 Hingham High School Library Teacher Katy Gallagher | Library Teacher: Katy Gallagher Hingham High School Library Media Center |
The Hingham Tech Squad is a student-centered solution for school-wide technology integration. Students involved in this program learn how to use existing educational technologies, as well as how to evaluate and make informed selections among the technologies available to complete a task or project. Students not only learn technology skills but also crucial 21st century skills, such as planning and collaboration. They learn how to help teachers integrate technology into classroom lessons, how to use school technology, and how to provide tech support. The Hingham Tech Squad members work with teachers throughout the school to plan tech-infused lesson or provide tech support. The result is an authentic project-based learning experience for the students and sustainable technology support for the teachers. Math Teacher Sarah Coughlin created the program 4 years ago and continues to teach this popular elective.
Highham Tech Squad students pose with teacher Sarah Coughlin (bottom right)
After completing the Tech Squad course students are invited to join the Tech Squad Help Desk, based in the school library. Tech Squad Help Desk Students are on call during their assigned period to field in-the-moment technical issues happening throughout the building. Teachers know to call the library extension if an issue arises with technology during a class. Library staff communicates the need to the Help Desk Student and sends the student to the classroom. This format is extremely helpful to teachers whether the issue is equipment failure, software compatibility issues or technology set up and break down. Knowing there is someone to call for support when something goes wrong puts teachers at ease in terms of trying new technology. Help Desk students also manage library equipment delivery throughout the building (50 Chromebooks, projectors, etc.), the library desktop computers (11PCs and 4 Macs), and train teachers on new technology during teacher prep time. During any down time Help Desk student take technology based online courses through Alison.com, which are self paced. Future plans include a Maker Space in the library to be managed and operated by the Tech Squad and Tech Squad Help Desk students, which will provide students in the program with experience developing curriculum and training for the technologies within the Maker Space, in addition to acting as on demand support for student and teacher users throughout the day.
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