Network design course gets top marks at all-girls' school

Amy Turpin has always been interested in the world of computers. But until this year, the Grade 12 student had never considered computers as a serious career choice.

"I never gave much thought to working in the field of information technology," says Turpin, 16. "But after spending the past two years learning the ins and outs of networking, I'm fairly certain computers will be in my future."

Turpin is one of a small group of high school students at Marymount Academy, an all-girls' Catholic school in Sudbury, Ontario, who are rediscovering their career options, thanks to a unique networking course offered at their school. Called the Cisco Networking Academy, the four-semester co-operative program teaches students the fundamentals of how to design, build, and maintain networks capable of supporting today's national and global organizations. Students learn the information needed to prepare them for the world of networking, positioning them for immediate openings in a talent-hungry job market or for engineering- and science-focused college studies.

"There's still a tendency for girls to shy away from information technology or from anything that is hardware-related," says David MacDonald, vice principal of Marymount Academy. "Through the Cisco Networking Academy Program, our young women are able to pursue a non-traditional area in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, without the peer pressure that's often found at co-ed schools."

Marymount Academy, established in 1956 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, is the only all-girls' school in the Sudbury region of Northern Ontario. The school motto - "Learn that you might live" - affects every area of school life for the 300 students in Grades 7 to OAC level, from classes and sports to clubs, celebrations and presentations. The motto also supports the school's experiential model of learning, extending education beyond the classroom to include community involvement.

Over the past few years, Marymount has put information technology at the forefront of the educational experience. Students in all grades have regular access to the school's three computer labs - two Pentium labs and an older 486 facility. All computers, including those located in each classroom, are linked through a high-speed academic network.

By January 2000, fibre optic switches will be installed to boost access speed to 100 MBps. Besides offering quicker Internet access, the additional speed will open up the door for students to access their files from home, making homework and joint assignments easier and more efficient.

"Technology is extremely important to optimize the learning process," says MacDonald. "But limited resources often pose a challenge. So when Cisco presented a general information session on the Networking Academy concept to members of the Sudbury District Catholic School Board, we were chomping at the bit to get involved."

The Networking Academy program prepares students for the Cisco Certified Networking Academy Associate exam. Cisco provides coursework for a complete range of basic through advanced networking concepts - from pulling cable through to such complex concepts as subnet masking rules and strategies.

The format for the classes reflects the content: interactive lessons stored largely on the classroom's Cisco Web server. The Academy design also accommodates diverse learning styles: text is offered for those who learn easier by reading, while more visual learners can focus on the course material's extensive graphics and QuickTime movies. To promote development of the personal skills that underpin successful careers, projects require students not only to resolve technical issues but also to successfully address network users' needs.

Marymount acts as a Cisco Regional Academy, supporting Networking Academy programs at Marymount as well as the region's two other schools. As such, Marymount hosts "teach the teachers" seminars and funnels input to Cisco on topics such as individual school performance, curriculum quality and effectiveness, and student progress.

"Due to the rigors of the course, we have become a very tight-knit family," says program leader and computer science teacher Gen Waszczylo. "Some students who started back in Semester One have dropped out due to scheduling conflicts or to pursue other interests. But those who have stayed have become quite close. Together they have created a very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere in which to learn."

Paula Rienguette, 18, admits she signed up for the Cisco Networking Academy program because it sounded "different." But now that the OAC level student is nearing the end of the course, she's certain her future will be in IT.

"It's very rewarding to learn something you can use later on in a career, rather than studying calculus or trigonometry and then trying to find a way to apply it to everyday life," she says. "Already, I can take what I've learned and apply it to my own computer. Before I started this course, if something went wrong I was stuck. But now I have much more nerve and I can fix loose wires myself."

While its purpose is to train students for a career in IT, Marymount's Networking Academy program has also enhanced the school's position in the community. MacDonald has received numerous telephone calls from educators in Ontario and Quebec who are eager to launch the program at their school boards. The program has also prompted queries from several community partners regarding other IT-related initiatives.

"When we watch our own computer technicians and see them literally run off their feet, we can appreciate the true value of the Cisco Networking Academy," he says. "This program will open up many doors to our students and there's no doubt that it has expanded their knowledge base. With Cisco as our technology partner, the women of Marymount Academy are well-prepared for the global information economy."

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