Make It Take It (MITI) Implementation Guide - integrators

1 Make it take it (MITI) Implementation Guide A component of Brevard Public Schools Digital Inclusion Plan Version June 3, 2013 Presented by: Department of Educational Technology Department of Educational Technology 3/4/2013 Make it take it Implementation Guide Page 2 Introduction In 2005, Brevard Public Schools joined an alliance with the Institute for the Study of Digital Inclusion (ISDI), a world-wide organization that was founded in 2001 to promote digital literacy for all. This membership, along with the Make it take it program, is part of Brevard Public Schools plan for digital inclusion, which specifically targets those youth and their families in underserved communities who are generally considered the most at risk . Because large sections of our students remain underserved in their access to technology and computer based skills, we recognize a need to assist them across the 21st century Digital Divide . Through the Make it take it (MITI) program, selected students spend several weeks learning various technology skills and upon graduation from the course, earn the right to take their computers home to keep.

2 All of the computers used in the MITI program have been donated from local businesses, industry, and Brevard Public Schools computer refreshment program. In addition to the MITI program, another major advantage of joining an alliance with the ISDI was the permission to use their licensing agreement with Microsoft, which provides operating systems and Office applications for each computer distributed through the MITI project, for a nominal fee. To date, over 300 computers have been rebuilt by Brevard Public School students from various schools and community centers. Most schools that have implemented the Make it take it Program have realized a 99% completion rate for students. In addition, attendance for those students participating in the program has greatly improved. Behavior issues are less commonplace with the MITI students and they are eager to attend class. By providing new and innovative programs such as this, we hope to ensure that the quality of our educational system continues as one of the very best in the nation.

3 Department of Educational Technology 3/4/2013 Make it take it Implementation Guide Page 3 Purpose The purpose of this Guide is to provide resources to incorporate the Make It take program at your school. Our suggested Implementation is based on the model recently used at MILA Elementary School. The Planning and Implementation section will Guide you through the steps necessary to prepare your site with the proper setup, supplies, and curriculum to successfully incorporate the program. Various issues to be addresses are also included. For more information about the Make it take it program, contact Pat Lewis at Department of Educational Technology 3/4/2013 Make it take it Implementation Guide Page 4 Program Overview This MITI program overview is based on a model recently implemented at MILA Elementary School. MILA s technology specialist, along with an exceptional education classroom teacher and teacher assistant, taught the course.

4 A committee made up of administrators, counselors, and teachers met to discuss which students should be targeted for participation in the program. Once that determination was made, the students were surveyed regarding their technology needs. The students also wrote short persuasive essays stating why they should be chosen for the program. From the initial group, twelve students were selected. A nominal fee of $10 was charged per student, but no students were denied participation due to their inability to pay. MILA s team was able to provide jump drives for each participant. In addition, a motivational speaker presented a session on Internet safety. Upon graduation, a celebration was held and diplomas awarded. Parents picked up students after graduation and signed release form. Students in MILA s Make it take it program learned the following skills based on an 8-week course. Each class was held for hours each Thursday afternoon, for a total of 12 hours.

5 Topics for the First Four Weeks: How to use a computer, including: o Basic computing concepts o Computing terminology Hardware and software installation Anti-virus (free download for personal use) installed and concepts introduced Basic software applications o Basics of Email, Spreadsheets, Word Processing o Basic File Operations The 1st four weeks of class was designed to cover computer basics and terminology. Operating systems and software applications were installed. A brief introduction to several computer applications such as Email, Spreadsheets, and Word Processing were covered. In addition, anti-virus software was installed from a free download and the concepts of updating and maintaining protection for computers were discussed. Topics for the Second Four Weeks: Identifying internal components of the computer How to dismantle a computer and the identify function of each component Proper assembly of a computer from motherboard to modem Troubleshooting and repair of the newly assembled computer Internet usage and safety The 2nd four weeks was designed to give the student hands-on experience with computer hardware.

