By Lindsay Doty
Danville technology students will be getting a real-world lesson in tech support. The district is teaming up with Cloverdale, Indiana-based Endeavor Communications for a program that will offer monthly public tech support sessions starting in November.
“Future Speed Geeks“
It’s called Future Speed Geeks. Danville Community School Corporation students will work alongside pros to fix and address technology glitches and breaks, as well as, answer questions about home gadgets like Alexa or how to install apps.
“We see this as an opportunity for students to interact with each other as well as members of the community,” said Danville Community School Corporation (DCSC) Director of Technology Bill Rader.
“The students get some tech training, but there is an emphasis on communication and social skills, as well. At the same time, we’re able to help our community members who may not be the most experienced using technology on a day to day basis.”
The program began with a few sessions last year and will launch its monthly public get-togethers starting Nov. 21.
“I feel like these experiences can help as they develop and move toward college and, ultimately, their careers,” said Rader who caught the tech bug as a teenager when he took apart the family VCR to “see how it worked.”
During the events, Endeavor will provide a facilitator and a technician to work alongside students.
“Tech support is difficult without a hands-on approach. Communicating a problem over a phone can get confusing. We help people get to the root of the problem and students learn to diagnose then communicate how to fix things,” said Kathy Morgan, marketing automation and campaign coordinator for Endeavor Communications.
“Our future depends on giving students real-life scenarios and opportunities to build needed skills. Those skills go way beyond the current problems that we all face with technology. “
And program supporters say the name “Future Speed Geeks” is something to brag about.
“Now students are proud to be part of the digital tech community. Calling someone a ‘geek’ today is considered a compliment of respect for their intelligence,” said Morgan.
Sessions run from 4:30 -6 p.m. at Danville Community Middle School in the upstairs training room. They will be held Nov. 21, Dec. 19, Jan. 16, March 19, and April 16.
If you go:
Future Speed Geeks
Public welcome
Bring gadgets and questions
Danville Community Middle School
The district training room is located on the second floor, across from the library.
For more information, contact brader@danville.k12.in.us.