Calling ALL Rockford ISM Students!!!

Calling all Rockford Rasmussen ISM students!

Rasmussen in Rockford is currently developing an AITP Student Chapter. Please contact me with your level interest for a position. pj.way@rasmussen.edu

I am excited to be at this point and can only imagine what is in store!

Need more information on AITP? Here is what AITP is about as pulled directly from the AITP site:

AITP is the professional association comprised of career minded individuals who seek to expand their potential -- employers, employees, managers, programmers, and many others. The organization seeks to provide avenues for all their members to be teachers as well as students and to make contacts with other members in the IS field, all in an effort to become more marketable in rapidly changing, technological careers. http://www.aitp.org/organization/council/council.jsp

Get involved.....there will be much more to come!

Phones, laptops and me

Phones.
In a recent conversation with my friend in San Diego while I was asking him his opinion of the DC Universe Online pc game, we started talking technology. I have had my Droid Incredible since the day it released and yes it is 'Incredible' and he has the iPhone. We compared the technology and our likes and the potential for improvement. The new Motorola Atrix became a focus due to the capabilities.
Check out the phone for yourself on this Link (Atrix). You will find this to be a a versatile phone with a ton of potential. I need to get my hands on this one!

Laptops.
People are always asking around "What's a good laptop?"
Well that is a loaded question and it certainly depends on your needs, the applications and the depth of your pockets ($$$$). However, I recently was turned onto checking out the new Acer (Yes, ACER) Iconia and I am blown away from what I have seen so far. The laptop will offer a dual touch screen design! The idea is sure to entice the technology fan in all of us. Check out the information that is available HERE (Iconia) and preview the design. Based on poking around, I have found the Iconia will run the Windows 7 operating system. The inner workings of this machine, which looks like a tablet design, will include the Intel Core i5 processor and 1 GHz CPU CPU is bundled with 4 GB DDR3 RAM and have a base hard disk size of 750 GB. As with all competitive laptops the Acer will have HDMI, USB (2.0 and 3.0) and Wi-Fi connectivity. Here is a short video on THIS LINK from CNET demonstrating the Iconia. The release date is still not known and there has only been speculation on the price point. Take a look and Enjoy!

 Me.
The Rockford Register Start offered me the chance to introduce myself to the public. So get to know me and thank you for following my blog.

Meet and Greet Event

WOW! The 'Meet and Greet Tech Panel Experts' event was GREAT!
The professionalism and discussion from our guests was excellent. They provided valuable insight, knowledge and conversation that was educational and informative for all the attendees. We had a two long time professionals representing the positions of a Systems Administrator and a Network Administrator as well as two Rasmussen ISM graduates who are successfully working in their fields of study. Each panel member discussed her/his experience and journey through education and employment. The attendees shared thoughts, comments, questions and a few good sandwiches over the course of the two hour event.

Based on the discussion we all walked away understanding, working in the IT field requires a desire for life long learning, being a strong self starter, effective communication skills, patience, and numerous other intangible characteristics. The career field is rewarding and can take you in many directions. Each panel expert agreed, expectations are often limited compared to potential achievement, so remain open to opportunity. The field is in high demand and the outlook for the future is positive.

I would like to thank each of the expert panel members for their time and effort, the attendees for their attention and interest and the team from admissions at Rasmussen for all of your support and effort making this a success.

Tech-Talk Meeting

This past Wednesday, January 19th, we hosted the first Tech-Talk Technology Interest Group meeting of 2011. This new look club is revamp of the IT/WEB Technology Club. Our topic this past week was a focus on preventing PC viruses and other Maleware attacks. We defined, identified and walked through troubleshooting procedures. The club meetings are open to everyone and not exclusive to ISM students, as a matter of fact, I encourage our ISM students to not only atend, but bring friends and take charge of the meetings themselves by presenting on various topics and sharing thier wealth of knowledge.

On this next Monday, January  24th, Rasmussen College and the awesome ISM program is hosting an Expert Panel discussion event from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. This is certain to be an excellent and exciting event. Please get the word out, come and meet our experts!

     GO PACKERS     

Tech and Design Fair

Upgrade Your Future - Tech and Design Fair was Excellent. Over 65 attendees in 3 hours. The workshops, art display and custom computer displays were all amazing. Thank you to everyone who attended and/or took part and particiapted in the event. There were many companies present to show support and display the use of technology and design in thier business and field. Thank you again to Best Buy (Geek Squad), GameStop (Don't forget our Midnight Release Party for Halo Reach this Monday Sept. 13th at the State St. location), Illinois Growth Enterprises, Woodward Governor, PNC Bank, OSF Saint Anthony, ComTech Corporation, FatWallet.com, Entre Computers, Rockford Park District and Pirate Ninja Print Shop. The event highlighted the various aspects of Technology and Multimedia Design.
The Rasmussen Admissions group did a great job welcoming and supporting every aspect of the effort.
I'm already looking forward to the 2nd Annual Tech and Design Fair event!

In the mean time, there is sure to be many other events in the future.

Spirit Week - Tech and Design having some fun!

Inspired

I am very fortunate to have so many excellent students this quarter! I truly feel inspired with the interaction, determination and extra effort that so many have demonstrated this early in the quarter. Several students have contacted me with video clips, magazine articles, websites and news info on everything from hardware to automation in robotics to building pc's....its truly amazing. Please do not stop! I enjoy all the information and will be certain to draw attention of other students to the material. All I can say right now is......WOW!

Gamers in ISM

Ok ISM'ers---Where are the gamers? Who has not just a pc but a MACHINE? Lets see all the bells and whistles, cooling fans, lights, cases...
I know your out there...the hardware discussions have proven it.
If you are willing to show off your equipment and demonstrate your IT or Gaming commitment....send me an email...I have question for you.

Already in the second week of classes and you are all on top of it. Keep rolling into the next week and stay focused.

First Week of Classes

The ISM program has a strong showing and I am impressed with the drive and determination of so many students. The first week is not even completed yet and students are active in conversation, offering support, asking questions, turning in assignments and eager to get further in the subject....man this is great. This is the type of attitude that will make the quarter fly by with great success. Keep up all the great work. I look forward to the various article assignments and the conversations of technology this will create. Many good things are lying ahead, so keep strong and focused.....the best is yet to come.

In the coming weeks keep your eyes open for information on our Technology and Design Fair, so ISM students, be prepared for more info to follow in the next week or two and get your thinking caps on and get involved.

Orientation with new students

Last night I met the newest group of ISM students....wow....what a great group of focused and dedicated individuals! The meeting went twice as long as it was intended and worth every minute. I want to wish each of them luck and success as they begin classes this next quarter. Talking technology and the future gets me all jazzed up and excited to get started with them.....it may be a quarter or two until I work with them in the core classes and I will be looking forward to it. Great things are in the works.....