Partners in Technology programs help middle school students learn skills that promote self-esteem, academic success, and preparation for today’s technology-driven world. Students, often without access to computers at home, gain technology training and the opportunity to increase their digital literacy. Students also learn valuable skills such as teamwork, collaboration and communication. Partners in Technology programs include:
The centerpiece of the Partners in Technology Program is TechKnow, a district-wide after-school computer technology course, created in collaboration with Dell, Inc. and Austin ISD. TechKnow bridges the digital divide for students who lack technology at home.
The program gives students the opportunity to earn a refurbished computer and learn technology skills. They develop self-esteem and academic success to prepare for work opportunities in today's technology-driven world. In the 40-hour, after-school course led by a campus technology instructor, students work in small groups. Students take apart and rebuild a computer, install and use software, upgrade components, diagnose and repair basic hardware problems, and learn internet skills.
School Locations: All AISD Middle Schools
Student Help Desk
Austin Partners in Education, Dell, Inc., and Austin ISD have continued their partnership with this exciting new program also known as Dell TechKnow 2.0. Student Help Desk prepares students to assist the campus technologist and help answer trouble tickets. Middle School students become proficient in computer hardware, software, peripherals, and trouble shooting. The curriculum includes a unit on professionalism and customer service skills to help the students learn how to appropriately interact with their “customers” – the teachers and campus staff.
School Locations: Bailey, Bedichek, Burnet, Covington, and Murchison Middle Schools
Computer Refurb Lab
Austin Partners in Education recently launched a new program that puts more computers into the hands of students. Students learn to take old or non-working computers and bring them back to life. Students will learn to recognize and understand hardware components, load and use Microsoft Office, trouble shoot problems, and upgrade components on a computer for higher quality sound, video, etc.
This program encourages students to become IC3 certified (a pre-professional certification), which can put them on a technology career path in high school where they can earn the A+ and Cisco certifications and become eligible to earn $15-$24/ hour as a technician right out of high school.
The teacher is in the classroom to provide curriculum and support and the small group structure means occasional volunteer absences are not as disruptive.
School Locations: Crockett High School, Small Middle School
"I enjoyed working with the kids and helping them problem solve. It's exciting to see them work through a problem and find the solution on their own! I also learned a lot. Before TechKnow, I did not know how to build a computer. Now, I think I could walk myself through it." --Partners in Technology Volunteer
"I like that we had our own computer and . . . that we were taught about PowerPoint and Microsoft Word . . . I also like that we got to take the computer apart and put it back together." --Partners in Technology Student
"There is a value in knowing that you have helped a child have a better life. Potentially giving them the opportunity to learn about a profession that they have never heard of and might want to pursue." --Partners in Technology Volunteer
