Check here regularly for news and updates on new training from OWLL!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping our world, and Southern's Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into its complexities. Dr. Micheal Behar is the creator and a trainer of the six-week AI Fundamentals for Workforce training through Southern’s Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning. Here, we get a glimpse into the mind and story of Dr. Behar, who blends deep academic experience with a passion for the future of technology—and a healthy dose of caution.
He also has created and will be teaching a one-day noncredited workshop, AI: I Understand, Love, Hate, and Fear AI. And So Should You. This new training takes students beyond the basics. Dr. Behar says, "I love teaching this workshop at Southern because it covers so many aspects of AI that aren’t commonly discussed elsewhere," says the Behar. The workshop explores not just the principles of AI but also the complex, often controversial ways it impacts our lives.
When asked about his feelings toward AI, the trainer is candid: “It’s very tough to choose one. Honestly, it depends on the day. Some days, I absolutely love it, and on others, I hate it. But one thing’s for sure—AI is here to stay." Dr. Behar’s approach reflects a deep understanding of AI's potential and pitfalls. "The only thing we can do now is prevent the misuse of AI and mitigate its risks,” the trainer emphasizes. This balanced view provides a solid foundation for students, encouraging them to appreciate the promise of AI while staying vigilant about its ethical implications.
One of Dr. Behar’s main interests lies in AI’s potential to accelerate scientific discoveries. Already, AI has contributed significantly to breakthroughs in various fields, and Dr. Behar hopes it will continue to be a driving force for science and innovation.
Through the AI Fundamentals program, Southern is preparing students not just for the technical aspects of AI but also for its moral and societal challenges. With a trainer whose deep insight into AI reflects a genuine curiosity and caution, students are gaining more than skills—they’re learning to navigate a field that will shape the future.
AI: I Understand, Love, Hate, and Fear AI. And So Should You will be run two times this fall: on campus on Nov. 22 and online on Dec 11. AI Fundamentals for Workforce runs throughout the year. To register for either program, https://owll.southernct.edu/.
NEW HAVEN, CT, UNITED STATES, October 22, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Southern Connecticut State University’s (SCSU) Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning (OWLL) is partnering with cannabis education and training leader Green Flower to offer non-credit online certificate programs, starting Dec. 2.
As Connecticut’s cannabis industry continues to expand rapidly following the legalization of recreational cannabis use in 2021, SCSU is meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals by offering three specialized program options: cannabis cultivation; cannabis retail; and cannabis extraction and product development.
“We’re thrilled to introduce these comprehensive online programs,” said Amy Feest, Senior Director of SCSU’s Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning. “Our focus is on responding to the needs of high-demand industries, particularly through non-credit training. The cannabis sector is growing rapidly, and there’s a great deal of interest around it. Green Flower is an ideal partner, offering a forward-thinking yet practical approach to providing quality education for individuals looking to transition into new careers or strengthen their current expertise quickly."
Connecticut's cannabis industry has been experiencing significant growth, with dispensaries and cultivation sites opening across the state. As the demand for trained professionals continues to rise, the state projects that the cannabis industry will create thousands of jobs, particularly in areas like retail management, cultivation, and product development.
“Green Flower is honored to be partnering with Southern Connecticut State University to offer our three cannabis industry workforce training programs. We applaud their vision to help their students enter and excel in the legal cannabis industry by helping students become highly qualified to work in cannabis retail, manufacturing and agriculture environments and help ensure not only the continued growth of the industry in Connecticut, but growth in great part due to a well-trained workforce,” said Daniel Kalef, Chief Growth Officer at Green Flower. “ We look forward to a successful partnership with SCSU and can think of no better College or group of people in the state with whom to partner to offer these programs, and we are excited to begin offering them to the public starting in December.”
Our programs are developed and led by top experts in the cannabis industry, featuring engaging video lectures, readings, and e-learning modules that allow you to immerse yourself in the course content. Upon completion, students will earn a certificate from SCSU. Each 9-week program costs $750 and is now open for enrollment. For a limited time, save $150 using the discount code SCSUFIRST.
For more information on OWLL’s programs and how to enroll, visit: https://www.southernct.edu/owll/cannabis
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About Southern Connecticut State University:
Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is a leading institution dedicated to academic excellence, community engagement, and social justice. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, SCSU has a rich history dating back to 1893 and is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment that empowers students to become responsible global citizens.
At SCSU, we prioritize social justice as a core value, actively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our institution. Our world-class faculty and diverse student body collaborate on research and initiatives that address critical societal issues, contributing to positive change in our local community and beyond. SCSU remains dedicated to its mission of preparing students to be critical thinkers and agents of social change, ensuring a more just and equitable world for all.
For more information about Southern Connecticut State University, please visit www.southernct.edu.
