About Ohio Computing Unlimited and the Ohio Information Technology Clearinghouse
The Ohio IT Clearinghouse is an emerging project, whose mission is to enhance the knowledge and capability of Ohio's workforce relative to information technology. Ohio Computing Unlimited is a project focused on providing a mechanism to provide every Ohio worker and student with the computing skills they need to succeed in their chosen job, career or curriculum. The mechanism on which OCU relies is the International Computer Driving License (ICDL).
Ohio IT Clearinghouse Focus
It used to be that computerizing the office was as simple as buying a PC and learning how to use a spreadsheet or special-purpose business program. In today's world the business owner and manager rely more each day on decisions that are shaped, implemented and accounted for by computers. The impact of the effectiveness and the risk of the computing investment - not just the hardware and software - but also the people who must use these tools to accomplish their jobs - is massive and growing.
Our focus is on identifying and notifying all interested parties about innovative ways to deliver quality higher education in all related fields of IT. By listing the efforts of Ohio's public colleges and universities in an organized way, OITC provides employers and their employees access to dozens of opportunities to obtain that education - often via modern techniques of distance learning - effective, accredited education without having to commute to a classroom or deal with an inflexible classroom schedule.
Education and Training
All organizations require their employees to be trained in specific tools and techniques of their specific business. Higher education provides a broad platform for that training - providing students with the perspective and fundamental skills of evaluation, interpretation and problem-solving along with the basic elements of a broad-based education.
That process of learning - using new knowledge - then learning again - is one that remains part of everyday long after formal schooling. The potential mistake of assuming that once the diploma is in hand, we can avoid anything that smacks of education for the rest of our lives - is not only unrealistic, it can be disastrous for individuals and the companies who employ them. The need for education and learning is continuous and unending. As long as the world continues to change, people must continue to learn.
Advanced education after high school better equips workers to understand the current situation - and to cope with the structures and events that cause change in the workplace. The well-educated employee is better equipped not just to react to change - but also to anticipate change and prepare the business with the posture and the preparation to deal successfully with that change.
Who is the Student?
We are all prospective learners. In today's knowledge economy, learning must be a lifelong process. In Ohio, we have access to world-class courses and entire degrees that can be completed at a distance - from your home or office - under the official auspices of internationally acclaimed, accredited colleges and universities in the state of Ohio. Helping you find and succeed in those programs is one of our key goals.
What is the Business Role?
The OITC seeks to establish direct relationships with the Ohio business community, in order to:
- Provide input to help assure that new and updated courses are created with the key considerations of real-world practitioners in mind
- Gain recognition and support of employers for key certificates - like ICDL - that indicate a proven level of skill and productivity
- Gain support of employers for higher education in IT at a variety of levels and by a wide variety of means
- Gain support for the use of innovative distance learning courses and degree programs
|
