Summer 2025 Working Connections III – Online
Week 3: Online

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.   
• 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.
• Attendees who registered for an in-person week may also register for this 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.
• 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 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 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 Essentials for Educators

July 28-August 1 from 9:30am-5:30pm CT; 10:30am-6:30pm ET  

Description 

This intensive five-day workshop introduces instructors to the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This workshop equips faculty with the tools needed to prepare students for an AI-integrated future. Participants will gain confidence in incorporating AI concepts and tools into their teaching, regardless of their prior programming experience. You’ll leave with practical strategies to enhance your curriculum and better prepare your students for the future AI-integrated landscape.   

NOTE: 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, December 2024).  

Objectives  

• Analyze core AI concepts, algorithms, and tools; differentiate between various AI applications and their capabilities.  
• Design AI-enhanced learning activities and assessments that promote critical thinking while maintaining academic integrity in an AI-integrated classroom.  
• Evaluate ethical implications of AI in education, develop appropriate usage policies, and formulate strategies to teach AI literacy and responsible use. 

Pre-requisites 

A Google account. Beginner-level Python programming (conditionals, loops, using libraries) is recommended but not required. 

Required Textbook 

None. 

Textbook Suggested/Optional 

Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI By Ethan Mollick (ISBN 9780593716717) 

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 

Mon, July 28 – Demystifying AI: 

• Introduction to AI  
• AI concepts & terminology  
• AI applications in education & industry  
• No-Code AI tools  
• Python & Google Collab 

Tue, July 29 – AI Deep Dive: 

• Algorithms for AI & data analytics  
• Deep learning & generative AI  
• Generative AI tools  
• Prompt engineering  
• Ethical implications of AI 

Wed, July 30 – AI in the Classroom: 

• AI tools for education  
• AI-assisted course development  
• Impact of AI on education  
• AI policies for the classroom  
• Teaching AI 

Thu, July 31 – AI Applications: 

• AI-assisted coding & data wrangling  
• Data Visualization  
• Applications: Computer Vision, Robotics, Chatbots, & more  
• Limitations of AI 

Fri, August 1 – AI in the Future: 

• Philosophy of AI  
• Agentic AI  
• Industrial applications & workforce preparation  
• Emerging Trends & Opportunities 

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. 

Protecting the Nation: A Hands-On Cybersecurity Workshop for Critical Infrastructure

July 28-August 1 from 9:30am-5:30pm CT; 10:30am-6:30pm ET 

Description 

This workshop track, tailored for beginners to seasoned cybersecurity enthusiasts, offers a comprehensive introduction to cybersecurity within Critical Infrastructure via interactive, hands-on labs. Expanding from last year’s workshop, participants will delve into various topics, including the workings of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and SCADA systems, and embark on a simulated ethical hacking mission targeting a water treatment facility and a NEW power plant. Designed to accommodate all skill levels, this track does not require previous knowledge of ethical hacking. To ensure a rounded learning experience, we will also introduce key concepts and tools, such as Metasploit, among others. The curriculum is specifically crafted for individuals ranging from those new to critical infrastructure to cybersecurity learners eager to grasp the nuanced differences between Information Technology (IT) and Operations Technology (OT) best practices.  

This year will feature a capture the flag (Ctf) experience that will be free to use in the classroom for all attendees. Along with the CtF experience, a custom large-language model (LLM) AI tool will be available to assist in answering questions.  

Labs performed in this workshop are available to instructors at no cost to trial. There are many options for use in the classroom, including already owning a NETLAB+ system, partnering with a school that does, and/or utilizing the NDG Online services at a per-student rate. These options will be explained in detail during the workshop. 

Objectives  

• Analyze security vulnerabilities in Critical Infrastructure (PLC and SCADA) to differentiate OT from IT threats.
• Apply cybersecurity tools, including Metasploit, in hands-on ethical hacking simulations.
• Design and deploy a Capture-the-Flag exercise using cybersecurity skills and AI-supported tools.

Assessment will cover prior knowledge versus knowledge gained in the workshop. This will be tested by both traditional Likert scale and through the Capture-the-flag event.

Pre-requisites 

Basic networking skills and Linux experience. 

Required Textbook 

No textbooks required. Everything will be completed through the NETLAB+ system. 

At-home Computer Requirements 

Basic Web Browsing as most of the work will be completed on NETLAB+. The tools/labs provided will not require any special equipment. 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 

Mon, July 28: 

• Overview of OT and Linux Review 
• Access to Critical Infrastructure Labs 

Tue, July 29: 

• Continuation of Critical Infrastructure labs 

Wed, July 30: 

• Critical Infrastructure CtF Building and Deployment 
• AI LLM Access 

Thu, July 31: 

• Continuation of CtF Challenge and Building Challenge Labs with Assistance 

Fri, August 1: 

• Assessment 
• Distribution of Materials 

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. 

Automation using PowerShell/Bash

July 28-August 1 from 9:30am-5:30pm CT; 10:30am-6:30pm ET 

Description 

This course is designed for college faculty and staff interested in learning automation and scripting, and improving their workflow efficiency by automating repetitive tasks with PowerShell and Bash scripting. Participants will be introduced to fundamental scripting concepts, best practices, and practical applications specific to academic and administrative needs.  

The course includes: scripting basics such as syntax, variables, loops, and conditionals; Automation of file and system management; Text processing and data manipulation; Task scheduling and best practices for automation; and Cross-platform considerations for PowerShell and Bash. By the end of the week, participants will have developed functional scripts to streamline common tasks, acquiring skills to incorporate automation into their teaching and research workflows. No prior scripting experience is required. 

Objectives  

• Identify the unique use cases for PowerShell and Bash in automation tasks.  
• Execute basic scripts to automate file management, text processing, and system tasks.  
• Develop custom automation scripts using best practices for readability, efficiency, and security.  
• Integrate PowerShell or Bash scripts into their academic or administrative workflows to improve efficiency. 

Pre-requisites 

Participants should know how to navigate the file system on Windows and Linux. They should be able to use File Explorer and Command Prompt (or PowerShell) on Windows, and the terminal on Linux.    

For those unfamiliar with Linux, a preparatory tutorial will be provided before the course to help them get comfortable with basic Linux commands and file system navigation. No prior scripting experience is required. 

Required Textbook 

None. 

At-home Computer Requirements 

Laptop or PC. Webcam and dual monitors are highly recommended. A stable, reliable internet connection is needed. A windows 11 pro machine (Windows 10 pro would work ok) with:  

• Administer Access    
• Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)  
• Microsoft VS Code   

Most labs will be able to be done on a Mac – a Mac will need to have VS Code and PowerShell installed. (The teacher will be using a Mac and a PC with Windows 11 pro) 

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

Agenda 

Mon, July 28 – Introduction to Automation and Scripting Basics: 

• Overview of PowerShell and Bash: Key Differences and Use Cases  
• Setting Up Your Environment (Windows Terminal, PowerShell, Linux Shell)  
• Navigating the File System in PowerShell and Bash  
• Writing and Running Your First Script  
• Best Practices for Script Organization and Documentation 

Tue, July 29 – Variables, Data Handling, and Control Structures: 

• Understanding Variables and Data Types in PowerShell and Bash 
• Using Input and Output in Scripts  
• Implementing Conditional Statements (If/Else)  
• Loops and Iteration (For, While, Foreach) 

Wed, July 30 – File Management and System Administration Tasks: 

• Creating, Reading, and Modifying Files with Scripts  
• Batch Renaming and Moving Files  
• Managing Processes and System Resources  
• Working with Environment Variables 

Thu, July 31 – Task Scheduling and Advanced Scripting Techniques: 

• Scheduling Tasks in Windows (Task Scheduler) and Linux (Cron Jobs)  
• Error Handling and Debugging Scripts  
• Writing Modular and Reusable Scripts  
• Security Best Practices for Automation 

Fri, August 1 – AI Integration, Practical Applications, and Final Project: 

• Integrating AI into PowerShell and Bash Automation   
• Final Project: Developing a Custom Automation Script with Optional AI Enhancements  
• Course Wrap-up and Next Steps for Continued Learning 

By the end of this course, participants will have built functional automation scripts and explored AI integration to enhance their workflows with intelligent automation solutions. 

Instructor 

Dr. Matt Green brings decades of experience in software and Web & Mobile App development, education, process improvement, AI, and automation. With a passion for streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity, he specializes in making complex technical concepts accessible to students and professionals.    

Dr. Green holds a Doctorate in Ministry with a focus on Education and Human Flourishing in Modernity from Northwind Theological Seminary, where he explored the role of technology in shaping human development and agency. He also earned a Master’s in Educational Design and Technology from Concordia University-Wisconsin, focusing on pedagogy, curriculum development, and technology-enhanced learning. His technical expertise is further reinforced by a Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning for Engineers from Marquette University, where he explored data automation, predictive analytics, and ethical considerations in AI-driven decision-making.    