About Green Flower
Founded in 2014, Green Flower is the industry leader in cannabis education, empowering thousands of consumers, regulators, and professionals with the knowledge they need to succeed in the emerging cannabis industry today. Green Flower's content and technology platform powers the cannabis programs of top universities and colleges across the country, provides customized learning and compliance solutions for cannabis businesses of all sizes, and equips individuals with the skills and credentials necessary to make an impact in the modern cannabis industry.
For more information about Green Flower, please visit www.green-flower.com.
Victoria Verderame
Southern Connecticut State University
+1 203-988-2437
VerderameV1@SouthernCT.edu
At Southern Connecticut State University Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning, trainer Abdul brings more than just technical expertise to his workforce training. He teaches Amazon Web Services (AWS) , Python 1 and 2, and will soon launch a new course in Google Cybersecurity starting on Monday, October 28th. But Abdul isn’t just an educator—he’s a mentor, an avid soccer player, and passionate about leadership, collaboration, and personal growth, values he seamlessly integrates into his teaching.
Abdul believes that effective teaching goes beyond delivering content—it’s about creating meaningful relationships with students and being a leader in their learning journey. "I love to play soccer where mentorship, leadership, collaboration, and building a bond is key, and that’s what I like to transition into my teaching because if you don’t have that bond with the students and aren’t an effective leader to your students you won't be an effective teacher. I try to keep these goals in mind in everything I do.”
These principles shape every aspect of his approach in the training, where he encourages open communication and collaboration. Abdul maintains an open-door policy so students always feel supported and empowered to ask questions and share feedback.
When asked about his experience as an educator, Abdul enthusiastically shares how rewarding it has been. "It’s been great—I love my job. Communication is key, and the flow of communication between coordinators, faculty, and students has been excellent. I feel well-supported working here, and that makes teaching even more enjoyable."
Abdul is committed to staying current with industry trends to ensure his students receive relevant, real-world knowledge. "The field of technology evolves fast, and my goal is to make sure we cover these changes in my trainings to keep students up-to-date. That’s something I’ll continue to focus on in my future courses."
Looking ahead, Abdul will be offering Python 1 and 2 courses from November 12 to December 23, and he encourages students to enroll quickly. With Python becoming an essential tool in IT, automation, and cybersecurity, he stresses the importance of learning the language. "Python is being adopted by many companies, and whether it’s automation, IT, or cybersecurity, Python is a major part of daily operations. If you don’t know Python, you’re behind—it’s the new trend."
CEO of Dicom Director David Pearlstone has more than 20 years of experience in clinical surgical oncology with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry. Skilled in healthcare consulting, surgery, oncology, public speaking, healthcare information technology, and biotechnology, he will be at Southern’s upcoming XR Conference for health services, manufacturing, and biopath industry trainers to share the era of three-dimensional imaging and its benefits for incoming students in the healthcare field.
David will be one of the workshop presenters and Dicom Director will be a vendor at Southern's October 25th "Industry Experience: Redefining Training with XR" conference, providing participants with a practical opportunity to explore using XR (Extended Reality) headsets and training applications. David’s workshop will be “Working in 3 Dimensions.” Design drawings, floor plans, medical images, and more come alive when viewed in 3D, opening up efficient, insightful, and immersive pathways for training and planning work.
Conference attendees will engage with XR training providers, examine real-world examples of XR solutions, and acquire insights into deployment strategies and potential return on investment (ROI). To register for the Industry Experience, visit: https://www.southernct.edu/owll/xr
What is Dicom Director, and what made you interested in the field?
Dicom Director makes 3D software that allows us to see CT and MRI scans in extended reality. At the time when the idea was pitched to me, no one was willing to invest in the idea until I heard about it and I realized the missing piece to the plan was someone who had experience in healthcare, and it was just a natural fit; I was very happy to join the team.
How does Dicom Director create these extended reality scans?
It all starts with a CT scan, which takes small slices of the entire body. However, a 3D image of a CT scan only shows the outside of the patient; it doesn’t reveal the inside. To solve this, we use a technique called segmentation. This allows us to select specific body parts we want to see. The result is a detailed image of that area, similar to the process used in 3D printing. So, instead of simply getting a 3D-printed skull, our technology creates a 3D image of that skull.
Why is this technology so significant to society today?
How we look at CT scans and how doctors have been trained to read CT scans are no longer necessary. We have invented a new and improved way of looking at these images. These images could be used to educate patients, judges/lawyers, medical students, and surgeons planning surgeries. This tool can be used as a navigation tool for surgeries and guidance, and that’s where our technologies will impact.
Why should university students pay attention?
