Web-network technology curriculum development for computer science

This paper describes our National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technology Education (ATE) project entitled "Web-Network Technology Curriculum Development for Computer Science", the new Web-Network Technology (Web-Net Tech) Certificate Program being developed as part of the project, distinctive features of the program, innovative teaching/learning strategies being incorporated into the program, and first year accomplishments and results. The Web-Net Tech Program is being developed by Erie Community College in collaboration with the University at Buffalo, guided and supported by education-industry partners. This NSF project (Jeanette Neal, PI; Peter Scott, Co-PI) is designed to assist industry to meet its needs for a well-trained Information Technology (IT) workforce and prepare students for professional careers in IT, focusing on the high-demand area of web-network technology. We define web-network technology to be the design, deployment and administration of network-based computing content and resources. The primary target population for the new Web-Net Tech Program includes industry personnel in need of IT skills training or upgrading, students in academia, and persons desiring to join the IT workforce. In addition, this project will provide professional development and collaboration opportunities for college/university faculty, industry representatives, and high school teachers to enhance their own IT knowledge and skills. Outreach to high school students and other industrial organizations will further serve to inform and attract new students and faculty into IT programs and training opportunities. This project is supported in part by the NSF ATE Program Grant DUE 0101419. Additional in-kind support from Erie Community College, the University at Buffalo, and our industry-academia partners is also acknowledged.