1. Student Tech Team a.k.a Mouse Squad
Denise Dragash
Library Media Specialist, Prairie Trace Elementary School, Carmel, IN
Joan Finn
Second Grade Teacher, Prairie Trace Elementary School, Carmel, IN
Hella Rumschlag
Library Media Specialist, Mohawk Trails Elementary School, Carmel, IN
First we will present a general overview of the programs, then we will share details of how the programs are structured at each of our schools.

2. Purpose of the Program
Train students to provide on-the-spot tech support
Tap into students’ knowledge to help teachers integrate technology into the curriculum
Focus on equipment that generates most questions
Focus on new equipment and software
Focus on equipment that is daunting
Reasons for starting the program: part-time technicians not always available; tech coordinators also media specialists. Needed more tech support in the classrooms.

3. Laptop
Projector
DVD/VCR
Speaker
Daunting

4. Examples of technology
LCD projector carts with laptop and DVD player/VCR
Digital cameras
Laptop computers in a mobile lab
Wireless hub
Jump drive
Document camera
Buzzer system
Flatbed scanner
TV/VCR/DVD cart
Headsets
Smart Boards

5. Who are the Student Techs?
Recommended by classroom teachers.
Not necessarily the top students academically.
May be a student who needs something special.
At each of our schools, we have students from different grade levels and also different numbers of students. We will discuss this

6. How do we do this? Hands on Learn one, teach one
Emphasize team concept
Proficiency cards

7. Mohawk Trails Student Techs
Two students from each 4th and 5th grade classroom
Total of 20 students
Students responsible for own transportation
Morning OR afternoon meetings each week
7:15-8:00
2:30-3:30
Lunchtime “idea meetings”

8. Mohawk Trails Student Techs
Proficiency checklists
Proficiency cards

9. Proficiency Checklist

10. Mohawk Trails Student Techs
Fourth and fifth graders – proficiency cards
Fifth graders helped train new fourth graders
Fourth graders – proficiency cards
Fifth graders produced a weekly student broadcast
Fifth graders are learning new equipment, skills
Fifth graders will create segments of school news
Fourth graders – six week rotations…?
Always evolving…

11. Mohawk Trails: Special Events
Field trip to Channel 8
Special training opportunities for teachers
Sound recorder
Technology Mini-Fair
Choose what works for each school.

12. Mohawk Technology Mini-Fair

13. Prairie Trace Mouse Squad
Two students from each 2nd - 5th grade classroom
Total of 40 students
Students responsible for own transportation
Morning meetings
Permission slips on your ILF jump drive

14. Prairie Trace Mouse Squad
Received grant to fund cameras and jump drives
With teachers, brainstormed skills to be taught
Met twice a month – once with 1st and 2nd graders and then with 3rd, 4th, and 5th
Surveyed teachers to gather their thoughts and suggestions for next year’s Mouse Squad.
4th and 5th graders meet to learn new technology skills
4th and 5th graders paired with 2nd and 3rd graders to teach previously learned material
Always evolving…

15. Prairie Trace: When do we meet?
Twice a month for 4th and 5th graders
Before school 7:30-8:00
Once for learning and once for teaching
Once a month for 2nd and 3rd graders
Choose what works for each school.

16. Mouse Squad: Special Events
End of Year Cheese Party
Cheesy snacks
Kid Survey to receive valuable student input
Awards
Participation
Perfect Attendance
Choose what works for each school.

17. Challenges Large range of ability levels
Tech savvy AND open to learning?
Late or missed meetings
Overly helpful
Abuse of power
Choose what works for each school.

18. Rewards
Increased student self confidence around technology which transfers to other academic success
Teachers appreciative of trained mouse squad members
Teachers able to receive immediate tech help
Mouse squad members share gained knowledge with other students in the classroom

19. Further resources online

20. Thanks for joining us today!
Questions?
Thanks for joining us today!