EVALUATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A CISCO EDUCATION PROGRAM IN A FEDERAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

Abstract

This paper presents the implementation of the Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) at the Federal Institute of Goiás (IFG), as part of Teaching and Extension projects developed between 2020 and 2025. The methodology adopted was qualitative, descriptive, and reflective, grounded in institutional reports and in the reflective practice proposed by Gibbs (1988). The results highlight the execution of diverse actions, including the CCNA R&S: Introduction to Networks and CCNA 2: Switching, Wireless and Routing Essentials courses, aimed at the academic community, as well as extension initiatives such as the Digital Transformation Mission: Cisco NetAcad LATAM and participation in the 10th Cisco CyberEducation Marathon Brazil. These actions reached different audiences, ranging from students in integrated technical, undergraduate, and adult education programs (EJA) to the external community, covering topics such as computer networks, cybersecurity, data science, Python programming, and artificial intelligence. The observed impacts include the expansion of digital literacy, the strengthening of students’ employability, the democratization of access to technological knowledge, and the reinforcement of the institution’s social role. The partnership between the National Council of Institutions of the Federal Network of Professional, Scientific, and Technological Education (CONIF) and Cisco enhanced the integration between teaching and extension within the educational institution, consolidating itself as an innovative and relevant practice for academic and professional training in line with the demands of contemporary digital society.