Welcome to Issue 23 of NACTEL News – November 2007 – with news, info, and insights from the National Coalition for Telecommunications and Learning.

Table of Contents

Register Now for January 2008 Classes!

Make your New Year’s resolution a Telecom degree that is built by the industry for the industry.
 
Start working on your Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, perhaps the new AS degree in Wireless Networking.
 

Only NACTEL offers telecommunication degrees with the convenience to study online anywhere, anytime - 24 / 7, the quality and accreditation of Pace University , and the endorsement an industry coalition.

  
Don’t let any more time pass.  Registration is open for January 2008 classes! 
Visit us at www.nactel.org/programs/.

Meet the 2007 Graduates - This Could Be You!

Last May, 119 NACTEL students from all over the country earned an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from Pace University.  It wasn’t easy, but they did it!  See stories from our 2007 graduates at www.nactel.org/about/student_quotes.php.

Today's Chuckle

A customer service rep, a network technician, and a manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, “I’ll give each of you just one wish.”

“Me first! Me first!” says the network technician. “I want to be in the Bahamas, on a beautiful sailboat, without a care in the world.” Poof!  She’s gone.

“Me next! Me next!” says the customer service rep. “I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with a personal masseuse, an endless supply of Piña Coladas, and the love of my life.” Poof!  He’s gone.  
 
“OK, you’re up,” the Genie says to the manager.
 
The manager says, “I want those two back in the office after lunch.”

Online Learning Tip - Mentors

Veronica Rivers

Verizon 
2007 Graduate
 
A key to Veronica’s success was her mentor David, a fellow Verizon employee and NACTEL graduate.  “He really helped me by reminding me that I could accomplish my goals.  When I’d become discouraged by highly technical material, he’d cheer me on.  Mentors are an invaluable resource.” 

 

Techie word of the day - WPA

Ever hear of a WPA? The "Wi-Fi Protected Alliance" label means that a device’s 802.11i (a standard that assures that your login information is strongly encrypted) authentication will work with WPA-labeled devices from any manufacturer. Like the Wi-Fi logo, the use of the WPA logo ensures interoperability across vendors’ products.

 
Learn more about WPA, 802.11i and more in AIT253 - Wireless Network Security, a course offered by Pace University. This course is part of the Wireless Networking Essentials Certificate and Associate's Degree.

Partner News - IBEW - Winner in 2007 WebAwards Competition

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) recently announced that their media ventures received top honors in this year's Web Marketing Association WebAwards competition.

ElectricTV.net, a joint Web site of NECA and IBEW featuring streaming video stories covering a range of issues affecting the electrical and information systems industries, and IBEWHourPower.com, a video-rich site aimed at keeping union members abreast of current events and best practices, were each recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Web Site Development.

 
Read the article at www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,203021.shtml.

 

Student Story - Michael Steffens

Michael Steffens

IBM – contractor for AT&T
 
Michael had prior college experience but hadn’t earned a degree.  He understood the value of education, so he was continually either teaching or taking classes, but he wasn’t focused on a particular outcome.  Then one day he was fishing with his buddy who suggested he specialize in technology-focused coursework.  Michael had received numerous emails from his employer outlining the NACTEL program and in 2002, Michael enrolled with the intent of earning his AS degree.
 
“I finished one of the degrees I started.  It is an accomplishment that my family and I are very proud of.  Online learning takes discipline and dedication to your commitment, but I set a goal and did it.”

NACTEL courses have had a positive impact on Michael both personally and professionally.  “I can answer internal and external customer questions with more authority and expertise.  My education has given me a solid understanding of technical configurations and how things work.”  In addition, the courses have also expanded his knowledge base in relation to general computer software and improved his writing skills.  “The knowledge I’ve gained through NACTEL has the potential to open new doors for me.  I’m looking forward to repositioning myself with my new and improved marketability.”

Michael’s philosophy, “It just goes to show you, there isn’t anything you can’t accomplish with the support of your family, some discipline and a good fishing buddy.”  

NACTEL News is brought to you by the National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning. NACTEL is administered by CAEL, the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning.

Copyright© 2007 NACTEL All Rights Reserved