DIGITAL ACADEMY FOR TEENS -- CONNECT LIKE A PRO

In this course, you will learn how to connect like a pro, while learning the fundamentals of network engineering, operations, and new possibilities in the digital world.

This course is foundational for anyone that wishes to learn about connecting data, devices and people across different networks and considerations in digital service design. You learn about what’s really behind the Internet, how to connect to the Internet, network security, cloud, edge computing, business application of enterprise networking, and how to build a network strategy for your chosen business.

What Will You Do?

You will choose an existing business (or develop an idea for a new digital service) and build a network strategy to support your business. You will complete weekly Digital Challenges, and at the end of the course you will either build your own network or complete another project challenge as part of your work experience with Vodafone. Students will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course.

Coursework: Each week students will connect to a conference call for a 1-hour live Masterclass, an interactive learning session with a professional from Vodafone who will serve as your Mentor during this training. There may be additional 1 hour of additional work each week through the Challenges.

Pre-requisites & Equipment Required: This course is open to any student with basic PC skills and Internet connection. No other technology knowledge or experience is required.

Recommended Age: 14 -19 yrs

CURRICULUM

• Session 1 – what is the Internet? Do you know how data gets from your device to an app in America? Do you know where it’s been on its journey? Join to find out what makes the Internet tick. Create league tables for top Internet exchanges and learn who is connected and where.
• Session 2 –how do I connect to the Internet? What’s the difference between Wi-Fi and broadband, what does bandwidth actually mean, and how do you get to all the Internet sites and apps you know and love. Identify best and worst connected regions.
• Session 3 – what is network security? Ever wondered what a computer virus actually is? Or how a hacker gets access to somewhere they shouldn’t? We’ll tell you all about it. Identify types of security threats.
• Session 4 – what is the cloud? Have you ever looked up when you’ve heard someone talk about the cloud? If so, let us talk to you about what it is and why it matters to you. You will work with the cloud to learn about applications infrastructure and digital services including IaaS, SaaS, PaaS, game services, Edge Computing, and more.
• Session 5 – what is enterprise networking? Now we know what happens to our packet, we’ll show you why this matters for each and every business out there. You will build your own Quality of Service policy.
• Session 6 – how to be a network pro . You will learn how to design a network architecture and with applications that use the cloud. Learn about different roles and how they work to support an organisation.

Key Skills:

This course will help students that wish to expand their technology skills overall and helps to provide foundational knowledge of digital connectivity networks. The course will help to accelerate onboarding for those pursuing an Apprenticeship or Degree Apprenticeship at Vodafone and provide insight to roles such as: Digital Solution Designer, Network Engineer, Network Manager, Application Infrastructure Manager, Strategy Manager, Security Manager.

Course Instructors & Mentors

• Andy Linham, Sr. Strategy Manager, Products & Services, Vodafone

• Larry Dutton, Sr. Strategy Manager, Fixed Connectivity, Vodafone

Dates:

Spring Cohort: Thursdays 4:00 - 5:00pm GMT

• Feb 29

• Mar 7, 14, 21, 28

• Apr 18, 25

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

You will need a PC or Mac and a smart phone ideally with video camera plus charging cables.

Under 18’s require a consent form by a parent / guardian.

R ESEARCH STUDY

We are conducting a research study with the Digital Camp, Digital Incubator, and Digital Academy with Dr. Jonathan Beale (Oxford, Harvard), Dr. Iro Konstantinou (Eton College), and Dr. Michael Mannino (Flow Research Collective) to test how digital education and purpose-driven programmes can impact academic resilience, performance, and flow in young people as well as growth and development in mentors. Participants will be invited to complete surveys and offer feedback and may opt out of the study.

OUR MISSION

We aim to inspire a love of learning with young people about technology and support their journeys to first work experiences. We believe it is critical to create an engaging and inclusive environment for girls, which are under-represented in both STEM and in leadership roles.

We're on a mission to build a sustainable education programme offering skills development and work opportunities for boys and girls of any age through a co-funded model with socially responsible businesses, educational organisations, and government.

This programme is a pilot supported by Vodafone and volunteers from the tech and business community. Proceeds from the Digital Academy are helping to raise funds to enable us to build a sustainable programme to support students to launch their own businesses. We greatly value your support and feedback.