Cisco and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE)
announced the development of a connected learning environment at the ITE campus
in Chua Chu Kang.
The interactive and learning laboratories, called the
ITE-Cisco Collaboration Technologies Center, will also offer technical
education and training in the field of Information and Communications
Technology (ICT) in Singapore through the Cisco Networking Academy.
The network has become critical to businesses as it
increases productivity and drives innovation. Countries around the world are
using networking technologies to improve efficiencies, increase their
competitive advantage, and empower individuals to build a knowledge-based,
future-ready society.
This brings to focus the importance of ICT and the need
for highly skilled and qualified ICT engineers who will be able to work with
these future technologies.
The skills gap is currently extensive, as graduates are
entering the workforce with a lack of real-world experience. To address this,
ITE and
Cisco will develop a relevant curriculum and joint certifications from ITE and
Cisco, as well as internships and industry attachments.
The ITE-Cisco Collaboration Technologies Center extends
the borders of the classroom by connecting students in Singapore with lecturers
overseas and provides a virtual learning environment that is environmentally
sustainable and cost effective. The ITE-Cisco Collaboration Technologies Center
uses Cisco TelePresence, WebEx and other collaboration technologies.
More than three-quarters of top education officials
around the world believe technology can play a major role in how students learn
and how teachers educate, according to a global survey commissioned by Cisco
and conducted by Clarus Research Group, a Washington, D.C.-based research firm.
In the same survey, 65 percent of the college and
university officials surveyed say online international programs are a
“major opportunity” for them, as these programs can result in a
greater “virtual” student body and can enrich learning opportunities
by diversifying faculty, students and expert viewpoints.
A large majority of education officials across the
Asia-Pacific region shared that that improved communications with students is a
top priority. Investing in improved research infrastructure and capabilities is
also key. Education officials in this region believe technology will play a
critical role in preparing the workforce of the future.
“The ITE-Cisco Collaboration Technologies Centre —
a Blended Learning Environment using Cisco-Tandberg TelePresence Conferencing
System and Cisco WebEx Collaboration Tools — will be a strategic tool for us
to engage our global education partners for joint project collaboration and
knowledge sharing and research,” said Bruce
Poh, director and chief executive officer, Institute of Technical Education,
Singapore.
Cisco
is committed to transforming education and lives through the Cisco Networking
Academy. 1 million Networking Academy students worldwide are concurrently
engaged in learning this year in 10,000 academies operating in 165 countries.
The Networking Academy is a global education initiative
that teaches students how to design, build, troubleshoot and secure computer networks
for increased access to career and economic opportunities in communities around
the world.
Cisco and ITE will also offer a joint certificate to
students who successfully complete the module on collaboration technologies.
The module will include content developed by Cisco and ITE and is based on
Networking Academy content.
ITE instructors will also have access to global education
resources and innovative learning tools. As part of this transformation, Cisco
will sponsor up to 100 ITE students annually to obtain the CCNA and CCENT
certifications.
Cisco will also offer three-month internship programs for
students at ITE in the relevant modules and develop the knowledge base by
providing industry attachment opportunities for ITE staff at Cisco and its
partners.
“Cisco is very proud to be providing this next-generation
education technology and support to ITE as we, together, develop new and
innovative ways to help students build skills that map to in-demand job
roles,” said Irving
Tan, general manager for Asia South, Cisco.
By Telecomlead.com Team
editor@telecomlead.com
