When did this opportunity take place?
Tuesday, Oct 15 and Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024
Summary of workshop/opportunity:
This introduction to cybersecurity will address creating a cyber safety team within your school, establishing a culture of safe practices, and implementing practical steps for building cyber awareness. The workshop spans two consecutive Tuesdays and includes a combination of live instruction, special topics conversations, and hands-on activities. Participants will have access to technology experts who will offer advice and insights to address cyber safety concerns. During the workshop, attendees will also have the opportunity to complete interactive exercises to take action toward cyber safety.
Goals & Collaborations:
Establish a Cyber Safety Team: Create and implement a dedicated cyber safety team within the school to monitor and address cybersecurity concerns, ensuring the protection of digital resources and student data.
Promote a Culture of Cyber Safety: Foster a school-wide culture of safe online practices by educating staff and students about the importance of cybersecurity and implementing policies that promote safe internet usage.
Implement Practical Cybersecurity Measures: Apply practical steps learned during the workshop to build awareness and create action plans to improve cyber safety in the school environment.
Engage with Cybersecurity Experts: Utilize the insights and advice from technology experts during the workshop to address specific cybersecurity challenges faced by the school and incorporate their recommendations into daily practices.
Complete Hands-On Cyber Safety Activities: Actively participate in hands-on activities and exercises to directly implement cybersecurity best practices, ensuring these actions are reflected in the school’s digital safety protocols.
4. What were your big takeaways from your workshop or project?
The Importance of a Dedicated Cyber Safety Team: Having a focused team to monitor and address cybersecurity issues is critical in protecting both the school’s digital infrastructure and student data.
Building a Culture of Cyber Awareness: Cybersecurity is not just about technology—it's about creating a culture where safe online practices are part of everyday behavior for staff and students alike.
Practical Steps for Cybersecurity: I gained valuable, actionable steps to immediately improve cyber safety within the school, including policy updates, regular training, and the use of specific tools for monitoring and protection.
Collaboration with Experts: Interacting with technology experts during the workshop provided insights into current cybersecurity trends and challenges, helping me to stay ahead of potential threats and better protect our network.
Hands-On Learning: The interactive exercises reinforced the theoretical knowledge, giving me confidence in implementing real-world solutions to cyber safety challenges in the school environment.
5. How does what you learned connect to your goals this year?
What I learned in the workshop directly connects to my goals this year by providing practical tools and knowledge to enhance my cybersecurity skills, especially as I work towards my CompTIA Security+ certification. The hands-on activities and expert insights will help me address real-world challenges at my school, which aligns with my goal of being better prepared to handle technical obstacles and contribute more effectively to the tech team. Additionally, building a culture of cyber awareness at the school will not only support my current role but also help me grow into more advanced cybersecurity positions in the future.
6. How might this opportunity lead to collaboration with other faculty?
This opportunity can also lead to collaboration with the business office and other key stakeholders who are involved in safeguarding sensitive information and managing the school's digital resources. Connecting with these stakeholders will ensure that best practices for cybersecurity are applied across all departments. Working together on cyber threat preparedness will be crucial for protecting financial data, student records, and other critical information. By involving the business office and relevant staff in the conversation, we can take a comprehensive, school-wide approach to cyber safety, ensuring everyone is prepared to prevent and respond to potential threats effectively.
7. How does this PD learning or experience impact your work?
This professional development (PD) learning experience significantly impacts my work as the IT/EDU Technology Manager by equipping me with the tools and knowledge needed to strengthen the school’s cybersecurity framework. It enhances my ability to implement proactive measures to safeguard the school’s digital infrastructure, protect sensitive data, and respond to cyber threats more effectively. The hands-on learning from the workshop empowers me to apply practical solutions in real time, improving the overall security posture of the school.
Additionally, this experience enables me to lead and educate both faculty and staff on best practices, fostering a culture of cyber awareness throughout the school. It also allows me to collaborate more closely with the business office and other stakeholders to create a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that aligns with the school’s needs, ensuring all areas are well-prepared for potential threats. Ultimately, this PD reinforces my leadership role in ensuring the school’s technology environment is secure, efficient, and forward-thinking.
8. Would you recommend this opportunity? Why or why not?
Yes, I would recommend this opportunity. It provides practical cybersecurity skills, fosters collaboration between departments, and offers expert advice to create a safer digital environment. The hands-on experience and real-world scenarios make it valuable for anyone looking to improve their school’s cyber safety and strengthen technical skills.
9. Attach/add the URL/Website to the post
https://theatlis.org/page/cyber-101-workshop