Texas State Technical College has developed a six-semester associate degree program, Instructional Design Technology that can teach students how to assist corporations and institutions in developing, producing and distributing educational materials in standalone, face-to-face and distance learning environments. Instructional design is a career field that is growing faster than average, with a projected estimate of 58,000 job openings nationally through 2020, according to the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

Jobs are available in the corporate or educational sectors, in government or with private trainers in a field so new, employers are seeking technically trained, educated individuals to fill workforce gaps. Working with subject matter experts and instructors, IDT students use the tools of the trade — computers, digital cameras, graphic tables, multimedia projectors, specialty software and more — to gather content in multiple media formats and deliver compelling work through learning management systems and other new technologies.

Visual Communication & Design leads students from the sketchbook through the creative studio ... more on page 2.

In This Issue:Graduate SpotlightCounselor of the YearCollege Preview & Open HouseNew TSTC ProgramsTSTC Expo at Dell Diamond

© Published by Texas State Technical College Waco . December 2012 Issue

TechTalkA Newsletter for Counselors and Teachers

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New Programs at TSTC Instructional Design Technology & Visual Communication & Design

Welcome to the holiday edition of Tech Talk! We want to bring you up-to-date with the latest news and let you know the college will be closed through Tuesday, Jan. 1. As always, thank you for all you do, and have a wonderful holiday season!

TSTC’s spring College Preview and Open House is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6. Bring your students and tour high-tech programs, get housing and financing information, and find out about what TSTC has to offer. If you’d like to schedule a tour on another date contact Recruiting Services 254-867-2360 or www.waco.tstc.edu/visit. To register online for the event, go to www.waco.tstc.edu/preview.

Mark Your Calendar!

Since its inception, TSTC Waco has graduated over 30,000 students, and joining their ranks on Dec. 7 during the 2012 fall commencement were an additional 230 students who chose to walk the stage at the Waco Convention Center.

With family and friends gathered, students were treated to a special speaker who helped reinforce their decision to go to college — Jeff Horn, a 1985 graduate of TSTC’s Building Construction Technology. Horn, now senior superintendent of the Baylor University Football Stadium project in Waco, has spent the last 27 years working for Austin Commercial, one of the largest construction managers/general contractors in Texas. His resume is quite impressive; other projects include Methodist West Houston Hospital, and the Texas Christian University Amon G. Carter Football Stadium.

Graduate Spotlight

Counselor of the YearWanda Brown of A.J. Moore Academies at University High School is this year’s High School Counselor of the Year. Brown was selected as High School Counselor of the Year during TSTC’s 7th annual Counselor and Teacher Luncheon Dec. 12 for her outstanding work in helping students transition from high school to college. CONGRATULATIONS Wanda!

TSTC Waco Alum Jeff Horn speaksat Fall Commencement 2012

A Newsletter for Counselors and Teachers Page 2

Happy Holidays from the TSTC 2012 Recruiting Services Team

... and to the use of computer software. Students learn how to capture an audience using digital photography and design concepts to produce successful photo sessions, magazine ads, brochures, posters, electronic publishing, websites and more. TSTC offers two, six-semester associate degrees paths in Communication Design or Digital Photography. The Communication Design program specializes in concept development and critical thinking for use in design. Students learn in-depth development of brand identity and creating collateral design for both print and electronic delivery.

The Digital Photography program emphasizes the technical and practical aspects of preparing camera-ready art for production and delivery of print and digital mediums. Students learn commercial photography, both in studio and on location. Both degrees provide a solid framework in digital illustration, visual design, and image retouching programs such as Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and more.

New TSTC Programs (continued from page 1)

(L-R Front) Nanette Torres, Verna LaStrapes, Eric Watson, Vicky Long, Leslie Jones(L-R Back) Kathy Chastain, Jeff Pyeatt, Kacey Darnell, Chris Gropp, Justin Davis & Michelle Palacios

Join us for a night at the ballpark in Round Rock at the TSTC College Expo from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, at the Dell Diamond. Before or during the game, visit the expo in The United Heritage Center for information about TSTC’s class offerings. For more information, call 254-867-2026 or visit www.waco.tstc.edu/expo.

TSTC College Expo at Dell Diamond

VideoBlast Game Design ChallengeVideoBlast is a game design and development challenge to inspire and encourage students in grades seven through 12 to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, as well as develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork through participation in a team-based video game design competition. This spring’s program is eight weeks long, beginning with a kick off on Saturday, Feb. 9, and ending on contest day Saturday, April 6.

Registration is open through Friday, Feb. 1. The object of VideoBlast is to design and develop an original, playable video game. The event is free!

Girl Genius STEM Conference Area girls in grades six through 12 are invited to attend an exciting event designed just for them. The Girl Genius STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Conference, with more than 10 different workshops to choose from. The event will be held on Saturday, March 23, at TSTC. Cost is $20. For more information about either event, contact Sheryl Kattner-Allen, Outreach Coordinator, at 254- 867-3875 or sheryl.kattnerallen@tstc.edu.

Upcoming TSTC Waco STEM Outreach Events VideoBlast & Girl Genius