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. Thus, students learn to serve and serve to learn.
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Classroom
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Community
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Career
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Learning Standards Technology |
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| • | Understand PC architecture. |
| • | Understand computer hardware. |
| • | Understand system software & non-application software. |
| • | Isolate & troubleshoot methods. |
| • | Understand network protocols. |
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School to Career Competencies |
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| • | Practice Communication & Literacy Skills. |
| • | Collect & organize information. |
| • | Problem Solve. |
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Use Technology.
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| • | Complete Entire Activities. |
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Act Professionally.
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| • | 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.
Web Sites A
list of teacher/student generated web sites
provides essential information on systems & hardware.
Keywords Service Learning, Career Education, School to Career, TechAssist, Technical Support, Networking.
Final Words This project's dual purpose is to provide real technical assistance through real-world referrals and to 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 will spend the summer upgrading computers for J.P. Morgan; others will pursue certification with awarded Xintra scholarships. Next year, more TechAssist participants will join TechBoston Corps to help pilot similar programs in other Boston schools.
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.
E-mail contact Fred Slater
fslater@boston.k12.ma.us
Teacher Bio Fred Slater teaches Fundamentals of Networking at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, a School to Career school. Graduating with distinction from University of California at Berkeley with a B.A. in English Teaching, he received his Master's in Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Holding several technology certifications, Fred has served as Assistant Coordinator of Education for Boston's Homeless Service and as A+ Program Developer and Instructor for the Boston Evening Academy. Through TechBoston he has received the City Excellence Award for Innovation in Education sponsored by John Hancock and the Boston Management Consortium.
Subject Areas Technology
Grade Levels 9 - 12
Students Grade 10 Bilingual, Special, & Regular Education students