University students, especially those pursuing careers in healthcare, should pay attention to the advancements in extended reality (XR) technologies developed by Dicom Director. As the healthcare industry evolves, traditional methods of interpreting CT and MRI scans are being transformed. Dicom Director's innovative software allows for the visualization of 3D images from these scans, enhancing the understanding of complex medical data. This is crucial not only for medical professionals but also for law students and legal professionals who may need to comprehend medical evidence in their work. Furthermore, these XR images serve educational purposes, providing a clearer representation of anatomical structures for medical students and enhancing their learning experience. Additionally, the technology is invaluable for surgeons, offering a navigational tool that aids in surgical planning and execution. By embracing these advancements, students can better prepare themselves for the future of healthcare, where technology plays a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes and educational effectiveness.
VRSim is bringing its virtual reality training to Southern! Learn about what VRSim is and how it can give you a competitive edge in your prospective field.
What is VRSim?
VRSim is a leading provider of the virtual reality training space, specializing in programs for skilled trades. Their technology is already being used in high schools, technical colleges, and workforce development programs around the world. By combining traditional kinesthetic learning with the benefits of virtual reality, they provide a unique, immersive learning experience that accelerates skill acquisition and comprehension.
Why VRSim?
VRSim's mission is clear: to prepare the future workforce by enhancing job skills through virtual reality training solutions. VRSim prioritizes ease of use and practicality to ensure instructor adoption and user engagement.
Their approach to training is inspired by traditional apprentice models but with an innovative twist. The virtual setting allows students to learn faster, collaborate more effectively, and gain confidence without the high safety risks or costs of conventional training.
How Does VRSim Work?
The process of developing a VR training model begins with creating a virtual environment that mirrors real-world tasks. Whether you’re learning how to manage complex machinery or practicing emergency healthcare responses, VRSim’s training programs mimic traditional hands-on learning but in a safer, more controlled virtual space. This hybrid model offers reduced user-safety risks, increased cost efficiency, and more effective learning outcomes.
With VRSim, students can learn from anywhere, practice repeatedly without worrying about making mistakes, and gain confidence faster than with traditional methods. Imagine mastering a welding technique or perfecting patient care protocols—all in a virtual space that feels incredibly real.
Why Should University Students Pay Attention?
The demand for VR training surged after the pandemic as industries recognized the need for immersive, remote learning solutions. As a university student, investing time in understanding these technologies could give you a competitive edge in your field. Whether you're in healthcare, skilled trades, or corporate sectors, VR training could soon become the industry standard.
VRSim is not only shaping the future of skilled trades but also transforming how society approaches education, safety, and workforce development. University students, now is the time to embrace this technology and position yourselves at the forefront of this VR revolution.
To experience firsthand what VRSim is about and how it can benefit your future career, don’t miss the “must-attend” workshop for health services, manufacturing, and biopath industry trainers, as well as area higher-ed students and faculty on October 25th at 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Adanti Student Center Ballroom - https://www.southernct.edu/owll/xr
Senior leader and education innovator in the use of emerging technologies, Randall Rode, is bringing new and exciting technology to Southern. He will be hosting this must-attend workshop for health services, manufacturing, and biopath industry trainers, as well as area higher-ed students and faculty.
The "Industry Experience: Redefining Training with XR" workshop offers participants a hands-on opportunity to explore the use of XR (Extended Reality) headsets and training applications. Attendees will meet with XR training providers, view real-world examples of XR solutions, and gain insights into deployment strategies and ROI potential.
“Our target audience is working professionals in the area. People who are interested in professional development and professionals who are interested in hot new emerging technologies that they can use in their businesses.”
The workshop covers various XR hardware options and types of XR training, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of how this technology can meet corporate training needs. Case studies will be presented to illustrate successful implementations of XR in a corporate setting, providing a well-rounded perspective on its effectiveness in training.
“Our focus at the event will be training! Extended reality technologies are already being used in businesses like Walmart for onboarding sales associates. They are being used in hospitals, from training custodial staff on proper techniques for sterilization to pharmacists doing their annual certifications to nurses and soon-to-be nurses.”
Mr. Rode, the event organizer and Master of ceremonies, is a prominent voice in the uses of extended reality technologies in higher education and medical settings, leading conversations and explorations with peer institutions and industry XR developers, focusing on XR implementation and support strategies for training. He is a writer and frequent speaker at higher-education conferences on the topic of XR and an organizer of XR workshops for higher-education institutions like the one on campus on October 25th.
“Most people think this is something in the future, “I can't do that today. I need to wait for the future when that technology becomes possible.” But what we want the people to leave this workshop understanding is that XR technology could be used tomorrow in their business, and in fact, other companies are already using these technologies to train their employees faster, better, more accessible, and more affordable, not just from a cost perspective but a time perspective as well.
We are excited to partner with EdAdvance for a professional learning opportunity for all teachers: AI in K-12 Education.
By understanding the power of AI, K-12 teachers can learn how to incorporate AI-powered educational solutions into their lesson plans, personalize learning experiences for students, and analyze data to make informed decisions about instructional strategies.
Thanks to Matt Mervis, Elizabeth Radday, and the Skills21 team for this partnership and opportunity.
