University of Akron building student cloud skills with the Microsoft Learn for Educators program

The University of Akron (UA) is offering students a unique opportunity to learn about new technology in cloud-based software management through its participation in the Microsoft Learn for Educators program. With access to the tools and materials included in the program, students can obtain industry-recognized Microsoft Certifications. The University was one of the initial higher ed institutions worldwide to participate in the program, and one of only two in the state of Ohio. 

Two UA faculty members are currently incorporating Microsoft curriculum within their weekly lesson plans via Digital Forensics and Developmental Operations courses to ensure that students are learning about new and emerging cloud-based platforms such as Microsoft Azure. A third class called Intelligent Systems will incorporate the Azure AI Fundamentals curriculum in the spring.

“UA recognizes that students need to be prepared early to work with cloud-based technology in a co-op or internship, as well as with a permanent employer upon graduation,” says Stan Smith, associate professor of practice in the Department of Disaster and Emergency Services. “Today’s employers expect that students will have a strong understanding of the technology, along with the skills and experience to assist the business, whether they are protecting the network from cyber criminals or managing day-to-day operations.”

Students learn industry practices

The Digital Forensics and Developmental Operations courses are currently offered to undergraduate students as well as high schoolers enrolled through College Credit Plus to ensure early learning. The upcoming course, Intelligent Systems, will be available to senior undergraduate students and those seeking graduate degrees.

“This skill set is important for future engineers and scientists in a variety of areas,” says Dr. Shiva Sastry, professor of electrical and computer engineering. “Students who develop skills to work on such a platform will enhance their market value and will learn to connect what we teach in our courses with what is practiced in the industry. Industry-based professionals can also take the upper-level course to upskill themselves.”

After completion of coursework, UA students are eligible to test for certification in Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, which will boost employability and prepare students to contribute quickly on the job. According to an IDC Whitepaper: Cloud Skills and Organizational Influence: How Cloud Skills Are Accelerating the Careers of IT Professionals (May 2017), certified employees earn 15% more than those without certification, are nearly 20% more productive, and have longer tenure.

“Our students are motivated – they take a variety of courses around technology and they take it upon themselves to get A+ or network security certifications because they realize they are valuable to their careers,” says Smith. “Microsoft has provided a curriculum [enhancement] to help us give our students the foundation they need to study and prepare them for certification, and it is exciting to see where it can lead them.”

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu