Computer training at Penta Career Center has gotten an upgrade.
The new version of Computer Hardware and Networking Technologies means students can
get an additional certification, instructor Ken Nelson told the Penta Board of
Education at its November meeting. That means they will have a jump on getting
jobs when they graduate.
Nelson has been with Penta for two years.
Previously seniors had the opportunity to earn their CompTIA A+ certification. Now
juniors can earn that credential. Seniors are working toward their Cisco
Certified Entry Network Technician certification. That provides them the skills
they need to step into network administrator jobs, Nelson said.
But computer training is more than dealing with equipment. Not only to they learn how
to repair equipment they earn how to "ethically fix" computers, Nelson
said.
They also learn "soft skills" such as how to communicate to customers.
Michael Jablonowski, a senior from Perrysburg, said a lot of emphasis is put on
"critical thinking."
"You need to look beyond the obvious part," he said
One of the projects students are tackling, Jablonowski said, is creating arcade-like
games for teaching academic subjects.
Superintendent Ron Matter said that if funding allows, Penta would look at expanding
that program.
Nick Anteau, an Elmwood senior, talked about the school’s program of taking in old
computers, and setting them up so they can do basic functions, such as e-mail.

This keeps computers out of landfills, and provides families, especially families of
military personnel, with equipment they could not otherwise afford.
"We will try to fix anything," Nelson said.
Anteau said student are also learning how to put together business plans.
Nelson added that students have to study the legal aspects of the internet. "Our
industry is basically the Wild, Wild West," he said. "There are no
laws."