Dr. Green is the program lead for the Web and Software programs at Waukesha County Technical College, where he also teaches courses for the AI, and Cyber Security programs. His hands-on approach ensures that participants gain real-world skills they can immediately apply in their academic and administrative roles. 

UX for IT Faculty: Preventing Ineffective Design and Creating What Users Actually Need

July 28-August 1 from 9:30am-5:30pm CT; 10:30am-6:30pm ET  

Description 

This workshop introduces User Experience (UX) Design, a problem-solving approach that focuses on creating intuitive and effective digital experiences that help users achieve their goals with minimal friction. Participants will explore UX methodologies, including identifying user challenges, designing workflows, and developing mockups that enhance usability and functionality. Through hands-on activities, IT faculty will gain practical experience with industry-standard tools like Figma and FigJam, develop user personas, and create wireframes and high-fidelity mockups. By the end of the week, participants will have hands-on experience applying UX principles, including utilizing user personas, mapping workflows, and creating high-fidelity mockups. They will leave with practical strategies to integrate UX design into their teaching and student projects. 

Objectives  

• Understand foundational principles of User Experience (UX) design and their application in IT, web and software development None required..  
• Analyze user needs to develop personas, journey maps, and task flows that enhance usability.  
• Apply industry-standard design systems, such as Google Material Design, to create wireframes and mockups.  
• Develop and refine a user-focused product design document and high-fidelity digital interface mockup. 

Pre-requisites 

None required, but familiarity with IT, web design, or software development concepts is beneficial. 

Required Textbook 

None. 

At-home Computer Requirements 

• Figma Account: Participants should create a free Figma account before the workshop.   
• Discord Account: Attendees will use Discord for group chats and discussions. A link to the server will be provided before the course begins.   
• Web Browser: Participants should use an updated web browser compatible with Figma, such as Chrome or Firefox.   
• Google Docs Access: Participants will need access to Google Docs to create and collaborate on the product design document throughout the course.  
• Stable High-Speed Internet Connection: A high-speed internet connection is required for participation, as attendees will be screen sharing and collaborating in real time during the workshop.   
• Dual Monitors (Recommended): Using two screens is recommended to improve workflow when following along and designing.   
• Webcam & Microphone: A webcam and microphone are required for participation in discussions and breakout sessions.   
• Paper and Pencils/Pens: Participants should have paper and pencils or pens on hand for sketching concepts, brainstorming ideas, and creating low-fidelity wireframes before transitioning to digital tools. 

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

Agenda 

Mon, July 28 – Introduction to UX, UX Tools & Wireframing: 

• Overview of UX in IT and software development  
• Introduction to user experience, usability and user-centered thinking  
• Exploring Figma and FigJam for digital design  
• Hands-on activity: Creating a wireframe in Figma 

Tue, July 29 – User Needs & Design Thinking: 

• Defining user audiences and goals  
• Design Thinking Process and problem-solving  
• Mapping user journeys and task flows  
• Creating affinity maps and personas  
• Hands-on activity: Develop user personas and task flows for an IT-related app 

Wed, July 30 – User Needs & Design Thinking (Cont): 

• Defining user audiences and goals   
• Design Thinking Process and problem-solving   
• Mapping user journeys and task flows   
• Creating affinity maps and personas   
• Hands-on activity: Develop user personas and task flows for an IT-related app 

Thu, July 31 – Design Systems & Mockup Creation: 

• Introduction to industry-standard design systems (Google Material Design, etc.)  
• Transitioning from wireframes to high-fidelity mockups  
• Hands-on activity: Apply a design system to create a UI mockup 

Fri, August 1 – Applying UX in IT Education & Final Refinements: 

• Refining mockups and visual design  
• Strategies for integrating UX principles into IT and programming courses  
• Showcase & reflection  
• Hands-on activity: Present mockups and discuss implementation strategies 

Instructor 

Jacob Pollak is an Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems at Grand Rapids Community College, where he leads the Web/UX Design and Development program. He holds an MFA in Graphic Design from SCAD and a BAS in Digital Animation and Game Design from Ferris State University.  

With over two decades of professional experience in UX design, interaction design, web development, and project management, he has shaped digital experiences for Fortune 500 companies, startups, and academic institutions. Throughout his career, he has blended design and technology to create intuitive, user-centered solutions for industry projects and academic collaborations.  

 At GRCC, he emphasizes hands-on, industry-aligned instruction, preparing students to apply UX principles in real-world design and development projects.

