Author: NetTech

PROTO Academy

NAME: _______________________________

Table of Contents

Welcome	3
PROTO Contact Information	3
Campus Locations & Resources	4
Interesting Facts from PROTO Grant	5
FabLab Facts	6
Credentials, Certificates, Associate’s Degree’s Awarded through the PROTO Program	7
IT Specific Programs Offered at Metropolitan Community College	8
PROTO Pathway	9
PROTO Class Descriptions	10-11
Discover MCC	12-13
Multiple Intelligences	14-18
My Action Plan	19-24
Additional Resources
10 Tips for Test Anxiety	29
General Test Strategies to Overcoming Test Anxiety	30
Strategies in Time Management	31—32
Advising Checklist	33

Welcome to Metropolitan Community College’s Project PROTO Academy!
One of the fastest growing industries in the state of Nebraska, as determined by the Nebraska Department of Labor, is Information Technology (IT). The U.S. Department of Labor reports that, nationally, nearly two-thirds of high-demand, IT-related jobs remain unfilled due to employers’ inability to secure well qualified candidates.
Metropolitan Community College has developed the Project PROTO (Providing Realistic On-ramps to Technology Occupations) Academy to help transform perceptions of, increase participation in, and equip individuals for success within the field of IT. MCC aims to aid Omaha Metro Area employers and business partners who have identified specific gaps and critical needs related to the employability of individuals pursuing professions in the IT industry.
As a participant in MCC’s PROTO Academy, you can expect exposure to computer literacy and workplace readiness skills, competency and contextual-based instruction, and a hands-on learning experience in our state-of-the-art digital Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab). Our goal is to help you determine your next steps, whether professionally or academically, as they relate to Industrial and Commercial Technology and Trade.
It is our hope that through this unparalleled experience your interest in IT is peaked, your inner creativity is awakened, and you leave inspired to further explore and pursue a career in Information Technology.
Sincerely,
The Project PROTO Team

PROTO Contact Information
Website: http://whatsyourtype.info
E-mail: Proto@mccneb.edu
Phone: (402) 457-2640 PROTO Staff & Faculty
Lyndsie Gibbs Career Skills Coach Lmgibbs@mccneb.edu
Brittany Stegeman Career Skills Navigator bstegeman@mccneb.edu
Sarah Larsen Career Skills Training Specialist selarsen1@mccneb.edu
Tammy Madsen I-Best Instructor Phone: 402-457-2496 tmadsen1@mccneb.edu Jamie Bridgham Information Technology Instructor Phone: 402-457-2763 jbridgham@mccneb.edu
Hugh Schuett Information Technology Instructor Phone: 402-457-2830 hschuett@mccneb.edu

Campus Resources:

Campus Locations:

Online Resources:

Academy Locations

Metropolitan Community College 5300 N. 30th Street, Building 10 Omaha, NE 68111	The Mastercraft Building 1111 N. 13th Street Omaha, NE 68102

Interesting Facts about the PROTO Grant at MCC

A need to fill technology-enabled occupations. A survey of 245 Omaha-area businesses found that 90% report an inadequate supply of IT workers. Among the 154 area companies responding to a follow-up survey, respondents plan to hire nearly 1,400 IT professionals in the next two years.
A need to change current perceptions of the IT Industry. There are still strong misconceptions about IT training and careers, such as IT work is solitary, it occurs only behind a computer, and it requires unique, high level abilities beyond the capacity of most people.
A need to experience technology hands-on. Metropolitan Community College has created a FREE contextual-based learning opportunity called PROTO Academy. Attending a PROTO Academy will expose participants to computer literacy and workplace readiness skills, competency and contextual-based instruction, and a hands-on experience in MCC’s state-of-the-art digital Fab Lab (Fabrication Lab).
A need to continue one’s own education and career pathways. MCC’s PROTO Coaching Team will assist individuals desiring to pursue IT-enabled degrees, certifications, and employment through academic advising and career mapping. They will also help grant participants with resume building, interview skills, and occupational training opportunities through internships and MCC’s IT Earn and Learn Model. There is a distinct emphasis upon building participants’ skills with technologies for productivity, collaboration, and innovation – technology skills that span across industries and contribute to the employability and upward mobility of all workers.

The Fabrication Lab or ‘Fab Lab’ model was created by MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA), an extension of its research into digital fabrication and computation.

A Fab Lab is a technical prototyping platform for invention, providing stimulus for local entrepreneurship.

A Fab Lab is also a platform for learning and innovation: a place to play, to create, to mentor, and to invent.

The Fab Lab incorporates state of-the-art equipment, 3-D printers, laser engravers, and computer numerical control machines, and enables instructors to introduce a variety of engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, chemical and structural engineering, as well as elements of computer science, math and art.

Students learn how to envision, design, build, test and refine their ideas through hands-on experience with 2D and 3D design software and digital fabrication tools.

Fab Lab II at an off-site location in the heart of MasterCraft, a collaborative facility in downtown. Omaha that is home to a diverse crowd of small businesses and entrepreneurs.

MCC’s Fab Lab opened in 2013, and has already outgrown the medium-sized space that was created by modifying an existing computer lab.

Fab Lab II is a mobile unit to take off-site for training and outreach

Credentials, Certificates, Associate’s Degree’s Awarded through the PROTO Program

IT Specific Programs Offered at Metropolitan Community College

Computer-Aided Design (DCDSD) Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (DDDSD) Computer-Aided Drafting (DCASD) Computer-Aided Manufacturing Design (DCMSD) Computer Technology Transfer - Computer Science (CTSAS) Computer Technology Transfer – Information Assurance (CTIAS) Computer Technology Transfer – Management Information Systems (CTMAS) Design and Interactive Media Arts Entrepreneurship (DIMCE) Electrical Technology – Building Electrical (ETBCE) Electrical Technology (ETAAS) Electronics Technology – Cisco Networking (ELCCO) Electronics Technology – Cisco Network Technician (ELNCO) Electronics Technology – Computer Electronics (ELCEO) Electronics Technology – Microcomputer Repair (ELMCO) General Information Technology - Computer Programming (CPTCE) General Information Technology (GITAS) General Information Technology - UNIX/Linux Operating Systems (LNXSC) Health Information Technology (HITSD) Health Information Technology Professional (HITAS) Information Technology – Database Administration (ITDAO) Information Technology – Data Center Management (ITDCO) Information Technology – Data Center Technician (ITCCO) Information Technology – Desktop Support Specialist (ITDS1) Information Technology – Embedded Systems Technology (ITESO) Information Technology (INTAS) Information Technology – Programming for Database/Web (ITDWO) Information Technology – Security Technician (ITSTO) Information Technology – Server Administration (ITSAO) Information Technology – Server Technician (ITSRO) Information Technology Technician (ITTCE) Information Technology – Web Author (ITWCO) Information Technology – Web Development (ITWDO)

Discover MCC Career Assessment

Your Results

Based on the descriptions of each outcome, identify three words that describe that outcome
and how it relates to you. Write each in the boxes below.

Write down three jobs/majors that you find interesting in the boxes below.
Consider what about those jobs/majors you find interesting and how they relate to you.

What was your initial reaction to your results?

How did this experience influence the jobs/majors you chose?

Read all d__________________ carefully before you begin. D___________________ will indicate the time limit for each section of the test.
Try to answer the question in your m_________ BEFORE looking at the choices. If you know the answer and one of the items represents what you were thinking, you have usually found the correct answer.
Base your answers on the m__________________ presented in the passages. Do not answer based upon your personal experiences. The test is geared toward a general audience and answers will be based only on the information given in the reading passages.
Use the P____________ of E________________________. Wrong answers are often easier to identify than the right answers. Look for answers that are impossible or those that just “sound weird”. If you can eliminate two or three choices, your odds of guessing the right answer are much greater.
E_________________________ g______________________. There are several ways to make your best guess:
- Wrong choices may not answer the question. They may make a statement about the topic, but it is different than the information the question is asking.
- Look for opposite answers so that you can eliminate one. They can’t both be right (but they can both be wrong).
Order doesn’t matter. Complete the questions you k__________ first. Then, go back and complete skipped questions.
Stay f_____________. Be in the moment and limit distractions.
Watch your t__________. Don’t rush, but pace yourself so that you will have time to complete the test.
T_____________ your instincts. Don’t waste precious time changing answers repeatedly. Resist the urge to go back and change your answers unless you have a good reason to do so.
M__________ answers carefully. Remember, there are a variety of ways to respond to questions.
“High achievement always occurs in the framework of high expectation.”
Charles F. Kettering (1876-1958)

About Me
First, it will be helpful to reflect on a few aspects of your life as you begin to develop a clear plan for college success. Answer the following questions about yourself as completely as possible.
1. I was motivated to pursue a college degree because….
2. After I graduate, I plan to use my earned college credential(s) [degree, diploma, certificates] by….

My Study Habits
Generally, I study hours per day.
Generally, I sit down to study time(s) per week.
Clearly describe the setting(s) where you feel most productive studying? Why do you feel comfortable in these settings?
In the future, I plan to study hours per day and times per week.

My Support Network
It is important to surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and mentors who can encourage your success. Please list any members of your current support network who are available to your college success at Metropolitan Community College:
1. ___________________________________Describe how he/she supports you:
(name of support person)
2. __________________________________ Describe how he/she supports you:
(name of support person)
3. _________________________________ Describe how he/she supports you:
(name of support person)

My Academic History
Think about the courses you have taken so far. Use the following worksheet to highlight three courses in each category.

