Dr. Carmen Allen, professor of computer science, presented as part of a panel at the Oct. 28 NISOD webinar “Driving Innovation on Your Campus.” The panel featured five of the authors of “Enhancing Performance: A Best Practices Guide for Innovations in Community College” describing innovations at their institutions that were driven and supported by faculty. The webinar was offered to NISOD-member colleges, with 80 attendees nationwide.
Category Archives: Mathematics and Computer Science
LLCC cybersecurity certificate aims to fill need in workforce
LLCC is offering a cybersecurity certificate designed for students who wish to enter the workforce as cybersecurity professionals in 18 months.
“We increasingly hear about cybersecurity attacks in the news. As the number of people and devices that are online continues to grow, so do the opportunities for cybercrimes,” explains Dr. Carmen Allen, professor of computer science. “There is a great need for professionals trained in cybersecurity to protect data, networks and programs.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security is expected to grow 31% through 2029, which places it among the fastest growing career fields nationally.
Developed through a National Science Foundation grant, most of LLCC’s cybersecurity certificate courses are in a flexible-paced, competency-based education (CBE) format, which allows students to move ahead of schedule where skills are strong.
“Each student must meet established deadlines and complete required work, but has the option to accelerate through the course and finish before the end of the standard semester,” explains Dr. Allen. “This is done through learning modules students can individually access and complete. The teacher is a subject expert and coach that guides, grades work and encourages students along the way.”
In the cybersecurity certificate program, students explore attacks against networks and computer systems along with necessary defense mechanisms, such as end user tools, tips and techniques to counter attackers. Hands-on projects, competitions and case studies are used to master the cybersecurity concepts.
Fall semester registration at LLCC is underway and open through Aug. 21. Learn more about LLCC’s cybersecurity certificate at www.llcc.edu/cyber-center.
National Engineers Week
Feb. 21-27 is National Engineers Week! Have you ever stopped to think about how everything around us — from our food to our cars — has been designed by an engineer? Hear more about the role of engineers from Jim Pierce, professor of engineering, and how LLCC’s engineering program provides students a strong foundation toward a four-year degree.
Info session tonight on math, computers, sciences and ag
Prospective students are invited to an info session this evening at 5:30 p.m. to learn about programs in LLCC’s Mathematics and Computer Science Department and Natural and Agricultural Sciences Department. Please encourage any prospective students you know to sign up at www.llcc.edu/forward.
These info sessions are a part of October’s Moving Forward to LLCC events, which include virtual info sessions, a campus cruise and more!
Online math courses at LLCC
Why take math courses online at LLCC? It just adds up! Matt Vespa, professor of mathematics, discusses the many advantages of online learning.
Three reasons to take online classes at LLCC
Dr. Carmen Allen, professor of computer science, shares three reasons to take online classes at LLCC, and Cheyenne Kesselring, recent LLCC grad, recommends, “If you’re thinking of taking online courses for college this coming semester, I 100% recommend looking no further than LLCC for your needs.”
LLCC is a leader in online education and was recently named a top school for online learning by the Guide to Online Schools in its “2020 Best Online Community College Rankings by State.”
Registration for fall classes is underway. More information on online courses is available at www.llcc.edu/online.
In the news
Matt Vespa, professor of mathematics, interviewed with the Jacksonville Journal Courier and WLDS about the regional Academic Challenge held at LLCC on Feb. 4. Approximately 280 students from 18 area high schools participated in the event. Students competed as individuals and as teams, testing in their choice of two of these subjects – biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering graphics, English, mathematics and physics.
Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity
LLCC received the prestigious Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-2Y) certificate on Nov. 20. Representing LLCC, Dr. Carmen Allen, professor of computer science, accepted the award in Phoenix, Ariz. To date, LLCC is only one of four community colleges in Illinois to receive such a designation. It is awarded after meeting rigorous requirements set forth by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The CAE-2Y designation reflects LLCC’s commitment to educate and prepare cybersecurity professionals who reduce vulnerabilities in our national infrastructure.
Lucinda Caughey panelist for Oct. 16 presentation in “Finding Truth in the Age of Alternative Facts” series
Lucinda Caughey, associate professor of computer science at LLCC; Bethany Bilyeu, Psy.D., L.C.P.C., director, UIS Counseling Center; Siobhan Johnson, deputy director of human resources, Illinois Deptartment of Public Health; and Shane Overby, detective, Springfield Police Department will serve as panelists at “Pants on Fire” this Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the Thorne Deuel Auditorium at the Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St. This panel presentation will uncover big and little lies in everyday interactions. The presentation is the second in the series “Finding Truth in the Age of Alternative Facts” hosted by LLCC’s Academy of Lifelong Learning and the Illinois State Museum.
The moderator for all three programs will be Jim Leach, news director of News/Talk 94.7 and 970 WMAY. Registration is requested by calling 786-2432.
For more information and panelist biographies, visit www.llcc.edu/all-newsletters-and-special-events.