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August 1, 2000
Students to the Rescue
By CarolAnn Stevens
Recipe for Technology Help
Ingredients
- 1 Junior Tech Rep from each 3rd and 4th grade homeroom class
- 3 Tech Reps (from previous year) to staff each computer lab
- 30 laminated or covered badges
- 1 Senior Tech Consultant (best problem-solver) from previous year cadre
- 1 Senior Tech Rep from each 5th grade class
- 30 rags for cleaning and dusting
- 2 bottles of cleaning solution (for outside of computer and desk area)
- Assorted computer parts for demonstration and student handling
- 3 large incentive charts (enough rows for each computer in the building)
- 1 clipboard for each Tech Rep
Printer not working? Computer acting up? Need another pair of eyes? How would you like a technology specialist in every elementary intermediate classroom? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I have help. Over the past few years, I have used student Tech Reps who are trained to handle day-to-day technical problems, maintenance, and care of computers, printers, and peripherals. Included with this plan are our best practices which have been refined during the past three years. I am a half-time technology specialist and half-time gifted and talented resource teacher in a suburban Maryland elementary school of 540 pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students. We have 90 Ethernet (Power Macintosh, G3 or better) computers, ten printers, and assorted peripherals. How do I keep my sanity? Tech Reps to the rescue!
This process begins late in the spring. Teachers in second, third, and fourth grades nominate students as next year's Tech Reps. Each homeroom teacher (3-5) has at least one. Fifth graders are considered Senior Tech Reps. One fifth grade Tech Rep is also designated as a student Tech Rep Coordinator (this position is not announced, but naturally given to the best candidate). Students need only a positive outlook on technology and dedication to task to be considered for the position. Those who have been previous Tech Reps are promoted to Lab Tech Reps and help train the new classroom Reps.
Academic success is not a primary consideration for inclusion--consistency is. Being a Tech Rep definitely has its rewards. The students' outlook on school becomes extremely positive and can carry through their academic career. In fact, the best student Tech Reps I have had over the years are NOT generally the highest ability students. They are logical thinkers (big surprise) and learn kinesthetically.
Students meet each Friday (or the last day of every week) from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. This is usually DOL (Daily Oral Language--sentences are put on the board with errors in grammar or spelling and children correct them) or DEAR (Drop Everything And Read--sustained silent reading) time. Tech Rep curriculum is designed to foster growth of logical thinking and basic computer skills.
Curriculum objectives include:
- Logic
- Identification of computer parts
- Understanding the basic principles of hardware
- Understanding the basic principles of software
- Understanding the algorithm of troubleshooting
- Making the connections
- Preventive maintenance
- Reporting of maintenance issues
- Printers--paper jams and jamming in paper
- Printing problems
- Understanding the Internet
- Troubleshooting software incompatibilities
- Previewing and reviewing software
Keeping Things Simple
Each student is given a badge, which serves as their pass and indicates their designated assigned computers. The front of the badge states the student's name and title, while the reverse lists their homeroom teacher's name as well as two other staff members' names. The student is responsible for care of computers assigned to the listed staff.
Students come in and check in on a large incentive chart. Teacher's names are placed on the Y-axis of the chart, while dates and activities are logged on the X-axis. Students initial the correct box, while a Senior Tech Rep is responsible for passing out badges and making sure that they have the correct equipment for that day (usually a dusting and cleaning cloth). After arrival, we discuss previous issues that were solved. A short lecture and/or demonstration of an aspect of technology is explored and investigated.
Then, the students then are sent to check in with their assigned teachers. Professionalism is stressed. Tech Reps introduce themselves, quickly explain to the teachers the day's procedures, note any problems, and provide appropriate maintenance and troubleshooting. Students repeat this until their entire list (office staff also) have been serviced. As they return to my classroom, absent student Tech Rep badges are passed out to those who complete early to ensure complete school coverage. The charts are used to keep attendance information. Those who are unable to arrive at school on time are dropped (we have used the position to improve school attendance in a few instances.)
Students should not be removed from the program unless they are unable to or choose not to complete the assigned technology tasks as given. Academic progress, completed homework, and behavior problems in the classroom are not a consideration. It is often that a Tech Rep's behavior improves with this added responsibility. For some students, this is the only activity in which they are seen as "The Expert". Needless to say, self-esteem is elevated greatly through this program.
As students report back from their weekly visits, any problems are discussed (I make sure that my 5th grade Senior Tech Reps return first). Possible solutions are discussed, and occasionally both the junior and Senior Tech Reps go to remedy the problem. If the problem cannot be fixed, students log the trouble and date of instance on a white board in my room.
Lessons I Learned
Start slow with the third graders. Their first two trips (in August/September) should be with a Senior Tech Rep. Use broken or outdated parts from the service center for educational purposes. Make badges attractive and professional-looking. The more the students feel like professionals, the more they act in a professional manner. Pair student and teacher's personalities for the best match. Inform the staff of the date of service. Principals, teachers, counselors, and office staff need to close all sensitive files before service begins. Children do not lift computers or monitors--they will gather cords while I or another adult lifts the computer. This program was designed to foster growth of technology in the early grades.
Wish List
I would like to have student Tech Reps report to school prior to the beginning of the school year for a few hours. They can then locate and go through initial training in a structured way without missing any academic time.
Email: CarolAnn Stevens
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