If there’s one department that is in high demand in every organization it’s IT support. Students at Adams-Young Middle School are getting early training in this specialized skill as part of its student Tech Team. Comprised of seventh and eighth graders, these eager-to-learn techies-in-training serve as Jr. IT support for their peers, teachers and staff as they troubleshoot minor computer issues, perform audits and much more.
Robotics is a component of the elective technology classes that Mr. Iwu teaches during the school day and the Tech Team is there to support them as well. The team helps build robots for the classes, which use them for mini challenges such as measuring distance, making shapes and even playing robot soccer.
Student Jeremiah H. explains that Tech Team is building more than robots – they’re building relationships. “This program has helped me a lot, he said. “Building robots, setting up codes for them and making them do things like dances is all pretty cool, but the main part is gaining a closer connection with my teacher and classmates. I’ve made a lot of new friends.”
Robotics is a component of the elective technology classes that Mr. Iwu teaches during the school day and the Tech Team is there to support them as well. The team helps build robots for the classes, which use them for mini challenges such as measuring distance, making shapes and even playing robot soccer.
Student Jeremiah H. explains that Tech Team is building more than robots – they’re building relationships. “This program has helped me a lot, he said. “Building robots, setting up codes for them and making them do things like dances is all pretty cool, but the main part is gaining a closer connection with my teacher and classmates. I’ve made a lot of new friends.”
But it’s not all work. They also created their own customized Minecraft-type gaming tournament, which coincided with a visit by Sara Mungall, Associate Director of Implementation at Digital Promise. Digital Promise is the national nonprofit implementing the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) program that equips every student and teacher at select middle and high schools across the country with a device and free data plan. Cornerstone’s three middle schools were honored to be named the first VILS schools in Detroit. (read more about Cornerstone/VILS kick off event here)
“During my visit to Adams-Young, I was impressed by the students’ innovative use of technology. Teachers weren’t just integrating it into their classrooms; students were using it to create meaningful opportunities outside of school hours,” Mungell observed. “It was wonderful to experience the exciting competition they held during my visit that is similar to the beginnings of an esports league that are held across the United States. The difference with Adams-Young is that student tech team leaders designed and managed the entire process, from building the Minecraft world to outlining the rules and running the competition. This student-led, co-designed initiative exemplifies powerful learning opportunities that effectively leverage technology.”
Iwu understands that competitions like this that build on students’ interests is key in engaging them, saying “If you make learning a fun opportunity, you’ll get more out of the kids.”
Hear from Mr. Iwu and some of his students about their Tech Team experience.