Students at Rock Ridge High School gained first hand experience with computer networking and security thanks to the instruction of a Minnesota North faculty member. Keith Boelk from the I.T. Networking Security program on the Hibbing campus guest lectured in Mr. Caddy’s computer science class last week.

“We are very involved with our Advisory Board so we are making sure that our program is current with the needs of our employers,” said Boelk. “We are up to date with the latest trends and technology needs for the area.”

Program director and fellow instructor Dj Erickson explained a unique experience for ITNS students. The Fall 2024 final for digital forensics had students participating in a global digital forensics challenge put on by the Digital Forensics Research Workshop. In the challenge, people from around the world explore a mystery problem within a hypothetical network system to find out what really happened. Last semester, student Cora Lien successfully uncovered an insider attack in the scenario.

Later this semester, the Minnesota North ITNS program will again participate in the Paul Bunyan Communication Gigazone Tech Expo in Bemidji. This free public event features video game tournaments, career exploration and tech industry displays and presentations. The Gigazone Tech Expo runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 12.