New Direction of Hands-On Student Learning
At Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence we thrive in knowing that we create and present student experiential learning opportunities that assist faculty in moving their students forward in their knowledge, skills and abilities!
The Center for Research on Learning and Teaching at the University of Michigan lists Seven (7) Principles when it comes to enhancing student learning.
By providing real-world experiential learning opportunities we hope to meet and exceed many of the seven principles listed above!
This year IT COE is pleased to present five (5) student experiential learning opportunities. Our aim is to provide real-world experiences, tasks, and projects that move students from knowing about an I.T. topic to being competent and engaged in the technology workforce.
Gain Access to More Experiential Learning Resources
IT Connect is an online career management system powered by the Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence. The system connects Minnesota students, faculty and employers to IT resources, trends, internships, full-time jobs, career fairs, workshops, FUSION residencies, events and more.
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Minnesota Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC)
In this competition teams of college I.T. students compete against other I.T student teams from across the state. Students take part in a competition showcasing their understanding and operational competency to manage challenges and protect real world business I.T. networks.
Students who participate in CCDC will compete against a “Red Team” of professionals who try to hack and infiltrate the student networks. Red Team pros interact with the collegiate teams and often invite students to visit their sites for behind-the-scenes looks at real world security.
Student 360 Conference
IT COE is a proud sponsor of the Student 360 Conference. This year’s conference will be held at Best Buy Headquarters in Richfield Minnesota. Student360 is a student-focused event based off of the Secure360 Conference. The event is focused on offering three “track” areas for learning including professional advancement/career sessions, two tech sessions and a career pavilion for recruiting and interviews. The event is hosted by the Upper Midwest Security Alliance (UMSA).
CCDC Student Team winners will be recognized at the Student 360 event!
Data Derby
IT COE launched Data Derby in 2017 and we will continue our efforts to bring real life experiential learning to Minnesota State students! This year we are collaborating with MUDAC (Midwest Undergraduate Data Analytics Competition) to provide additional data analytic skill development sessions.
Students (undergraduate and graduate) from all Minnesota colleges and universities can compete in the multi-disciplinary competition. The challenges allow student teams to complete and present data-driven answers to defined problems and societal issues.
Along with data challenges, students will have an opportunity to hear from different data scientist from multiple areas and learn how data is used to solve problems.
Student can also participate in hands-on learning events outside of the competition as we continue to advance our industry expert lead training programs.
More Information Here
Data Bootcamp
This year we are launching our student Data Bootcamp. This will be a week long summer event where students come together and learn data systems, applications, real life solutions, as well as tour local data agencies and industries. Students will engage with and learn hands-on from Data industry professionals and use real world data tools and tactics to identify and solve societal issues.
Where: TBD
Who: Students interested in understanding or growing their knowledge and skills in data – Students who participate in Data Derby will have Priority Registration!
Registration: TBD
CSi Bootcamp
At CSi Boot Camps, Information Technology/Security Technology students from Minnesota State institutions and the University of Minnesota engage with professionals to develop innovative skills in cyber defense, vulnerability analysis and testing, security operations, forensics and application security.
CSi Boot-Campers also visit companies on employer-hosted field trips, for networking and career success guidance. The last day includes a comprehensive assessment to validate the week-long development of cybersecurity skills.