Preparing students for a 21st century workforce.

Our name is now called Student Tech Services. The name is meant to reflect the three combined programs (Nextend NextTech™, TechCrew and TechCorps) and the new focus on effectively providing our students with challenging and engaging learning opportunities.

A key Student Tech Services component is the TechCrew program, in which students learn to manage state-of-the-art help desks, and in the process, hone information and computing technology (ICT) skills though authentic interactions with adults and peers.


Monday, December 7, 2009

Save the Date: TECH 2010 May 6

Applications are now being accepted for TECH 2010: Students for the Information Age, which will take place this spring at the Illinois State Capitol Building in Springfield. To apply, or view complete event information, please visit the TECH 2010 Web site at http://www.springfieldtech2000.org.

The TECH 2010 event strives to showcase classroom technology projects from across the state. The purpose of the event is two-fold: 1) to raise awareness of the critical role technology plays in preparing students to succeed in today’s world; and 2) to show the need for increased funding for classroom technology.

All schools from throughout CPS are encouraged to apply to participate in this event. Each team is limited to a total of four participants who will demonstrate a school project from approximately noon – 3 p.m. the day of the event in the Rotunda of the Illinois State Capitol. Schools selected to participate in TECH 2010 will send a team of two or three students to Springfield accompanied by one teacher or administrator.

Selected teams will represent a balanced distribution between legislative districts, grade levels, and curricular areas. Our goal is to select at least one team from every legislative district (representative & senatorial) in CPS.

There is no cost for schools to participate. Transportation will be provided to and from the event. Teams will also receive food coupons. Substitute teacher coverage will be provided.

Note: TECH 2010 will take place May 6, 2010, when legislators are in session.

If your school would like to apply to participate in this exciting event, please submit an online application at http://www.springfieldtech2000.org by Jan. 11, 2010.

Please view the attached flyer for additional information about TECH 2010.

Sincerely,

Victor Herrera & Hassie M. Johnson
CPS TECH 2010 Planning Committee
TechCrew@cps.k12.il.us

Friday, June 19, 2009

2009 Best Buy/TechCrew Geek Squad Summer Academy

Preparing Students for a 21st Century Workforce

When and Where:
July 27 – 31, 2009

William Jones College Preparatory High School
600 South State Street
Chicago, IL 60605

How is the week organized:
Monday: Orientation Day, Participating students and their parent(s)/legal guardian(s) must attend from 9:00AM – 12:00PM.

Tues – Thur: Each day, students take four hands-on technology classes and participate on fun-filled technology-based games and activities from 9:00AM – 5:00PM.

Friday: Closing Ceremony from 9:00AM – 12:00PM.

Who can attend:
Participants are students entering grades 6th through 12th in CPS TechCrew schools (This includes current TechKnow schools). Space is limited to 120 students.

Session Information:
PC Build: PC Build teaches the basic fundamentals of this essential technology. Junior Agents will build a computer from scratch and learn some vital troubleshooting tips! Junior Agents will also have an opportunity to compete in the coveted PC Build relay race!

Web Wizards: Junior Agents will create their own website through Junior Agent Website, J.A.Ws. Geek Squad Summer Academy securely hosts J.A.Ws and encourages the Junior Agents to create a totally unique webspace for themselves. They will also learn the basics of how to use different web technologies with an emphasis on internet security, safety and ethics.

Green Technology: Technology not only makes our lives easier, it helps us live smarter with less impact on the environment. Students will explore what technologies are helping us live greener lives through this class.

Communications: This class will be assisted by Geek Squad Agents from around the world who will ‘remote’ in and show Junior Agents the difference in active and passive communication. Junior agents will also learn how to safely communicate with friends and family in other parts of the world using the internet.

Games and Activities Include: Battle of The Bands™ (Rock band™); Wii Olympics™; Jewelry Making (from computer parts); Dance Off™ (Dance Revolution™).

Friday, January 9, 2009

MOUSE Training for all new TechCrew Coordinators Jan. 23, 2009

New TechCrew Coordinators MUST attend.

Elizabeth Training Facility - ETF
4th Floor Commons Area
320 North Elizabeth Street
Chicago, IL 60607

Friday, January 23rd, 2009
8:30pm – 2:30pm

Registration is open for the TechCrew Training Certification Workshop on January 23.

Course Title: MOUSE Training for all new TechCrew Coordinators
Section Title: TechCrew Training Certification Workshop #4

For more information about the course and to register, click here: http://pdcentral.cps.k12.il.us

CPS TechCrew Information Session | Jan. 16, 2009

This session covers the requirements to bring the program to the school.

Elizabeth Training Facility - ETF
4th Floor Commons Area
320 North Elizabeth Street
Chicago, IL 60607

1:00pm 2:- 30pm

CPS TechCrew is a CPS, after-school program designed to enrich students' educational experiences and job readiness skills by providing them with a coach, training and framework to carry out basic computer problem resolution within the confines of their school.

Registration is open for the TechCrew Information Session on January 16.

Course Title: TechCrew Information Session
Section Title: TechCrew Information Session - Six

Agenda:

* Welcome and introduction
* Program overview
* TechCrew curriculum, certification and online access
* Technician Skills Tracker
* Best practices: ideas on how to successfully run the program
* TechCrew Help Desk
* FirstClass collaboration: workspaces and conferences
* iShare Weekly status report
* Q & A Session

For more information about the course and to register, click here: http://pdcentral.cps.k12.il.us

Feel free to share this information with your contacts and colleagues.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Presidet-elect announces Arne Duncan as the Department of Education nominee

Obama-Arne

Eli Whitney Pizza Party

Eli Whitney Pizza Party

TechKnow Training, October 18th, 2008

TechKnow Training