Mr. Jackson has also had the opportunity to attend and participate in the recent Florida Blogging and Social Media Conference in Orlando, Florida held at the internationally known and respected Full Sail University.
The 8th annual conference is attended by business owners, bloggers, social media experts, Podcasters and entrepreneurs. In a digital world where content is King and engagement is Queen HBCU students are learning that their online presence defines their ability to be hired or put on a waiting list. That list being the waste basket or recycle bin of computers.
Opportunities like FlBlogCon are important for HBCU students to create, build and establish their Brands and creating an online presence based on a foundation of business, collaboration and relationship building.
Business opportunities are important because they open doors for increased networking, business mentorship, collaboration and future educational and business connections.
Technology conferences for HBCU students are valuable even in some cases more than classroom engagement because they allow for real and relevant interaction with business professionals. Real people not videos or webinars.
Classroom instruction is great, as a past professor at Edward Waters College teaching Educational Technology, Social Media and STEAM, the lack of exposure can mean the difference in being able to “code switch,” engage in conversations related to business and technology. Lacking communication skills could deny HBCU students the chance to sit at the tables of industry, business, commerce and even to be employed.
HBCU students have opportunities today to participate in unique and blended learning chances that can provide employment before the student graduates with a degree. Mr. Jackson being involved with Impact Biz Jax, and networking with technology business owners like Aida Correa (Love Built Life), William Jackson (My Quest To Teach) and Sharon Johnson (The Madisel Group). Aida Correa, business mentor, small business owners on
Social Media, web development and the artistic side of tech (STEAM). She is a speaker at national and international WordCamp conferences. With exposure, networking and connections HBCU students like Mr. Jackson can build their PLN – Professional Learning Networks and participate in many more conferences.
The growth potential allows for scalable development and increased visual exposure for future investments and expansion. HBCU students when the opportunity presents itself should acquire business mentors, advisers and expand their business partnerships. Each business student should obtain their business licence before graduation to begin the process of being a thought leader and digital visionary.
The next technology event in Florida is WordCamp Orlando, Florida where William Jackson (My Quest To Teach) and Aida Correa (Love Built Life) are speakers and organizers for the KIDSCAMP. It is hoped that more HBCU students participate in events that HBCU institutions sponsor, invest and pay for their students to attend. Preparing them for the real world of business, technology, commerce, STEM and STREAM
