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. 
• A travel stipend is available for in-person workshops. See Travel Information for details.

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.   
• 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. 

Registration:  

• Completing the registration form requests your seat. Your seat is not confirmed until you receive the registration email.  
• For Summer Working Connections 2025, attendees can attend one in-person week and the online week.
• 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, April 14th. 
• 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 an in-person 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 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. 
• Tracks are held in a computer lab. Laptops are not required, but participants often bring them to utilize during breaks and in the evening.  

Meals: 

• Lunch and all-day coffee service will be provided for in-person workshops.  
• Vegetarian entrees are available for those who request on the registration form; otherwise no special diet or food substitutions are possible.  

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 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 continue to be sent after the event to measure lasting impact.  

Introduction to Containers and Microservices

July 14-18 from 8:30am-5pm CT 

 

Description 

Introduction to Containers and Microservices class provides participants with essential skills and knowledge in microservices architectures, focusing on containerization. Through lectures and hands-on labs, participants will learn the core concepts of container runtimes, storage, networking, and the automation of deployment processes.  

NOTE: This track will be a repeat of content provided in “Introduction to Containers and Microservices” (Winter Working Connections, December 2024). 

Objectives  

• Understand the concept of containers and their role in modern software development.  
• Understand the container life-cycle  
• Implement containers best practices and collaboration tools 

Pre-requisites 

Linux, Virtualization and Networking basics 

Required Textbook 

It will be provided. 

Class Location 

Collin College – Preston Ridge Campus, IT Center, Room TBD

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

Agenda 

Mon, July 14 – Introduction to Class Materials and Tools: 

• Understanding Microservices 
• CLI Commands 

Tue, July 15 – Images: 

• Containerfile 

Wed, July 16 – Storage: 

• Networking 

Thu, July 17 – Logging and Monitoring: 

• Security  

Fri, July 18 – Orchestration: 

• Assignments & Grading 
• Q&A 

Instructor 

Professor Juan Medina is a seasoned IT professional and educator with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He has been teaching Linux successfully at Collin College since 2019, where he also developed a cutting-edge Cloud course focusing on Containers and Microservices. His professional career spans work with major organizations such as Red Hat (Currently Ansible Solutions Architect), IBM, Dell, and Perot Systems. He is well known for his creativity, proactive approach, and sense of responsibility. Professor Medina specializes in designing, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting Linux and Unix infrastructure environments and specializes in Ansible Automation Enterprise solutions. 

Introduction to Data Analytics and Visualization with PowerBI, Tableau and KNIME

July 14-18 from 8:30am-5pm CT 

 

Description 

Data Analytics is a trending topic in today’s professional landscape.  Skills such as data analysis, transformation, and visualization have become essential across a variety of fields.  Data literacy is no longer a requirement only for scientists; It is now a vital competency for nearly everyone.  

This workshop serves as an introductory session into the Data Analytics and Data Visualization space.  It provides an overview of the Fundamentals of Data Analytics and Programming course available to students at the Maricopa Community Colleges, utilizing the textbook “Data Analytics Made Easy” by Andrea De Mauro.  We will also cover all of Tableau’s Desktop Fundamentals course.  

Participants in this workshop will have the opportunity to gain practical experience with leading visualization tools, including Power BI and Tableau, as well as a free data transformation tool called KNIME.  The workshop will feature instructor-led demonstrations and hands-on labs for each tool. 

NOTE: This track will be a repeat of content provided in “Intro to Data Analytics and Visualization” (Winter Working Connections, December 2024 and Summer Working Connections, July 2024). 

Objectives  

• Explain the fundamental concepts and importance of data analytics and visualization in various professional fields.  
• Demonstrate basic proficiency in using Power BI, Tableau, and KNIME for data transformation and visualization tasks.  
• Apply data analysis techniques to interpret and draw insights from sample datasets using the introduced tools.  
• Compare and contrast the features and capabilities of Power BI, Tableau, and KNIME in different data analytics scenarios.  
• Construct simple data visualizations that effectively communicate insights from given datasets. 

Pre-requisites 

An open mind and eagerness to learn!  Basic Excel knowledge will be helpful. 

Required Textbook 

“Data Analytics Made Easy” by Andrea De Mauro;  “Tableau Desktop Fundamentals” by Tableau for Academics.  Both will be provided free to workshop participants. 

