Assessment: 

Objectives: Reinforce learning, practice exam skills, and take a final assessment. 

Exam Review & Final Concepts: 

• Key Takeaways from AZ-900 
• Exam Tips, Tricks, & Common Pitfalls 
• Sample Questions & Group Discussion 

Hands-on Practice: 

• Deeper Dive into Azure PowerShell, CLI, and Cloud Shell 
• How to identify the right syntax on the exam 
• Common commands for real-world Azure management 
• Final Class Contest (Grand Prize!) 
• Final Labs & Capstone Scenario 

Activities: 

• Assessment: Short exam-style quiz 
• Final Labs: Solve a real-world Azure deployment challenge 
• Course Wrap-up & Next Steps in Learning 

Instructor 

Brent Blawat is an AI Strategist at CDW with over 24 years of experience in developing and supporting leading-edge products. He has a diverse IT background and extensive business acumen, having facilitated significant cost savings and revenue-generating projects for Fortune 500 companies. Brent excels in bridging the gap between technical staff and decision-makers, providing strategic direction and innovative solutions that align with core business goals.