Cyber Bootcamp Offered at DCB

Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) is one of the six locations across the state hosting a two-day IT/Cyber bootcamp. The Dakota Digital Academy (DDA) and the Northern Information Technology Consortium (NITC) are teaming up to deliver the bootcamp at six locations across the state on June 6-7, 2023. The bootcamp aims to help K-12 teachers who have little digital technologies experience to be exposed to the fun and creative aspects of digital technologies. Attendees can return to their classroom with a technology toolbox to engage their students as well as earn graduate credit upon completion of the course.

“Digital technology literacy is only growing in importance as we see the advancement of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in all that connects us through the Internet and advancement of learning and engaging with our environment. Students need to have the opportunity to learn about digital technologies and this opportunity is a way to help teachers familiarize themselves with important aspects of technology,” said North Dakota University System (NDUS) Chancellor Mark Hagerott.

Modules of learning will include four hours each of networking, cybersecurity awareness, Internet of Things, and programming. Chad Fenner Ph.D. Information Systems with Cyber Defense Focus, Dakota State University, will instruct the courses held on the DCB campus. Fenner has worked as an electronic media specialist designing and programming at the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities (NDCPD) a university center of excellence at Minot State University (MSU). He has over 15 years of experience in the Information Technology industry which includes system administration, backup and recovery, web administration/development/accessibility, programming, graphic design, and desktop support. He also has worked for IBM as a systems/web administrator, architect, analyst, and backup/recovery specialist. He began teaching as an adjunct professor in the fall of 2013 and has since taught courses in the classroom and online at MSU. His classes include Project Management, Technology Management, Management Information Systems, Web-Based Application Development, and Management Information Systems Seminar.

Each attendee will receive a $200 stipend to attend and one graduate credit through Minot State University or Valley City State University. For more information on the learning modules or to register for the bootcamp, go to 2023 Summer Bootcamp – Dakota Digital Academy. The Dakota Digital Academy was established to help provide access to digital-cyber oriented education, training, certificates, and knowledge. It is a collaboration among NDUS campuses, in partnership with select business and corporate partners.