Imagine the possibilities . . .

Imagine the possibilities . . .
designer | techcnican | engineer | programmer | developer

CPS TechCrew

What is it?
TechCrew is designed to enrich students’ educational experience and job readiness skills. This is accomplished by providing students with a TechCrew coordinator and the training and framework necessary to carry out basic computer problem resolution within the confines of their school.

What is the turnaround time? Are there any other parameters?
TechCrew requires principals or technology coordinators to participate in an information session. If the school decides to participate, the designated TechCrew coordinator(s) must also participate in a training session. Upon completion of the training session and recruitment of student participants, TechCrew will be operational.

How do I request service?
To request information about TechCrew or to register for an information session, contact Victor Herrera at TechCrew@cps.k12.il.us.

What is the cost?
No, there is no cost for this service. However, the school is responsible for the TechCrew coordinator stipend.

What curriculum do the students use ? How do I recruit students?

TechCrew Impact

TechCrew Inspires: “The experience you gain from being part of TechCrew is immeasurable. TechCrew helped me to find my passion for technology.
-Gabino Noriega, Former TechCrew Participant

TechCrew Helps Educators: “TechCrew helps out students academically and has allowed students to assume leadership roles and to gain confidence through their experience.
-Brian Surina, TechCrew Coordinator, Phoenix Military Academy

TechCrew Saves Money: “TechCrew is a positive experience for the school and the students because the students achieve the skills necessary to perform in this field while the school is able to allocate funding to other educational programs.
-Joellen-Zielazinski, Budget Manager, Kelly High School

TechCrew Increases Attendance: “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 TechCrew have a positive impact in these areas.
-Victor Herrera, Student Technology Services Manger

TechCrew Improves Performance: “Twenty-first century technology is a shopisticted, cutting edge, and ever changing industry. We want our students to be at the forefront of that industry, and TechCrew is a good place for them to start.
-Arshele C. Stevens, Chief Information Officer

TechCrew Spotlight

ITS Academy is NOW Available through VPN!!

ITS Academy is NOW Available through VPN!!
http://itsacademy.cps.k12.il.us

Information & Technology Services (ITS) is pleased to announce that ITS Academy can now be accessed via VPN (VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK)! The ITS Academy is an internally hosted, training & development resource which provides engaging, video-based training for Technology Coordinators and advanced technology users within CPS. All courses are self-paced and provide post-level assessments, printable study guides and are NOW available 24/7!! These courses are available either as an alternative to face-to-face instruction or as a supplemental resource to build one’s human capital.

**If you don’t have VPN access, please download VPN Service Request Form **

What is the ITS Academy?

The ITS Academy is an internally hosted, training, and development resource that provides engaging, video-based training for all ITS staff and advanced technology users within CPS. All courses are self-paced, provide post-level assessments and printable study guides, and are available 24/7. These courses are available either as an alternative to face-to-face instruction or as a supplemental resource.

Benefits of the ITS Academy

Provides engaging multimedia content anytime, anywhere
Addresses various technical and professional needs
Serves CPS employees’ training and professional development needs in a cost-effective manner
Supplies training modules that are self-paced and time-effective, by displaying content in separate modules.
Resides behind a CPS firewall, so users can log on securely using their CPS user ID and password.
Provides content that can help staff members prepare for various industry certification exams and/or expand skill sets.
Tracks courses through a built-in Learning Management System (LMS) (via the administrator).
Aligns to the CPS core strategies by 1) Increasing Literacy (technology) 2) Improving Human Capital 3) Expanding Learning Opportunities

How to Begin

· Step 1: Go to http://itsacademy.cps.k12.il.us

· Step 2: Enter your CPS username and password (to reset your password visit https://password.cps.k12.il.us)

· Step 3: Under the “Student Tools” section, select “View Available Courses.” You may want to consult with your principal or department head to discuss training options that align with your performance evaluation and support your day-to-day responsibilities. In some instances, your manager (Victor Herrera) may bundle together courses for you to take; your principal or department head may feel that they will increase your human capital and further support your school’s projects/programs.

· Step 4: Once you have identified your training course(s), select the “E-mail Course Request” link found under the “Student Tools” section. Highlight the course(s) that you would like to take or have been requested to take, select the appropriate training manager (Victor Herrera) to the right, and click the “Send” button at the bottom of the screen. Please provide your principal’s or department head’s name in the comment box as well as a brief justification for the request. An e-mail request will be sent to the training manager and then forwarded to your principal or department head for approval to release the course. You should receive an e-mail confirmation within 48 hours of your request.

For more information regarding the ITS Academy, please contact Victor Herrera, TechCrew Program Coordinator, at 773-553-6670 or vherrera@cps.k12.il.us.

*The ITS Academy content, used in isolation, does not guarantee a passing score on any industry certification exam. It is highly recommended that supplemental study guides and/or instruction accompany these modules when preparing for any formal exams.

No comments:

Geek Squad Summer Academy



"Geek Squad"

Paula Gómez, Univision Television Group

CHICAGO, Hay un curso en las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago que convierte a los estudiantes en expertos en tecnología. Los agentes del Geek Squad se auto describen como “un escuadrón de gente medio excéntrica”. Ellos se dedican a arreglar computadoras y cualquier aparato electrónico. ¿Qué tienen que ver estos expertos con la educación? Ellos son los maestros que se dedican a impartir un curso especial de verano sobre tecnología en las Escuelas Públicas de Chicago (CPS) llamado Geek Squad Summer Academy. El enfoque del programa es despertar entre los jóvenes la pasión por la tecnología con la esperanza de que muchos escojan incursionar en una carrera en este campo. El curso dura tan sólo una semana pero eso es tiempo suficiente, según los organizadores, para enseñarle a los jóvenes cómo armar y desarmar una computadora. Los estudiantes también aprenden cómo crear sus propias páginas en la Internet y aprenden entre otras lecciones a proteger sus datos personales al usar la tecnología. El cupo para participar en el programa actualmente es limitado pero representantes de CPS esperan expandirlo con el tiempo. Si deseas más información sobre Geek Squad Summer Academy puedes visitar la página de Internet www.gssummeracademy.com