Collin College's Convergence Technology program is growing thanks to a booming industry.

It was an opportunity for individuals interested in the field of convergence technology to learn more. It was aptly named because the arena was hot – jobs in the field and progress in technology.

If it was hot then, it’s absolutely smoking now.

At the Nov. 9 TechKnowFire event, 120 high school students were in attendance to learn about the program and the field. In fact, staff had to limit it to high school students in order to prevent an overflow crowd that they couldn’t accommodate. According to Ann Blackman, they are already planning on having two such events to meet the demand for more information about convergence technology.

Convergence technology is the connecting of voice, image and data into one network.

For example, your iPod or cell phone is the result of convergence technology. Mixing these elements into one technology is sure to affect lifestyles in the future. Think Smart Homes and receiving satellite, Internet and phone services from one company. Actually, this is already happening -- all due to convergence.

According to a report, the program had 537 students in convergence classes – an increase of 63 percent over the past three years -- and the number of female and African-American students has increased by 117 and 133 percent, respectively, over the past three years.

“Here at Collin College, we are accommodating growth by adding new classes and by continuing to update our classes to incorporate the latest technologies like using podcasts as a way to broadcast class lectures,” Blackman said. “In addition to our grant partner colleges, El Centro College and Tarrant County College, there are currently six colleges around the country being mentored so that they, too, can establish convergence technology programs.”

The biggest challenge that faces the convergence program is not only keeping up with the ever-evolving field, but also the technology.

The college works with a Business Advisory Committee, made up of area business owners, who they survey to forecast the future of convergence technology and where the jobs will be in six months or six years.

"The emerging technology faculty of Collin College, El Centro and Tarrant  created new curriculum for Convergence+, Home Technology Integration and Voice over IP courses,” Blackman said. “Because of the changes in the fields, new certifications and other elements, the curriculum is already being updated. In July 2008 we will be hosting the 7th annual Texas State Working Connections IT Faculty Development Institute. This institute, hosted by the Convergence Technology Center, provides an in-depth week long study for faculty in emerging technology. In addition to Collin College faculty, we have faculty that attend this event from more than 30 other Texas colleges. In the last three years, we have also responded and have accommodated requests from eight out-of-state colleges. We expect this trend to continue.”