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SJR State Press Release
February 2012
Computer science programs expand by bits and bytes
St. Johns River State College has created a virtual classroom for St. Augustine campus students, breaking location barriers and allowing students to complete more computer science program coursework from virtually anywhere. Thanks to VMware Virtualization, students can now stay on track and graduate on time without being confined to a specific campus or class size.
SJR State is one of 10 colleges included in a U.S. Department of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College Career Training Program grant that was designed to improve degree program completion rates. As part of the Florida Regional Consortium for Technology-Enabled Solutions (FRC-TEC) project, SJR State was selected to improve its accessibility and availability of courses needed for students to finish their degrees in the designated time.
By expanding the coursework and technology from the Orange Park campus to other campuses, students now have better access to two computer science degree programs - Computer Engineering Technology and Networking Services Technology.
SJR State instructor Brian Holbert said that before the expansion, students had access to one computer lab on the Orange Park campus, where they utilized the rights to change configurations and install software as needed. The new virtual lab now alleviates some of the location and equipment limitations.
"Students enrolled in the two programs now have the flexibility to use either the new lab in St. Augustine or their own lap tops to log into a virtual network, giving them the administrator rights and access to software and course materials they need," Holbert said. "It's all on a server, so if they miss class, want to work outside of lab times, or even take the courses online, it is all possible."
Access to the virtual lab is expected to expand to the Palatka campus this fall.
Computer Engineering Technology is a two-year associate in science degree program designed to prepare students for employment as computer network engineering technicians and in related occupations in electronics/information technology or to provide supplemental training for persons currently or previously employed in these occupations.
The Networking Services Technology two-year associate in science degree program prepares students for employment as cabling specialists, PC support technicians, network control operators, data communications analysts, help desk specialists, network technicians, computer security specialists, network specialists, network managers, network systems analysts, network systems technicians, network troubleshooters, WAN/LAN managers or systems administrators.
Return to SJR State home page.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Kessler
SJR State Director of Public Relations and Publications
5001 St. Johns Avenue
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 312-4020
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