Empowering Future IT Professionals: Designing a State-of-the-Art CISCO Lab
Potomac High School in Prince George’s County Public Schools, Maryland, embarked on a mission to develop a comprehensive CISCO networking program, requiring not one but two CISCO labs. To bring this vision to life, Potomac High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) department reached out to us for assistance. Our goal was to transform two existing classrooms into modern CISCO labs that would support high-level technical education and accommodate a growing number of students interested in networking careers.
Project Initiation
The project began with a series of meetings with the CTE director and CISCO instructors to gain a thorough understanding of the program’s requirements. During these discussions, we focused on the overall vision for the CISCO labs, the type of environment they wanted to create, and the number of students each lab needed to support. Identifying the two existing classrooms to house the CISCO labs was a crucial step. We assessed how these spaces could be converted into functional labs that foster collaboration, learning, and technological proficiency.
Space Assessment and Design
Once the classrooms were identified, we proceeded with detailed measurements of both spaces to ensure a precise and customized design plan. The goal was to create an optimal learning environment in each room, equipped with the necessary tools and furniture to facilitate both individual and collaborative learning experiences.
Based on the discussions with the CTE director and CISCO instructors, we specified the types of furniture that would best suit the needs of the two labs. This included ergonomic workstations, comfortable seating, and efficient storage solutions tailored to the equipment and technology used in the CISCO program. Our design team developed a comprehensive project rendering that showcased the proposed layout for each lab, integrating functionality with an engaging learning atmosphere.
Approval and Implementation
After presenting the project renderings to the CTE department and receiving their approval, we moved forward with the implementation phase. Our team maintained ongoing communication with the CTE director, ensuring that every aspect of the project adhered to the school’s standards and expectations. We carefully managed the logistics of outfitting two classrooms simultaneously, coordinating the delivery and installation of furniture to meet project timelines.
Final Installation
The final installation phase was conducted with precision and attention to detail. Each piece of furniture and equipment was installed according to the approved design plans, ensuring that both CISCO labs were ready for use. By working closely with the school’s CTE department throughout the process, we successfully created two modern, fully-equipped CISCO labs that provided students with the optimal environment for learning and skill development.
Outcome
The completion of Potomac High School’s two CISCO labs marked a significant milestone for the school’s CTE program. The new labs are now integral to the curriculum, offering students hands-on experience with networking technologies. The state-of-the-art facilities provide a robust learning environment, helping prepare students for future careers in the IT industry.
Conclusion
This case study highlights our commitment to partnering with educational institutions to enhance their CTE programs. By collaborating closely with Potomac High School’s CTE department, we successfully transformed two existing classrooms into CISCO labs that cater to the needs of the school’s growing technology program. Our tailored approach, focusing on strategic planning and open communication, ensured the successful completion of the project, ultimately supporting the school’s mission to empower students with the skills needed for successful careers in technology.