Class Location 

Collin College – Preston Ridge Campus, IT Center, Room TBD

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

Agenda 

Mon, July 14 – Chapters 1-3 De Mauro: 

• Introductions 
• Overview of course material used 
• What is Data Analytics?  What is ETL? 
• Install KNIME Desktop 
• Labs:  KNIM 

Tue, July 15 – Chapter 6 De Mauro: 

• Installation of Power BI Desktop 
• Getting Started with Power BI 
• Connect to Data, Transform Data 
• Lab: Sales Dashboard Tutorial 

Wed, July 16 – Power BI: 

• Power Query 
• Designing a Data Model 
• Using DAX Calculations 
• Design and Enhance Reports in Power BI Desktop 
• Implement Advanced Data Visualizations in Power BI 

Thu, July 17 – Tableau Desktop Fundamentals I: 

• Installation of Tableau Desktop 
• Trailhead 
• Configuring and Setting Up Data 
• Foundations of Chart Visualization 
• Common Charts in Tableau 
• Project: Sales Analysis 

Fri, July 18 – Tableau Desktop Fundamentals II: 

• Sorting and Grouping 
• Calculations 
• Maps 
• Views and Customizations 
• Tableau Story Boards 
• Project: Bicycle Rider Dashboard

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, and Data Analytics for Python.  Chris has taught Mathematics, Computer Science and Computer Information Systems courses for the Maricopa Community Colleges for 18 years.  

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

IoT Development with Arduino: Bridging IT and Industry 4.0

July 14-18 from 8:30am-5pm CT 

 

Description 

This hands-on workshop introduces Information Technology and Business Information Systems educators to IoT development using the Arduino Uno R3 and RP2040. Participants will explore industry-standard sensors, build interactive projects in Tinkercad and Arduino Cloud, and develop a classroom-ready IoT curriculum. The course covers basic coding, electronics, and real-world applications, including IoT security and industrial IoT (IIoT). By the end of the program, educators will gain practical experience and resources to integrate IoT concepts into their courses effectively. 

Objectives  

• Construct interactive IoT projects using the Arduino Uno R3 and RP2040 with industry-standard sensors.  
• Analyze the role of IoT and IIoT in modern manufacturing and IT infrastructure.  
• Implement basic coding and electronics concepts to develop functional IoT applications.  
• Evaluate security challenges in IoT environments and apply best practices for securing connected devices. 

Pre-requisites 

None. 

Required Textbook 

Arduino IoT Bundle – Provided to each attendee by NITIC

Link here 

Class Location 

Collin College – Preston Ridge Campus, IT Center, Room TBD

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

Agenda 

Mon, July 14 – Foundations of IoT and Arduino: 

• Welcome & Course Overview  
• Sign into Canvas & Tinkercad Setup   
• Introduction to Arduino Uno R3 & Basic Electronics  
• Hands-on Projects: Get to Know Your Tools, Spaceship Interface, Love-O-Meter 

Tue, July 15 – Expanding Arduino Skills & Cloud Integration: 

• Continue Arduino Uno Projects (Color Mixing Lamp, Mood Cue, Light Theremin, Keyboard Instrument) 
• Introduction to Arduino Cloud & RP2040 
• Hands-on RP2040 Projects: I Love You Pillow, Puzzle Box 

Wed, July 16 – Designing an IoT Project: 

• Hands-on Arduino & RP2040 Projects (Digital Hourglass, Motorized Pinwheel, Zoetrope)  
• Hands-on RP2040 Projects: Pavlov’s Cat, The Nerd, Plant Communicator  
• Group Activity: Brainstorming & Creating a Classroom IoT Project 

Thu, July 17 – IoT in the Industry & Real-World Applications: 

• Exploring IoT & IIoT in Modern Manufacturing   
• Case Studies: Where IT Meets IoT in Industry (Stuxnet, Mirai Botnet, Target Data Breach, Triton Malware, Jeep Cherokee Hack)  
• Class Project Development & Refinement 

Fri, July 18 – Securing IoT & Final Presentations: 

• IoT Security Fundamentals & Threat Mitigation  
• Best Practices for Securing IoT and IIoT Networks  
• PLC hacking demo with industrial PLC’s 

Instructor 

Eric Renegar is a Professor of Information Technology with over 15 years of teaching experience. He holds a master’s degree in information technology and many certifications in IT and Cyber Security. He is also an amateur radio operator, call sign KE8EMK.  

In addition to his teaching experience, Mr. Renegar has over ten years of experience supporting users in both IT and Audio-Visual production. He has also served as a PI and Co-PI on many grants, including NSF and NSA funded grants. Since 2024, Mr. Renegar has also served as a school board member for Northwestern Local Schools.  

Mr. Renegar has a passion for education and sharing information and resources with others. This is evident in his teaching career, his grant work, and his service on the school board. 

Schedule

Monday, July 14

Time	Activity	Location
8:00am - 8:30am Central	Registration check-in	IT Center atrium
8:30am-12noon Central (10:30am Central break)	Class	Assigned classroom
12noon-1:00pm Central	Networking lunch	Conference center
1:00pm-5:00pm Central (3:00pm Central break)	Class	Assigned classroom

Tuesday, July 15

Time	Activity	Location
8:30am-12noon Central (10:30am Central break)	Class	Assigned classroom
12noon-1:00pm Central	Networking lunch	Conference center
1:00pm-5:00pm Central (3:00pm Central break)	Class	Assigned classroom

Wednesday, July 16

Time	Activity	Location
8:30am-12noon Central (10:30am Central break)	Class	Assigned classroom
12noon-1:00pm Central	Networking lunch	Conference center
1:00pm-5:00pm Central (3:00pm Central break)	Class	Assigned classroom

Thursday, July 17

Time	Activity	Location
8:30am-12noon Central (10:30am Central break)	Class	Assigned classroom
12noon-1:00pm Central	Networking lunch	Conference center
1:00pm-5:00pm Central (3:00pm Central break)	Class	Assigned classroom

Friday, July 18

Time	Activity	Location
8:30am-12noon Central (10:30am Central break)	Class	Assigned classroom

Resources

Travel Information

Stipend Policy – Summer Working Connections Texas 2025

NOTICE: We have updated the policies. Read carefully before you begin booking. Do NOT book your travel arrangements until your Working Connections seat is confirmed. For situations not addressed in the details below, please contact us at nitic@cscc.edu.  

