Computer problem? Hire a MOUSE, The San Mateo Daily Journal
When a computer goes down, there are really only two viable options for handling the situation: Yell at and/or break the computer or call for help.
Eighth grade students at The Bayside S.T.E.M. ACADEMY in San Mateo began offering faculty a third option this week: Student labor. Twenty-two eighth grade students started this year as part of the MOUSE Squad — one of the tech classes offered at S.T.E.M. teaching students not only how troubleshoot computer issues but also how to work with adults in a business environment. Students spent the first part of the year learning all things computer. This week, a letter went out to faculty introducing the new in-house tech support team.
“We started receiving e-mails right away,” said tech and electronics teacher Rob Bolt. “One teacher had 20 problems.”
Bolt first heard about the program while attending a seminar at the Krause Center for Innovation at Foothill College this summer. The MOUSE Squad is a curriculum-based learning program throughout California schools, including others in San Mateo County. Through it, students learn basic technology information through hands-on activities to become technicians.
Bolt was particularly interested in the aspect of putting these skills to use through a business model. At the moment, the class is only eighth-grade students. Sixth-grade students will join during the last trimester, allowing the older students to mentor the group who will help keep the program going.
Thirteen-year-old Erika Gonzalez did not know anything more than how to use programs she needed on a computer before taking the class.
Laena Otsuka, who will soon be 14, was also a bit intimidated to start the class.
Francesca Woo, who will also soon be 14, described her father as the family’s personal Geek Squad, meaning she’d seen someone work on computers but never had the chance to do so herself.
Shannon Chen, 13, never thought she could fix a computer.
Yesterday, the girls worked with fellow MOUSE Squad member Maui Nogawa to examine why the CD-ROM drive was not working in two of the class computers.
Without adults looking over their shoulders, the girls broke into two groups and began disassembling the computers, looking inside, reconnecting the computer and checking for changes. Within an hour, one of the two computers was fixed.
On top of having the ability to fix computers on site, the squad gets to help teachers.
Otsuka is excited to teach the teachers, which is going on this week. Students are visiting each teacher on campus to train them on the Web-based program MOUSE Squad uses to request work. Students are broken into groups for each day. Those students come in on their assigned day to check tickets and get to work.
Students have also had a chance to meet Oracle volunteers Yi Ru and Weihong Wang, who work with the kids explaining what they do as a profession using computer technology skills.
Chen had never thought of technology as a profession before. She’s not sure it will be her job of choice, but it’s on her mind.
If a student’s interest is truly piqued by the class, there is an opportunity for further education as Aragon High School offers the program as well.
Principal Jeanne Elliott was excited by the new program and said it allowed students to further leadership skills while taking ownership for their work. Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.
View the San Mateo Daily Journal press article.
The list of what I have learned from the MOUSE Squad program can go on forever. The training has helped me to be confident about what I do and has taught me... read more ›
– Jessica Alberto, MOUSE Squad Member, Thomas A. Edison Career & Technology High School
MOUSE Squad has provided invaluable assistance to our school and made technology easy for our entire staff. Those on MOUSE Squad are surrounded by students who are successful inside and outside the classroom. read more ›
– Anthony Barbetta, Principal, Thomas A. Edison Career & Technology High School
I recognize MOUSE for its dedication to providing our city’s schools with the technological tools and support to keep our children competitive in the information age. read more ›
– Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor, New York City
The experiences that MOUSE provides its participants help ensure that high school graduates are prepared for good jobs during the summer and in their future careers. MOUSE’s unique emphasis on technology training... read more ›
– Gale Brewer, New York City Council Member, Technology Committee Chair
I love finishing school and coming to MOUSE. I love the teamwork and the time to learn new things about computers. read more ›
– Aram Buenaventura, MOUSE Squad Member, High School for Arts & Technology
When I started the internship, my manager brought me to the trading floor. It was the best thing in the world to see all the traders and to know they were my clients,... read more ›
– Duckens Durosier, MOUSE Squad Alumni, Junior Analyst, Citi
To me, programs like this don't exactly go to every school around. I enjoy the program and what they teach. My interest in technology has enhanced greatly because of MOUSE Squad. read more ›
– Ally Garcia, MOUSE Squad Member, High School for Arts & Technology
Participating in the MOUSE Squad gave me a true sense of purpose. I never could have imagined in just 8 years, I would be CEO of my own technology consulting firm and... read more ›
– Juan Garzon, MOUSE Squad Alumnus; Field Support Representative, MOUSE
The people at MOUSE are a living, breathing testament to the notion that when an organization is centered around a thoughtful and attainable goal—staffed by competent, bright and passionate individuals—there is very little... read more ›
– Mehran Ghaffarsamar , MOUSE Intern, Baruch College
Our MOUSE Squad students are demonstrating leadership skills, learning about responsibilities and how to communicate with adults. This program is inspiring our students and giving them a glimpse of future career opportunities. read more ›
– Carla Haakma, Principal, Los Arboles Elementary School, California
MOUSE Squad students learn many skills frequently cited by employers as keys to success in the workplace, including leadership, communication, teamwork problem solving and time management. read more ›
– Jan Half, Executive Director, MOUSE Squad of California
We recognize that student attendance and graduation are increasingly important issues facing public schools. We are looking to target specific schools as we have seen the TechCrew program have a positive impact in... read more ›
– Victor Herrera, Student Tech Services, Chicago Public Schools
For our school, MOUSE Squad plays an integral role in supporting our technology, saving us both time and money. But more importantly, students participate in positive experiences that give them a strong... read more ›
– Seth Hubbert, Faculty Coordinator, High School for Arts & Technology
What excites me most about MOUSE Squad is going to fix computers and hanging out with friends. I really think MOUSE Squad pushes you to try and learn new things. read more ›
– Danielle Jacobs, MOUSE Squad Member, Cooper High School, Abilene Texas
MOUSE is a valued NYC Department of Education partner--their programs are well aligned with NYC and national education priorities. MOUSE programs build important 21st century skills and prepare students to be successful... read more ›
– Joel Klein, Chancellor, New York City Department of Education
MOUSE has been able to light my path of maturity. Being shown everything I can do, and looking back at everything I’ve been a part of, I now realize what I want... read more ›
– Ryan Mason, MOUSE Squad Alumni, School of the Future
MOUSE Squad has taught me the skills I need for the future. read more ›
– Ismelda Monegro, Bea Fuller Rodgers School, New York
Leadership, pride, self confidence and a sense of responsibility -- this is the impact of the MOUSE Squad program on our students. read more ›
– Norma Perez, Principal, Bea Fuller Rodgers School, New York
MOUSE Squad has proven time and again that students who graduate after participating are more equipped for the next stage in their lives, especially in today’s vast information technology world. This program... read more ›
– Christine C. Quinn, Speaker, New York City Council
MOUSE has provided life changing experiences for me that have added tremendously to my passion for technology… regardless of the company or industry, you will always need technology and the skills we learn... read more ›
– Leroy Tindi, MOUSE Squad Alum, Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy
Through the CPS TechCrew program, I have learned how to explore computers, how to fix problems that are usually deferred to someone else, and what it's like to work on a team that... read more ›
– Simon Vecchioni, CPS TechCrew Member, Northside College Prep High School, Chicago
What excites me most about being part of this program is that I get to interact with other students who share the same goals and who hope to learn more on how to... read more ›
– Monique Williams, Chicago TechCrew Member, Tarkington School of Excellence
