|
Key Question
How can Technology students give back
to their high school?
Overview
When the printer balks,
the scanner faults, what to do? TechAssist to the rescue!
Combining technology with service, students come up with solutions
for classroom technology problems. Students format computers,
install operating systems, configure protocols, download software,
diagnose and troubleshoot most common computer problems. Transforming
a new Networking computer lab, students learn to: set up furniture,
install and reconfigure computers, install network cable for
devices, wire hubs, configure protocol stacks, map network
drives, install software, scanners, and printers, and secure
all devices with cables and locks. All in all, a win-win scenario
for tech students and classrooms.
| Active
Exploration +
Applied
Learning + Adult
Connections |
|
Classroom
Activities
|
Community
Activities
|
Career
Activities
|
| •
|
Examine
& isolate problems. |
| •
|
List
problems, prioritize, & map probable
solutions.
|
| •
|
Refer
unsolvable problems to BPS Tech Center.
|
| •
|
Return
equipment, explain & demonstrate process.
|
|
| •
|
Restore
unusable computers/peripherals to school service. |
| •
|
Solve
classroom technology problems. |
| •
|
Explain problems & solutions to school
staff clients. |
| •
|
Recruit
girls into school technology programs. |
| •
|
Speak
at national & state technology conferences.
|
| •
|
Present
computer
slide show (or download,
3.93 MB) at Middle School Career Visions Fair. |
|
| •
|
Design,
produce, distribute business cards. |
| •
|
Research
careers online. |
| •
|
Discuss customer relations & analyze client
interaction. |
| •
|
Use
system diagnostic utilities. |
| •
|
Practice
explanations of problems & process. |
| •
|
Observe after-school programs with the goal
of becoming Computer Lab Teacher Assistants.
|
| •
|
Cite
Tech Assist experience in Xintra
Scholarship application. |
|
|
Academic
Rigor
|
| Learning
Standards Technology |
| •
|
Understand
PC architecture |
| •
|
Understand
computer hardware |
| •
|
Understand
system software & non-application software |
| •
|
Isolate
& troubleshoot methods |
| •
|
Understand
network protocols |
|
School
to Career Competencies
|
| •
|
Practice
Communication and Literacy Skills |
| •
|
Collect
and organize information |
| •
|
Problem
Solve |
| •
|
Use
technology |
| •
|
Complete
Entire Activities |
| •
|
Act
professionally |
| •
|
Understand
All Aspects of the Industry |
Assessment |
|
In accordance
with their Electronic Portfolio Project, students
are rated on content, development, conventions,
and School to Career competencies. Through actual
provision of network and computer school support,
students' success rate is correlated to resulting
products and service.
Software
or Materials Used Student
text is 3COM
NetPrep: Introduction to Networking plus a
variety of trade and computer industry publications
for reference. Additional software & strategies
include: LCD Projected demonstrations, transparencies,
educational CD ROMs, Diagnostic Utilities, Software
installation disks; PowerPoint & digital whiteboard
presentations; direct demonstration of real problems
with existing school hardware; Microsoft Office
to produce portfolios, logo, business cards, service
forms, & feedback forms.
Teacher
Developed Materials TechAssist
Work Report, Web
Site List.
Student
Developed Materials Tech
Assist Poster, Tech
Assist Request Form, Brochures,
Computer
Slide Show, business cards.
Web
Sites A list
of related web sites provides essential information
on systems and hardware.
Final
Words This project
has dual purposes: 1. Provide real technical assistance
through real-world referrals 2. Demystify the
technical support field for high school sophomores.
With these goals achieved, we proudly point to
concrete results: Many TechAssist students have
been hired as TechBoston after-school Lab Assistants;
several spend the summer upgrading computers for
J.P. Morgan; others pursue certification with
awarded Xintra scholarships. Several TechAssist
participants joined TechBoston Corps to help pilot
similar programs in other Boston schools. They
also won a contract to provide technical support
for 34 Community Learning Centers, and it all
began with a Service Learning project.
Teacher
Tip Introduce
each set of skills systematically. I closely monitor
students while stressing the consequences of mistakes
made in a world where users depend on failsafe
technology.
|
|
|
