Welcome NACTEL News – November 2008
with news, info, and insights from the National Coalition for Telecommunications and Learning
Contents
New Program! - Video Technology Track
Registration Information
Student Story – Robert Linville
Techie Word - H.263
Partner News - EMBARQ Communications
Online Learning Tip from a NACTEL Graduate
Today's Chuckle
Pace University has added a new track in Video Technology to the NACTEL program. The new Video Technology track focuses on television principles, voice over IP telephone, smart home technology, wired and wireless computer networking, and gaming and home automation. This new track prepares students to install, maintain, and manage the “triple play” services continuing to expand in the telecommunications industry.
For more information, visit the Video Technology Track on the NACTEL website.
It is time to get ready for the early Spring 2009 term. Registration opens on November 6!
Start today and get a jump on that New Year's Resolution!
NACTEL program at Pace University
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B.S. Degree in Professional Studies in: |
A.S. Degrees in Applied Information Technology in: |
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"As I was taking a course through Pace University, my office was dealing with technology changes. I was able to explain things to my co-workers with out even thinking about it. NACTEL has made a lot of things possible for me."Robert Linville
Central Office Tech
Verizon
IBEW 824 member for 11 1/2 years
Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications
Originally, Robert wanted to be a teacher, but things didn’t quite work out that way. After a few years as a supervisor of a toy store and being the official Disney character, Goofy, at the theme park, he decided to follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps by taking a job with Verizon.
A few years later, Verizon sent an e-mail with information about the NACTEL program at Pace University, and he started researching it. He had always wanted to finish his Bachelor’s degree, and this was a great opportunity. Robert will become the first member of his family to obtain his Bachelor’s degree. He gives credit to NACTEL, Pace University, Verizon, and the IBEW for helping him make it happen.
"The best part of the NACTEL / Pace program was the flexibility it offered me. I have three little girls, so to be able to do schoolwork after they went to bed was great. I even took time off to get married! When I got back, I had to work double-time to catch up, but the flexibility was amazing."
Robert believes that his new degree will help him if he decides to pursue a management position, but he is very happy with his current position as a Central Office Tech.
This summer, Robert plans on meeting some of his fellow classmates in Florida. He already has a fishing trip lined up with one of them and is looking forward to meeting other classmates face-to-face. "I’ve formed friendships that are extending out of the classroom, and it’s great." He has also kept in contact with instructors from Pace University and is considering becoming an instructor later in life. For now, his next step will be obtaining his MBA.
Ever hear of H.263?
It’s not really a word, but H.263 is an ITU-standard video compression protocol that improves video streaming over WAN or LAN. It transmits video at a resolution of 176x44 pixels.*
Learn about video compression technologies and plenty more by enrolling in the new NACTEL Video Technology track at Pace University.
* - Source: Newton’s Telecom Dictionary, 23rd Edition
EMBARQ Communications joins NACTEL
EMBARQ, headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, recently joined the National Coalition of Telecommunications and Learning.
EMBARQ has approximately 18,000 employees and operates in 18 states, offering a complete suite of communications services. EMBARQ is included in the S&P 500 and is in the Fortune 500® list of America’s largest corporations.
"For ten years, NACTEL has offered the highest quality telecommunications education, and EMBARQ adds to our credibility and reach in this industry; we are pleased to welcome them," said Susan Kannel, NACTEL Executive Director.
For more information on EMBARQ, visit: www.embarq.com
Visit the NACTEL website to read the press release.Be sure to "raise your hand" in an online class
"If you have a question, ask it. The chances are you are not the only one with the same question. People are there to help you."
- Bonnie Boord, A.S. in Telecommunications, 2008
Sure fire ways to keep your phone system in top operating condition.
- Do not call for service until everyone has had a chance to form an opinion about what is wrong. Give each person a chance to correct the problem.
- After several days, when the minor telephone malfunction has become a major annoyance, place an urgent service call. Fridays are best, but anytime after 4 p.m. is okay.
- Alert everyone when the technician arrives. This way each person can give their own version of what is wrong. Suggestions on how to fix the problem will be welcomed by the tech.
- Assign someone to supervise the repair. The best person to supervise is someone who has never before been inside a switch room - nor has any idea where the main console is.
- Make sure there are no lights in the switch room. Be assured a good technician can fix it blindfolded.
- If the tech doesn’t seem to be correcting the problem, ask him if he knows what he is doing. Mention that you fixed your toaster last week without reading the instruction booklet.
Adapted from: http://www.supply.com/telecomhumor_02keys.htm
Copyright© 2008 NACTEL All Rights Reserved