Overview

BATEC is changing IT education by encouraging Educators & Industry to support each other. Curriculum development employs a team-based approach, with educators and industry partners working through topics and modules in a variety of modalities, including face-to-face meetings and online communication, to create advanced rigorous content that reflects current and emerging industry needs. Skill standards and employability skills are merged with authentic and challenging complex problem-solving and higher-order thinking skills. Faculty across the partner schools have engaged over 8,000 students in performance-based learning exercises that makes use of case and/or problem-based methods. “Communities of Practice” further integrate BATEC products and methodologies in disciplinesoutside of traditional IT areas, such as health care, criminal justice, and life science.

BATEC is connecting industry, educators, and students in open dialog about the future of IT education. Our community is built through a holistic program of strategic initiatives designed to build lasting relationships and meaningful dialogue. The IT Futures Forum, an annual event hosted by our industry partners, has introduced over 500 educators to relevant information technologies and services that are driving our local economy. Breakfast visits provide a more company-specific glimpse of the workplace arena. Over 500 educators have attended Summer/Fall Institutes where they are afforded training in new and emerging technologies, skills standards, and case study methodologies.  Industry sponsored externships allow faculty and educators the opportunity to dive into the business world and experience the impact of teamwork, the focus on deliverables and the value of timely decision-making as they are applied to common business situations.

BATEC is inspiring students to discover the opportunities that exist for them in IT and IT-dependent fields. Student Leaders provide real value to partner institutions, both as a necessary resource and as a gateway to additional talent. The Tech Apprentice Program connects talented high school students with technology-focused internships. The High Tech College Fair and targeted Community College Fairs connect thousands of students with higher education opportunities, admissions counseling and career information. Accuplacer workshops assist students in becoming more “college-ready”. Mini-Tech Fairs held at local colleges help high school students become acquainted with their campuses, programs and support services. Community Outreach programs provide local agencies with similar information about relevant programs. An After-School College Program allows high school students the opportunity to participate in college–level courses and gain valuable college credits. BATEC links currently underserved adults to higher education through its Bridge to Community College initiative.

BATEC is leading the way by sharing the knowledge and success of our partners with others. The IT Workforce Study analyzed current and future IT workforce skills in a nationwide study soliciting input from workers, hiring managers, and strategic planners across the country. Conference presentations and “How-To” manuals allow others to learn from our models. The Synergy national conference series brings together educators to share, learn and experience new tools and approaches for implementing 21st Century teaching and learning practices.