| Volume 37 | Number
2
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Spring
2006
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OSU-Okmulgee's IT Program Sponsors Competition for State's By Sharon Smith (Okmulgee) - The 2006 Oklahoma State University - Okmulgee Cyber Security Invitational Competition was held recently to recognize the outstanding efforts of secondary students, postsecondary students and Career Technology Center faculty who are preparing to address the national, regional and state needs for highly trained cyber security experts. Scott Newman, OSU-Okmulgee's Information Technologies Division Chair, says the competition allowed students to test skills they are learning in their CareerTech programs and will use in the work environment.
The competition was difficult, but one that Lisa Cole, a resident of Tulsa and a student at Tulsa Technology Center - Riverside Campus, felt challenged her knowledge. "I thought it was difficult and took a lot of skill and know-how. I feel this competition helped me prepare for what it will be like to solve problems in a real corporate environment." The competition gave CareerTech students a chance to test the skills they've learned in their classes. Tim Faulk, Tulsa Technology Center instructor, says, "In the competition, students were able to show their expertise in the skills they've learned, with the added benefit of competing with students from other CareerTechs. This is a great way for the students to learn how to sum up the skills and knowledge they've gained." Willie Horn, a resident of Collinsville and a student at Tulsa Technology Center, thought the competition was really fun, however, "it was more challenging than I expected it to be. The tests really challenged my knowledge and skills to work through the problems in a timely manner." Problem solving is constantly used by people in cyber security, and Michelle Wigington, a resident of Glenpool and a student at Tulsa Technology Center, says this competition tested her problem-solving skills. "This competition was a very valuable learning experience. I saw how closely I have to pay attention to details." Jim Morris, instructor at Tulsa Technology Center - Riverside Campus, says he is very proud of his students, many of whom placed in the competition. "The OSU-Okmulgee staff and faculty did a fantastic job designing the competition. When our students get a chance to come to OSU-Okmulgee's competition, they can compare to what they're learning in our classrooms, and see where they need to improve and where they need to excel." Morris noted that the first year for the cyber forensics program has been a great experience for his students. "We're still the only pilot program in the nation with a career path from high school through college level. We send a lot of students to OSU-Okmulgee to earn their degree in cyber security and forensics. It's great to see students get excited about their education and take pride in what they're learning."
OSU-Okmulgee's IT faculty facilitated the contest in the university's ATT/SBC Excelerator computer labs. Newman says the competition provides OSU-Okmulgee's Information Technologies faculty opportunities to interact with the state's most talented cyber security CareerTech students. "The contest provides our faculty with opportunities to get to know the state' best and brightest cyber security students, and the students with the chance to learn more about cyber security - while comparing their skills against the state's top students. Through this competition, we hope to encourage many of these talented students to pursue rewarding careers in this exciting field." For more information call 918.293.4678 or 1.800.722.4471. Information also is available online at www.osu-okmulgee.edu. The categories of winners were divided into Secondary students and Postsecondary students. The winners were: Secondary Winners:
Postsecondary Winners:
The Outstanding Cyber Security Program was:
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