Eligibility 

• You must attend all days of Working Connections to request a stipend. 
• Participants who live less than 60 miles from the workshop location are not eligible for the stipend unless they receive prior approval.
• Columbus State employees who attend Working Connections at Collin College cannot request a stipend but can submit a travel request and follow college policy for reimbursement.  
• Collin College employees are not eligible to receive a stipend for attending Working Connections at Collin College. 
• The stipend will be issued to you personally. Payment cannot be made to an institution. 
• We are unable to arrange travel for you and cannot work with your institution to arrange your travel. 
• The payment is considered income; you will receive a 1099.  

Supplier Form  

• A CSCC supplier form must be completed prior to attending. Once your registration is confirmed, a link for this form will be emailed to you. 
• If you attended in-person Working Connections in 2024, and your contact information has not changed, you will not need to fill this out again. 

Travel Stipend Form 

• A link for the Travel Stipend Form will be emailed to attendees on the last day of Working Connections. 
• Take note of the completion deadline provided in the email. The window for completing this form will run for approximately one week. No stipends can be issued after the deadline. 
• The stipend will be issued as a check mailed to the address on the supplier form AFTER travel. Please allow 30 days for processing. 
• You will use the following to calculate your stipend amount (see details below):
  • AirFare Total or Mileage __
  • Hotel Total Cost __
  • Incidentals $750
    • Total = __

Airfare 

• Book the flight for yourself directly. You will need to provide a copy of your receipt when you submit your travel stipend form. 
• We cannot reimburse you for unused tickets. 
• If you check a bag, provide receipt and include in your total. 
• Conserve funds where possible: 
  • Book early; if possible, 4+ weeks in advance 
  • No first class/business class seats 
  • No pre-paid seat (unless needed for an accommodation) 
  • No priority boarding or in-flight entertainment costs 
  • You may select the time and stops that work best for you; no need to get the cheapest possible on that day. 
  • If your flight is over $700, please contact NITIC for prior approval. 

Mileage: 

• If you are driving to the training, you may submit mileage. Do not calculate mileage if you are flying. 
• Use Google maps to calculate the roundtrip from your home address to the location of the workshop. 
• You will calculate the round-trip mileage at the GSA rate of .70. 
• Prior approval is needed if you are traveling from an address that is different than what is listed on your CSCC supplier form.  
• If you are making the daily commute to the workshop from over 60 miles away, you may be reimbursed for daily mileage. 
• Prior approval is needed if you are driving over 500 miles; we will request a cost comparison for flying.  

Hotel: 

• Book your hotel directly. You may find your own or use one where we have a courtesy block. You will need to provide your hotel receipt when you submit your travel form. 
• NITIC will only reimburse for the workshop timeframe (5 nights). You may check in the night before the training, and you must check out on the last day of the training. Additional nights will be at your own expense. 
• The max nightly rate must not be more than our highest courtesy block rate. If you choose to stay somewhere more expensive, you must cover the difference. 

Incidentals: 

• A blanket stipend amount of $750 will be provided for ground transportation, parking, meals not provided by the training, and to offset tax.  
• For those who fly, rideshare is the recommended method of ground transportation. It is readily available and the most economical. If you wish to rent a car, the additional costs will be at your own expense. 

Travel Details

Working Connections Location 

• Collin College – Preston Ridge Campus 
• IT Center 
• 9700 Wade Blvd., Frisco, TX, 75035

Airports 

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) 

• 2400 Aviation Dr 
• Dallas, TX 75261 
• Distance to Frisco: 24.7 miles (23 min ride) 

Dallas Love Field (DAL) 

• 8008 Herb Kelleher Way 
• Dallas, TX 75235 
• Distance to Frisco: 25.3 miles (35 min ride) 

Ground Transportation 

Rideshares, such as Uber or Lyft, are readily available and the most economical option  

Hotels – Courtesy Blocks 

Springhill Suites 

• 8401 Angels Drive, Plano, TX 75024.  
• Nightly Rate: $155.00  
• Distance: 3.7 miles (10 min ride)  
• Booking Deadline: June 30th   
• Booking Link 

Courtyard By Marriot  

• 4884 Main St, Frisco, TX 75033.  
• Nightly Rate: $179.00  
• Distance: 5 miles (15 min ride)  
• Booking Deadline: June 22nd    
• Booking Link