Center for Public Computing and Workforce Development

 

Center for Public Computing and Workforce Development
Center for Public Computing and Workforce Development

 

The FAMU Center for Public Computing and Workforce Development (CPCWD) focuses on the development of resources, programs and services to provide citizens of the United States access to a quality education that enhances their efforts to improve and advances their readiness and capacity to:

  • Participate in endeavors that heighten their contribution to the development of the country’s workforce.
  • Strengthen the competitiveness of the nation in undertakings that rely on computing resources and high-speed internet applications.

Started with funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the project is designed to meet the purpose and goals of the Public Computer Center Program of the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the United States Department of Commerce. Through training programs available to the public and a reservoir of broadband technology resources for public use, CPCWD operates in concert with other agencies that strive to advance the pool of certified 21st century skill holders toward the goal of attaining a globally competitive workforce for the country.

In addition to providing public access to broadband computers and video conference services, the Center targets individuals who are unemployed or under-employed. Specialized attention is given to minorities, women, veterans and youth seeking knowledge and skills to make them more marketable and valuable to employers. Such attention includes the delivery of instruction and training to impart knowledge and enhance skills needed to increase preparedness for entry and successful navigation of educational programs. Committed to serving as a resource for small businesses' growth and development, CPCWD offers workforce development training.

The CPCWD provides instructor-led training to individuals and groups who are located a significant distance from our training rooms. This feature distinguishes the training services of the CPCWD from other programs. While participating in training classes, remote students interface with instructors and other students as if they are physically seated in a classroom. Remote students see and hear the instructor and students physically situated in the classroom, as well as other virtual students. Remote participants can be fully involved during classroom presentations and discussions. They can also ask and answer questions in real time. Sessions are conducted using high-definition TelePresence sessions to ensure smooth communications between in-person students, remote students, and instructors.

CPCWD uses digital video capture to record classroom activity, such as presentation, content, and discussion. Recorded classroom sessions are made available to students after completion of the training session. Access to recorded sessions via CPCWD classroom capture system archives are made available to students on demand. Videos can be accessed by clicking on the web link that provides access to the recorded session.

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