IT Academy Free Classes

Questions? Contact Us.

Kelly Caudle
Program Head, IT Academy
kcaudle5282@stanly.edu
704-991-0346

NOTE: If you have an existing Cisco Networking Academy login, use the email associated with your account when you register for the classes below.

Introduction to Cybersecurity

Welcome to this free course offered by the IT Academy at Stanly Community College.  This class will be monitored but be aware it is intended to be a self-paced course for you to explore and learn.

The Introduction to Cybersecurity explores the field of cybersecurity, specifically the importance of cybersecurity, data confidentiality, best practices for using the internet and social media safely, and potential career opportunities in this growing field. The 15 hour self-paced course with instructor led option has been updated for public audience and minor content refreshes.

The demand for cybersecurity experts has grown 3 times faster than any other IT job role, and training a cybersecurity workforce is a priority of many governments. Cybersecurity applies to any professionals responsible for security and privacy of company or customer systems.

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Cybersecurity Essentials

Welcome to this free course offered by the IT Academy at Stanly Community College.  This class will be monitored but be aware it is intended to be a self-paced course for you to explore and learn.

The Cybersecurity Essentials course develops foundational understanding of cybersecurity and how it relates to information and network security. The 70-hour course introduces students to characteristics of cyber crime, security principles, technologies, and procedures to defend networks. Through interactive, multimedia content, lab activities, and multi-industry case studies, students build technical and professional skills to pursue careers in cybersecurity.

  • Learn procedures to implement data confidentiality, integrity, availability and security controls on networks, servers and applications.
  • Understand security principles and how to develop security policies that comply with cybersecurity laws.
  • Apply skills through practice, using labs and Cisco Packet Tracer activities.
  • Get immediate feedback on your work through built-in quizzes and tests.
  • Connect with the global Cisco Networking Academy community.

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Ethical Hacker

Welcome to this free course offered by the IT Academy at Stanly Community College.  This class will be monitored but be aware it is intended to be a self-paced course for you to explore and learn.

The digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented rate and cyber threats lurk around every corner. Cybersecurity resilience in the modern world cannot be just an add on - it's a necessity. Offensive security professionals like ethical hackers and penetration testers can help proactively discover unknown threats and address them before the cybercriminals do.

This course is designed to prepare you with an Ethical Hacker skillset and give you a solid understanding of offensive security. You will become proficient in the art of scoping, executing, and reporting on vulnerability assessments, while recommending mitigation strategies. Follow an engaging gamified narrative throughout the course and get lots of practice with hands-on labs inspired by real-world scenarios.

After completing this course, continue your cybersecurity career in offensive security as an ethical hacker or penetration tester. Or use this course to strengthen your defensive security knowledge. By understanding the mindset of threat actors, you will be able to more effectively implement security controls and monitor, analyze, and respond to current security threats..

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NDG Linux Unhatched

Welcome to this free course offered by the IT Academy at Stanly Community College.  This class will be monitored but be aware it is intended to be a self-paced course for you to explore and learn.

The Linux Unhatched course, developed and supported by Networking Academy partner NDG, eases learners into acquiring Linux knowledge with a free online learning module. This 8-hour course covers fundamental concepts surrounding 19 basic Linux commands, creating a foundation for Linux command line education. The goal of this course is to provide individuals and institutions with a free introduction into the growing world of Linux as well as a hands on experience with what NDG and their partners has to offer.

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Linux Essentials

Welcome to this free course offered by the IT Academy at Stanly Community College.  This class will be monitored but be aware it is intended to be a self-paced course for you to explore and learn.

The Linux Essentials course, developed and supported by Networking Academy partner NDG, teaches students the fundamentals of the Linux operating system and command line, and basic open source concepts. 

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Understand how Linux is used and the basics of the command line.
  • Apply skills using Linux virtual machine with step-by-step and hands-on lab activities.
  • Build foundational knowledge for progressively mastering Linux commands.
  • Connect with the global Cisco Networking Academy community.

Students utilize a web browser to access the Linux Essentials content modules, lab exercises and virtual machines via Cisco NetAcad.com. Each learner has hands-on access to a Linux virtual machine to practice, explore, and test Linux command-line concepts.

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Introduction to IoT

Welcome to this free course offered by the IT Academy at Stanly Community College.  This class will be monitored but be aware it is intended to be a self-paced course for you to explore and learn.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a fast-growing area of technology, with new companies, products, and job opportunities springing up all over the world. Discover how IoT, along with emerging technologies such as data analytics and artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, are digitally transforming industries and expanding career opportunities. Invest in learning IoT skills and you can transform any business in any industry, from manufacturing to environmental conservation. Today over 26 billion people, systems, and physical objects are connected and share data seamlessly over the Internet – and it’s rapidly changing our world. Learn the IoT skills you will need to land a well-paying job in this exciting field.

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Networking Essentials

Welcome to this free course offered by the IT Academy at Stanly Community College.  This class will be monitored but be aware it is intended to be a self-paced course for you to explore and learn.

The Cisco Networking Academy's Networking Essentials course provides learners with a broad foundational understanding of networking. It is suitable for anyone interested in a career in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), or a related career pathway. Networking Essentials is self-paced. The primary emphasis is on networking knowledge with a small amount of basic skills that are useful for a home or a small office home office (SOHO) network. This course includes activities that expand on the course material presented. Upon completion of this course, the end-of-course survey, and the end-of-course assessment, the student will receive a Certificate of Completion. The 70-hour curriculum is presented in a self-paced model for free as part of SCC's Open Community College courses.

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Networking Basics

Welcome to this free course offered by the IT Academy at Stanly Community College.  This class will be monitored but be aware it is intended to be a self-paced course for you to explore and learn.

This 25 hour course covers the foundation of networking and network devices, media and protocols.  You will observe data flowing through a network and configure devices to connect to networks.  Finally, you will learn how to use different network applications and protocols to accomplish networking tasks.  The knowledge and skills can give you a starting point to find a rewarding career in technology.  Course includes 13 hands-on labs.

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Networking Devices and Initial Configuration

Welcome to this free course offered by the IT Academy at Stanly Community College.  This class will be monitored but be aware it is intended to be a self-paced course for you to explore and learn.

This 25 hour course covers the essentials of network devices and how to configure them.  Learn the characteristics and benefits of Cloud and Virtualization technologies.  Explore how to provide Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to devices both manually and automatically.  Using this knowledge, you will calculate an IP addressing scheme, configure Cisco devices to create a small network and test for connectivity issues.  Course includes 19 hands-on labs.

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Industrial Networking Essentials

Learn fundamental networking concepts for modern industrial architectures and practice with industrial devices in Cisco Packet Tracer.

Implementing modern networking technologies in industrial environments is crucial for enabling smart automation, facilitating real-time data-driven decision-making, and enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility.

This beginner-friendly course equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to implement and manage networking in industrial settings. You'll start by understanding the requirements of modern industrial architectures, including smart technologies and data analytics. Interactive modules cover essential networking components such as devices, media types, and common protocols used in Operational Technologies (OT). Analyze real-world scenarios to see how these elements connect and support Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) and Smart Grid Networks.

Finally, put your newfound skills to the test with 22 activities in Cisco Packet Tracer, like building a simple, simulated Industrial Automation Control Systems (IACS) network using Cisco devices, configuring a substation network, and creating a LAN (Local Area Network). Get started today and gain the job-ready skills you need to kickstart a career in OT!

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Packet Tracer Badge Pathway

Welcome to these free courses offered by the IT Academy at Stanly Community College.  These classes are intended to be a self-paced course for you to explore and learn.

To complete the Packet Tracer pathway, a student must complete all the items below on netacad.com.

Getting Started with Cisco Packet Tracer

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Exploring Networking with Cisco Packet Tracer

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Exploring Internet of Things with Cisco Packet Tracer

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English for IT 1

A course that teaches the English language in a specific IT context at the “B2” proficiency level which is a basic requirement for employment use. This is the first of two courses that together teach English in the context of IT. The course focuses on terminology and phrases used in the industry, covering grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening exercises to equip you with the English language skills valued in IT. Developed in collaboration with OpenEDG, the English for IT series is targeted for learners with at least B1-level English proficiency (lower intermediate) and is built to take you up to B2 proficiency. By completing the courses, you will develop B2-level English proficiency. You can then prepare for the English for IT B2/GSE 59-75 certification exam. Get started on your journey to develop your English language skills today.

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English for IT 2

A course that teaches the English language in a specific IT context at the “B2” proficiency level which is a basic requirement for employment use.This is the second of two courses that together teach English in the context of IT. The course focuses on terminology and phrases used in the industry, covering grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening exercises to equip you with the English language skills valued in IT. Developed in collaboration with OpenEDG, the English for IT series is targeted for learners with at least B1-level English proficiency (lower intermediate) and is built to take you up to B2 proficiency. By completing the courses, you will develop B2-level English proficiency. You can then prepare for the English for IT B2/GSE 59-75 certification exam. Gain the confidence to communicate effectively with colleagues, collaborate on impactful projects, and grow in your career.

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Creating Compelling Reports

Learn how to tell a great story and communicate important information to flourish in your professional career.

Effective communication is an essential skill for any professional, and reports are the foundation of business communication. They deliver important information and shape business decisions. Knowing how to develop impactful reports is a superpower that can help you stand out in your career. 

Creating Compelling Reports will teach you the business value of reports, how to craft persuasive messages, and making authoring decisions that resonate. This course covers different types of reports such as emails, oral reports, and written reports. Learn how to write effective reports for free with the help of Cisco Networking Academy.

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Introduction to Modern AI

Learn to use AI in your daily life, craft effective prompt chatbots, and use computer vision and machine translation.

AI chatbots are revolutionizing the way we work and learn. Millions of people worldwide use them to simplify tasks like homework and ideating, writing, editing and even career advice. 

If you are new to AI and ready to give it a try, look no further! Introduction to Modern AI is a beginner-friendly course designed to help you learn key AI concepts and get hands-on practice with AI-enabled apps. You will start with an overview of AI. Then you'll explore computer vision using a photo app and machine translation with an online translation tool. Finally, take a deep-dive into chatbots–full of tips for writing better prompts and hands-on practice with 10+ popular chatbots and AI tools, including ChatGPT, Meta AI, Gemini, Google Translate, Claude, Hugging Chat, NotebookLM and more. 

Get started today and discover how AI can make everyday tasks easier and boost your productivity!

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AI Fundamentals with IBM SkillsBuild

Unlock your potential in AI with this comprehensive course from IBM SkillsBuild. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is among the hottest technologies reshaping the future of work! Here's your opportunity to build your knowledge, understand what AI can mean for your future, and visualize yourself in an AI-driven career. You'll begin by exploring AI's history, then discover how it can change the world around you. As you progress, you will delve into how AI understands language, interprets images, and learns using neural networks modeled after the human brain. You'll complete a series of simulations to build and test a machine learning model using IBM Watson Studio, then you'll learn about AI ethics and finish with tips on how to navigate the fast growing AI job market. 

Get started today and take the first step toward becoming an integral part of the future AI workforce.

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Introduction to Data Science

This introductory course takes you inside the world of data science. You will learn the basics of data science, data analytics, and data engineering to understand how machine learning is shaping the future of business, healthcare, education, and more. Data science professionals who can provide actionable insights for data-driven decisions are in high demand all over the world.

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Data Analytics Essentials

This data analytics essentials course teaches you the fundamental tools of a data analyst. You will learn to transform, organize, and visualize data with spreadsheet tools such as Excel. You will also learn how to query data from a relational database using SQL and how to improve your data presentations using powerful business intelligence tools like Tableau. By the end of the course, you will have an analytics portfolio complete with an analysis of the popular movies dataset, showcasing your skills in Excel, SQL and Tableau.

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Discovering Entrepreneurship

This course covers entrepreneurship fundamentals, including the entrepreneurial perspective, identifying opportunities, and crafting your entrepreneurial story. Offering a solid foundation for anyone interested in developing entrepreneurial skills.

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Launching a Business Venture

It is now estimated that 50% of Americans have a side hustle —even if they earn $100K1. While entrepreneurship carries some risk, the current job market and economy no longer offer the same level of security they once did. There’s no better time than the present to bring your business idea to life! 

The 3-course entrepreneurship series follows a learning progression, building upon earlier content to help entrepreneurs develop a working knowledge of key business concepts and principles pivotal to each stage of entrepreneurship. Completion of this series can help you expand your business acumen and develop a multi-disciplinary approach to problem-solving, skills transferable to any career.

Launching a Business Venture is the second course in this series, designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs like you take action and learn the critical steps needed to strategically advance a business idea from planning to launch. You will step into the shoes of an entrepreneur through immersive real-world scenarios and discover the secrets of successful business launches and the top reasons why ventures fail. This course covers a comprehensive mix of topics like Marketing Techniques and Tools for Entrepreneurs, Launching the Imperfect Business: Lean Startup, Sales and Customer Service, and more!

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Managing a Business Venture

So, you've taken the bold leap into entrepreneurship, but are you ready for what comes next?

Managing a Business Venture, the final course in our comprehensive 3-part entrepreneurship series, guides savvy entrepreneurs like you through strategic business management and startup operational planning.

Gain practical skills in entrepreneurial finance and accounting, including creating financial statements and projections. Discover the right business structure for your venture and understand its legal, tax, and risk implications. You'll also learn the art of networking to build your dream entrepreneurial team.

Get started today and gain the skills you need to steer your business towards a sustainable future.

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