Advanced Data Analytics – Machine Learning with Python, Power BI & Excel

July 28-August 1 from 9:30am-5:30pm CT; 10:30am-6:30pm ET  

Description 

This track introduces participants to Python-driven workflows for financial analysis, Power BI and Excel integration. Combining hands-on projects with industry-standard tools, the program focuses on real-world applications in data acquisition, machine learning, and visualization using Power BI and Excel.  

Participants will learn to automate data retrieval from financial APIs, implement machine learning models to analyze trends and predict outcomes, and create dynamic visualizations using Python within Power BI and Excel. The program also covers building interactive web applications with streamlit for technical analysis and exploring advanced machine learning techniques such as feature selection, ensemble classifiers, and handling imbalanced datasets.  

By the end of the week, attendees will have the skills to integrate Python with Excel and Power BI effectively, analyze financial data using APIs, and apply machine learning techniques to solve practical business problems.  

Objectives  

• Analyze financial datasets using Python libraries to produce insights from various API sources like Yahoo Finance, Nasdaq Data Link, Intrinio, CoinGecko and Alpha Vantage.
• Design and implement a Streamlit web application for rapid interactive data analysis.
• Explore Applied Machine Learning/Anomaly Detection using a sample dataset.
• Integrate Python with Power BI to create custom visualizations and predictive analysis capabilities using machine learning,
• Integrate Python with Excel spreadsheets to take advantage of Python’s power using the =PY() function, or Boardflare’s Python for Excel add-in.
• Synthesize knowledge of Python, Excel, and Power BI to build and understand end-to-end data pipelines for reporting and data analysis.

Pre-requisites 

An open mind and eagerness to learn!  Basic Excel knowledge and/or Python experience will be helpful but not required. 

Required Textbook 

N/A – Instructor will provide all materials. 

At-home Computer Requirements 

Installation of the following: Power BI Desktop, Microsoft Excel, Python Installed.  Instructions will be provided about 2-3 weeks before the track starts. 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 

Mon, July 28 – Python for Finance: 

We will begin by leveraging Python to ingest financial data via APIs like Alpha Vantage, Nasdaq Data Link, Yahoo Finance (yfinance), and CoinGecko. Learn to automate data pipelines for equities, cryptocurrencies, and economic indicators.  Utilize Streamlit to build a web app to visualize technical analysis metrics.    

As time permits, we’ll work on projects that include:  Deploy a Monte Carlo simulation for stock price prediction.   Tackle credit default prediction using machine learning.  We’ll explore ensemble classifiers (Random Forests, XGBoost), address imbalanced data, and optimize models via feature selection/importance techniques. 

If needed, we will finish this topic on Tuesday. 

Tue, July 29 – Python for Power BI: 

Explore the integration between Python and Power BI. We will create custom visuals (heatmaps, violin plots) directly in Power BI dashboards.  Implement predictive analytics by embedding scikit-learn models (e.g., regression, classification) and/or using AutoML. 

If needed, we will finish this topic on Wednesday 

Wed, July 30 – Python for Excel: 

Explore Microsoft’s native Python-Excel integration using the =PY() function. Leverage Python’s flexibility to generate advanced visualizations within Excel cells.  We’ll interact with a Python-based Machine Learning model in Excel as time permits.  

NOTE: As of March 2025, the Python in Excel feature was still in beta, and depending on your Office license, it may not be able to be used.  This topic (Python for Excel) may be switched to one of the special topics.  As an alternative, we may explore the use of Boardflare Python add-in for Excel. 

Thu, July 31 – Python for Excel (Cont): 

Explore Microsoft’s native Python-Excel integration using the =PY() function. Leverage Python’s flexibility to generate advanced visualizations within Excel cells.  We’ll interact with a Python-based Machine Learning model in Excel as time permits.  

NOTE: As of March 2025, the Python in Excel feature was still in beta, and depending on your Office license, it may not be able to be used.  This topic (Python for Excel) may be switched to one of the special topics.  As an alternative, we may explore the use of Boardflare Python add-in for Excel. 

Fri, August 1 – Special Topics: 

• Depending on the participant survey prior to the track, we may cover any of the following topics:  
• Build chatbot in Python using Natural Language Processing (NLP).    
• Explore Sentiment Analysis using NLP.  
• Use Computer Vision to perform any of the following:  Object Detection, Facial Recognition, Image Classification or Generation.  
• Machine Learning Time Series Analysis:  Stock Market Prediction, Sales Forecasting or Weather Prediction. 

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.