Lee County Goes far beyond Textbook learning

Background
Lee County High Tech Center Central (HTC) is part of the public school system of the State of Florida, and was founded in 1966. A vocational school, its mission is to prepare students for the world of work so that they can be locally employed to help meet the needs of business and industry within its community.

Cosmetology is one of the more than thirty-five different industrial programs offered by HTC. In this program, specialized classroom and practical experiences cover a variety of beauty treatments, including the care and beautification of the hair, complexion and hands. Approximately sixty students each year are given the knowledge, skills, and necessary work experiences for employment at job entry level.

Broad and Current Curriculum
Jane Skinner, Cosmetology Instructor, explains that the cosmetology business is always changing, and HTC strives to keep up with new developments. “We have a reputation for offering the most broad and current curriculum in this area. Our students will tell you that they receive the most well-rounded education available. We teach everything, from cuts and colors to hair extensions.”

High Tech Central recognizes the need to keep its curriculum up to date and incorporate new technology, so that its students are best prepared to enter the working world. Ms. Skinner explains, “We train our students to be prepared to deal with every aspect of the salon business. They learn to manage the reception desk, payroll – everything they might need to work in a salon, or to own their own salons.” This, of course, also means learning to use computers and various salon support software systems.

Incorporating CyberImaging
Ms. Skinner first became aware of CyberImaging while attending various hair shows. She was intrigued by the possibilities of incorporating the hair imaging software into the curriculum at HTC. “I could see right away the benefits that hair imaging would offer to the students,” she says. “This would be a fun way to learn, a way that goes far beyond what textbooks provide.”

After seeing an article about hair imaging software in American Salon magazine, she contacted Cyber Imaging Systems to inquire about purchasing the system. She was able to obtain approval for acquiring the system, just weeks before the start of the new school year. “We were in a real hurry. Fortunately, Cyber Imaging Systems was able to deliver the system right away,” Ms. Skinner explains. “They set it up and showed us all how to use it. They’ve been very helpful, and the system is extremely easy to use.”

Benefits to the Students and Customers
HTC students began experimenting with CyberImaging by using first their own images, then those of administration and faculty personnel, combining faces with different styles and colors. They were soon ready to offer hair imaging consultations to students of their clinic, which is open to the public three days a week. “The students are very excited about this program,” says Ms. Skinner. “One of the most important things it teaches is how to work with different face shapes.” She says that as a result of using CyberImaging, her students have become much more confident in their knowledge about which hairstyles and colors are appropriate for different face shapes, skin tones, and hair textures. Working in a virtual environment offers the students a risk-free way to experiment with different combinations. Plus, she says, “It improves their computer skills, always one of our goals.”

The HTC customers who have taken advantage of CyberImaging consultations “have a lot of fun,” says Ms. Skinner. “Seeing themselves in different hairstyles can be a real eye-opener. Most of them have chosen to adjust their hairstyles as a result of the consultation.”

The Advisory Board
High Tech Central has an Advisory Board, comprised of salon professionals who are active in the field. Ms. Skinner explains, “Their input is very important. They give us advice regarding what to offer our students, in order to maximize the chance of being hired by a salon.” The members of this Advisory Board are excited that HTC is offering CyberImaging training, and feel that it provides HTC with a competitive advantage compared to other schools in the area. “They agree that this is a real benefit to our students and our school,” says Ms. Skinner.

For More Information
If you are interested in additional information about CyberImaging, contact us at 1-800-308-4755, x15, or look for us on the Web at www.cyber-imaging.com.