WiderNet Project director Cliff Missen will lead a three-day computer technician training at the University of Ibadan, November 3-6.

This three-day intensive workshop is for Nigerian federal university ICT staff members and is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, the University of Iowa, and the University of Ibadan.  Focusing on the creation of campus networks, the workshop will cover a variety of topics ranging from computer assembly to satellite links to the Internet.

Participants will hear lectures on computer and network topics, watch demonstrations on computer assembly and basic networking, and then get hands-on experience building computers, preparing network wires, and building local area networks.

But three days of lectures and hands-on exercises are only the beginning: participants will be provided with a WiderNet Project CD containing thousands of documents and tutorials on building and maintaining campus ICT, as well as computer-based training (CBT) software from LearnKey, Inc.  (Worth $500 USD.)

The LearnKey CDs provide 28 hours of multimedia training in personal computer support and maintenance.  It prepares the trainees to take and pass CompTIA's much sought after "A+" certification.  After workshop participants return home to their universities, they will continue their training -- with coaching via email from the WiderNet Project staff.  When ready, they can return to Abuja to sit for the exam and gain their WiderNet Project "A+" Exam certificate.

Once trainees pass their "A+" exam, their university will also receive a grant of LearnKey's "Network+" CBT as well as copies of Microsoft's Windows NT and Red Hat's Linux Server Professional.  (Valued at over $1,200.  One set per university.)  The project goal is to have all of the workshop participants pass both of the WiderNet Project's "A+" and "Network+" exams in the next year.

This training is designed for entry-level computer staff (no PhDs allowed, sorry), who will be responsible for setting up computers and installing networks on their campuses.  This training is a repeat of previous year's training, so only those who have not taken the training before are eligible to apply.

Universities sending trainees will be responsible to provide them with housing and per diem.  Lunch will be provided at the workshop.  For more information on lodging, contact Dr. Ayodeji E. Oluleye at the University of Ibadan:
 

email: aoluleye@skannet.com or ayodeji.oluleye@mail.ui.edu.ng 
tel: 02-810-5789)

Last year the training was attended by 38 persons who gave the workshop very high marks.  We expect as many or more to attend this year's training, but the seats will fill up fast.  Please sign up soon, either by the visiting the On-Line Sign Up Web site or by contacting Dr. Aminu Ibrahim at the National Universities Commission. 

email: ibrahim@nuc.edu.ng 
tel: 09-413-5396

Conference Schedule

Day One

Opening ceremony

Introduction to the WiderNet Project and the scope of the training

Lecture:  “Academic Information and Communication Technologies”

There's a myriad of ways that ICT can be used in the academy -- from managing the payroll to teaching in the classroom.  In this lecture we review the options and describe what it takes to digitize the various domains of academia. 

Lecture:  “Nuts and Bolts of Computers and Networking”

We cover some of the basic technical concepts and terms we think will make your computing experience more fluid and will act as a solid foundation to your understanding of the Internet. 

Demonstration: Computer Based Training (CBT) Materials

LUNCH

Demonstration: Building Computers

Demonstration: Making Network Cables

Hands-on Practicum: the class will divide into two groups and either make and test network cables or build a computer from the basic parts.

Day Two

Lecture:  “The Network Wire”

So how do these wires work, anyway? What does it mean to be "wired?" What constitutes a wire?  Packets, IP addresses, and DNS explained…

Lecture:  “Guerrilla Networking: Building Local Area Networks”

Even without a connection to the Internet, wiring computers together has zillions of benefits. We look at the reasons to connect computers and the remarkable ease with which this can be done.

Lecture:  “Low Cost Internetworking”

So you want to connect but don't have the N10,000,000/yr for a dedicated line? I explain some of the alternative, cost-effective ways that people are connecting to the Internet. 

LUNCH

Lecture:  “Inside the Internet: The Basic Internet Services”

Email, TELNET, and FTP -- how these long-established Internet tools have evolved into HTTP and today's vibrant World Wide Web.

Hands-on Practicum: the class will divide into two groups and either make and test network cables or build a computer from the basic parts. (Reversing the task done the prior day...)

Day Three

Lecture:  “The Internet in the Developing World: Making the Connection”

A look at the technologies currently employed to provide Internet services in the developing world. 

Lecture:  “Big Birds, Bent Pipes”

Wireless networking via satellites is already used throughout the world where hard wired Internet connections are absent.  However, their impact is only just beginning to be felt.  This lecture explains some satellite technology and terminology and examines how new developments may make for plentiful bandwidth worldwide.  

Lecture:  "Power Supply Protection"

Reliable power and regulated power are necessary for any computer installation.  We cover strategies for protecting individual computers and whole buildings.

LUNCH

Demonstration:  Creating a Local Area Network

Hands-on Practicum: the class will divide into several groups to make small LANs with workgroup hubs and switches and then interconnect them.

Closing ceremony.