I was successful because:	The success strategies that I used were:
Factors that contributed to my low grade included:	I believe I could have achieved in this course if I:

Taking Action
After narrowing my career and occupational options, I have decided I would like to become a(n):
Creating my action plan:
Your first step is to set goals. They should be realistic and specific and related to occupation, education or training.
Now take each of these goals and identify the steps you need to take to achieve them. This is your action plan.
My short-term career goals: (e.g., in a day, within a week, or possibly within a few months). 1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________

Applied Mathematics
Reading for Information
Locating Information

WorkKeys Scores:

Action Steps	Target Date	Done
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

My long-term career goals: (e.g., one semester, one year, five years, or twenty years).
1. ___________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________

Action Steps	Target Date	Done
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Possible Roadblocks to Achieving My Goals:
Even though you have your action plan, things can still go wrong that make it hard for you to reach your goals. Think of these obstacles as roadblocks to your destination and may include lack of finances, childcare, and support resources. You need to find a detour or alternative route to get there.
List your roadblocks and develop a strategy of how to deal with each one as they arise.

Possible Roadblocks	Possible Detours to Roadblocks
Example: Babysitter gets sick and cancels.	Arrange backup sitter in advance

Tips For

OVERCOMING

TEST Anxiety

8

Don’t Panic When You Don’t Know an Answer

Eliminate options you know are incorrect and then make an educated guess.

If You Get Stuck or Start Feeling Anxious, Take A Mini-Break To Refresh Yourself

7

Get a drink of water, stretch, or get some fresh air.

10

Use Positive Self-Talk and Have a Positive Attitude

Reward yourself after the test for completing it and don’t dwell on your past mistakes

If You Have Time, Review Your Answers

Don’t change an answer unless you are sure your second answer is correct.

9

6

Budget Your Time

to finish the test.

4

Get to the Classroom Early

So you can sit where you want. Avoid people who add to your stress.

Look Over the Questions to Familiarize Yourself With the Test

Underline key words or phrases in the test directions.

5

Do a Quick Review

Just before you let your subconscious aid in long-term memory.

3

2

Learn Relaxation Techniques Such As:

Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, visualiztion, positive self-talk.

1

Reduce Study Materials To:

Outlines, notecards, or a few key study pages. Over-learn the material.

General Test Strategies to Overcome Anxiety Test taking is a process. Consider these steps as you prepare for tests, take the test, and review returned tests.

Content partially adapted from handout by Gregory Wells, NACADA Conference. 1987

Strategies in

T I m e

Management

Developing time management skills is a journey that may begin with this guide, but needs practice and other guidance along the way. One goal is to help yourself become aware of how you use your time as one resource in organizing, prioritizing, and succeeding in your studies in the context of competing activities of friends, work, family, etc.

Blocks of study time and breaks As your school term begins and your course schedule is set, develop and plan for, blocks of study time in a typical week. Blocks ideally are around 50 minutes, but perhaps you become restless after only 30 minutes? Some difficult material may require more frequent breaks. Shorten your study blocks if necessary-but don't forget to return to the task at hand! What you do during your break should give you an opportunity to have a snack, relax, or otherwise refresh or re-energize yourself. For example, place blocks of time when you are most productive: are you a morning person or a night owl?

Postpone unnecessary activities until the work is done! Postpone tasks or routines that can be put off until your school work is finished! This can be the most difficult challenge of time management. As learners we always meet unexpected opportunities that look appealing, then result in poor performance on a test, on a paper, or in preparation for a task. Distracting activities will be more enjoyable later without the pressure of the test, assignment, etc. hanging over your head. Think in terms of pride of accomplishment. Instead of saying "no" learn to say "later".

Achieve "stage one"--get something done! The Chinese adage of the longest journey starting with a single step has a couple of meanings: First, you launch the project! Second, by starting, you may realize that there are some things you have not planned for in your process. Details of an assignment are not always evident until you begin the assignment. Another adage is that "perfection is the enemy of good", especially when it prevents you from starting! Given that you build in review, roughly draft your idea and get going! You will have time to edit and develop later.

Dedicated study spaces:
Determine a place free from distraction (no cell phone or text messaging!) where you can maximize your concentration and be free of the distractions that friends or hobbies can bring! You should also have a back-up space that you can escape to, like the library, departmental study center, even a coffee shop where you can be anonymous. A change of venue may also bring extra resources.

Weekly reviews Weekly reviews and updates are also an important strategy. Each week, like a Sunday night, review your assignments, your notes, your calendar. Be mindful that as deadlines and exams approach, your weekly routine must adapt to them!

Long term planner Use a monthly chart so that you can plan ahead. Long term planners will also serve as a reminder to constructively plan time for yourself.

Prioritize your assignments When studying, get in the habit of beginning with the most difficult subject or task. You'll be fresh, and have more energy to take them on when you are at your best. For more difficult courses of study, try to be flexible: for example, build in reaction time when you can get feedback on assignments before they are due.

Use your free time wisely Think of times when you can study "bits" as when walking, riding the bus, etc. Perhaps you've got music to listen to for your course in music appreciation, or drills in language learning? If you are walking or biking to school, when best to listen? Perhaps you are in a line waiting? Perfect for routine tasks like flash cards, or if you can concentrate, to read or review a chapter. The bottom line is to put your time to good use.

Review notes and readings just before class This may prompt a question or two about something you don't quite understand, to ask about in class, or after. It also demonstrates to your teacher that you are interested and have prepared.

Review lecture notes just after class Then review lecture material immediately after class. The first 24 hours are critical. Forgetting is greatest within 24 hours without review!

Create a simple "To Do" list This simple program will help you identify a few items, the reason for doing them, a timeline for getting them done, and then printing this simple list and posting it for reminders.

Daily/weekly planner Write down appointments, classes, and meetings on a chronological log book or chart. If you are more visual, sketch out your schedule First thing in the morning, check what's ahead for the day always go to sleep knowing you're prepared for tomorrow

Identify resources to help you Are there tutors? An expert friend? Have you tried a keyword search on the Internet to get better explanations? Are there specialists in the library that can point you to resources? What about professionals and professional organizations. Using outside resources can save you time and energy, and solve problems.

Use your free time wisely Think of times when you can study "bits" as when walking, riding the bus, etc. Perhaps you've got music to listen to for your course in music appreciation, or drills in language learning? If you are walking or biking to school, when best to listen? Perhaps you are in a line waiting? Perfect for routine tasks like flash cards, or if you can concentrate, to read or review a chapter. The bottom line is to put your time to good use.

Congratulations on your decision to enroll in college!

Term: _____________________

Check when done:

Date To Be Completed:

Enroll in PROTO Academy
Schedule an appointment with PROTO Coach
Register for classes (INFO 1002, 1955, 1962)
Apply for MCC Scholarships
COMPASS Exam **
Discover MCC/ Career Interest Inventory
Obtain Student ID
Purchase Books
Pick up Pass to Class Familiarize yourself with Campus
Attend 1st day of classes

** The COMPASS test takes approximately 2 1/2 hours. In order to take the test you need to provide a state ID. You can call any campus to take the test:
FOC Testing Center: 402-457-2204 SRP Testing Center: 402-537-3803 SOC Testing Center: 402-738-4613 EVC Testing Center: 402-289-1278

Note: We are happy to help you navigate the systems and processes at MCC. If you have questions or issues, please call or e-mail us: 402-457-2640 Proto@mccneb.edu

Unless otherwise noted, this work by the PROTO project at Metropolitan Community College is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.
Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Statement. Metropolitan Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, disability or sexual orientation in admission or access to its programs and activities or in its treatment or hiring of employees.

	Fort Omaha Campus – / Building 10, Room & Phone	South Omaha Campus – Connector, Room & Phone
Learning & Tutoring Center	Rm 213 402-457-2438	Rm 217 402-738-4537
Math Center	Rm 207 402-457-2475	Rm 223 402-738-4531
Writing Center	Rm 209 402-738-4529	Rm 222 402-738-4529
Student Services	Rm 101 402-457-2400	Rm 131 402-738-4500
Financial Aid	Bldg 30 402-457-2330	Rm 131 402-457-2330
Testing Center	Rm 121A 402-457-2204	Rm 102 402-738-4613
Career Services	Student Serv. 402-738-4647	Student Serv. 402-738-4647

Fort Omaha Campus / 5300 North 30th Street / Omaha, NE 68111 / 402-457-2700	MCC Express / 3002 South 24th Street / Omaha, NE / 402-738-4060	South Omaha Campus / 2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave Omaha, NE 68107 / 402-738-4500
Elkhorn Valley Campus / 829 N 204th St Omaha, NE 68022 402-289-1200	Sarpy Center / 9110 Giles Road / La Vista, NE 68128 / 402-537-3800	Applied Technology Center / 10407 State Street / Omaha, NE 68122 / 402-763-5800
Fremont Area Center / 835 N. Broad Street / Fremont, NE 68025 / 402-721-2507	Washington County Tech Center / 1844 Washington Street / Blair, NE 68008 / 402-533-8400

MCC website	MCCneb.edu
PROTO website	Whatsyourtype.info
Skills Tutor (requires login)	MySkillsTutor.com
Keyboarding	Typingclub.com
Math	Khanacademy.org
	MathPlayground.com
Vocabulary	FreeRice.com
Work keys Sample Questions	http://www.act.org/workkeys/assess/sample.html

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