TEACH IT Initiative: Connecting Children with Digital Opportunities

Team Mission:

Our mission is to enhance the professional capabilities of undergraduate students while boosting the technological self-efficacy of community members, both young and old. Teach IT collaborates with local educational providers like the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Monroe County Public Library. Through this partnership, our student interns play a pivotal role in the community by teaching essential tech skills to children, teenagers, and adults.

Boys and Girls Club Team Problem Statement:

The Boys and Girls Club aims to empower young people, particularly those facing adversity, by fostering essential life skills. However, there is a notable gap in technological literacy among the children, which hinders their ability to leverage digital tools for learning and personal growth. Our team is tasked with addressing this disparity by developing and implementing engaging, age-appropriate tech education programs. This initiative will equip these young individuals with the digital skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, thereby enhancing their educational opportunities and long-term potential.

Partner Missions:

• Boys and Girls Clubs: "To empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as caring, productive, and responsible citizens."

Team Deliverables:

• Follow detailed assignments on Canvas for general Teach IT tasks.
• Each student is required to complete a full session plan with three lesson plans and a PowerPoint for every credit hour they are enrolled in. These plans should be original and reflect the student’s creativity and knowledge.
• Weekly team meetings are held to prepare 10-11 complete session plans and PowerPoints for after-school clubs.
• Teams will organize their lessons and rehearse them during these meetings, with preparations for the following week starting early by dividing tasks among members for advance completion.
• Attendance at all preparation meetings and shifts is mandatory, except in cases of illness (fever within 24 hrs and a positive COVID test with ongoing quarantine).

Background Checks:

• All after-school clubs require a background check, provided free of charge through an email from Sterling Volunteers. Complete this promptly as they are time-sensitive.
• If there are concerns about passing the background check due to alcohol-related offenses, please discuss with the clinic director for alternative service options.

Process:

• The Boys and Girls Club faced various technological challenges, including issues with setting up and operating printers, tax filing, managing email inboxes, and troubleshooting specific apps such as travel, Instagram, and Facebook. They also needed help with running music algorithms and organizing specific pictures into albums.
• Our approach was methodical and focused on addressing each of these challenges effectively. Initially, we dedicated time to thoroughly understand the specific needs of the club, which sometimes involved deciphering complex issues that the staff and children were encountering. Through patience and careful listening, we were able to clarify these challenges.
• Once we had a clear understanding, we explored various solutions. This often involved self-research, online searches, and consulting instructional YouTube videos. After identifying the appropriate solutions, we communicated these to the club staff, explaining the missteps in their current methods and guiding them through the correct procedures.
• By adhering to this structured process, we successfully resolved all the technological issues faced by the Boys and Girls Club, enhancing their daily operations and educational activities.

Final Reflection

Personal and Professional Growth: The initiative has been a cornerstone for professional development, not only for the children and adults we've worked with but also for us as student interns. Designing and delivering technology education tailored to diverse age groups demanded creativity, patience, and an in-depth understanding of both straightforward and complex technological issues. This process has sharpened our problem-solving skills and deepened our appreciation for community service.

Impact on the Community: Working with the Boys and Girls Clubs, we confronted a variety of technological challenges that hindered their daily operations and educational programs. From setting up printers to managing social media apps and streamlining digital filing systems, the scope of our work was extensive. Our structured approach—beginning with a comprehensive needs assessment, followed by targeted research and solution implementation—proved effective. Witnessing the immediate positive impact of our interventions on the club’s efficiency and the enhanced digital engagement of the children was immensely gratifying.

Lessons Learned: One of the most significant lessons learned through this initiative is the critical importance of communication and adaptability. Each solution required clear explanation and hands-on demonstration to ensure that staff and children could continue to apply the knowledge after our direct support concluded. Additionally, adapting our teaching methods to fit the learning styles and technological proficiency of our audience was crucial in maximizing the effectiveness of our sessions.