6 A lab environment was created with a computer workstation for each student. During the 2nd four-week period, students removed each component of the computer, and learned how they interact to form a working unit. Once the computers were disassembled and the students gained an understanding of the individual components they began the process of reassembling the computers. The technical problems that were inherent to the process provided the students with real world troubleshooting skills. Department of Educational Technology 3/4/2013 Make it take it Implementation Guide Page 5 Planning and Implementation Once the decision has been made offer Make it take it classes at your site, several steps need to be taken to ensure successful Implementation of the program. The table below offers a sample of action items and their purposes that need to be determined. Step Action Purpose 1 Contact ET 30 days before intended start date at: To secure computers & schedule delivery to determine start date for MITI, obtain proper licensing, provide curriculum 2 Schedule meeting #1 w/personnel involved in student selection, instructors, key ET personnel (sample meeting agenda attached) Discuss dates, times, room location, identify volunteers, determine student selection process, graduation plans, financial issues (require $10 stipend?)

7 3 Survey selected students; possible require short Essay; ideal class size for 6th graders is from 10 12, depending on number of teachers/volunteers (sample student survey attached) To determine student technology needs for selection process 4 Schedule follow up meeting with key personnel Plan curriculum based on reading level, learning styles; develop syllabus; determine start dates, session times; consider FCAT test schedule and holidays in scheduling process 5 Present Release Form for parent signature at graduation or when they pick up student s computer (release form attached) 6 Upon completion of MITI course, conduct post-assessment (sample of post-assessment attached) Gather results of post-assessment to determine enhancements/changes for subsequent MITI classes Department of Educational Technology 3/4/2013 Make it take it Implementation Guide Page 6 Appendix Appendix A Sample Meeting Agenda Appendix B Sample Student Survey Appendix C Release Form Appendix D Post-Assessment Department of Educational Technology 3/4/2013 Make it take it Implementation Guide Page 7 AGENDA Appendix A School Name Date Time In Attendance: Discussion Items When should we begin the program?

8 How many hours will it take for students to complete the course and how long will each session be? Which room will be used for the class? What networking issues will be involved? What type of operating system will be installed and which version of Office? What will the cost for these be? Who will pay? Do we have computers and if so, when will they be delivered? What tools will the students require? Do we have a waiver or disclaimer that needs to be signed by parents? How will the kids get home after the program? How will students be selected for the program? Who will teach the program? Who will provide snacks for the students? How will this program benefit students? What should we do for graduation? Financial Issues Action Items Next Meeting Date Department of Educational Technology 3/4/2013 Make it take it Implementation Guide Page 8 Make it take it Survey Appendix B School Name, grade level, students have been chosen to participate in the Make it take it program in which students learn how to build computers, load software on, and use the software to enhance the learning needs of the students.

9 We need to obtain information from our X grade students in order to know their needs, what is already available to them, and to choose the participants based on need first, motivation second. Please answer the survey questions correctly and completely. 1. Do you have access to a working computer at home? Y/N 2. Do you share your computer with your parents and siblings? Y/N 3. Does your computer have Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)? Y/N 4. Do you have a printer? Y/N 5. Do you have access to the Internet? Y/N 6. Do you have a phone line? Y/N 7. Do you have cable? Y/N 8. Do you like to build things? Y/N 9. Would you be able to stay after school on Thurs. from 3:00-4:30? Y/N 10. Would you be willing to commit to attending all 8 classes? Y/N 11. Would someone be able to pick you up after school? Y/N Please indicate why you feel you should be selected for this program and what you think you will gain from this program. (Include need, desire, computer knowledge, software knowledge, and how this can help your education) You may use the back side of this paper also.

10 _____ Department of Educational Technology 3/4/2013 Make it take it Implementation Guide Page 9 Appendix C At the successful completion of the Make it take it course, all eligible students are presented with a computer as theirs to keep. The Institute for the Study of Digital Inclusion and Brevard County Schools, receive these computers as donations from various sources. The Institute and Brevard County Schools will endeavor to provide the most suitable computer available to meet your needs. However, as these are all donated computers, from a variety of sources, no guarantees as to specifications of the computers can be made. By accepting this equipment, it will be the responsibility of the student/guardian to: safeguard equipment against abuse or damage and viruses. provide maintenance for equipment. By accepting this equipment, the student/guardian understands that Brevard Public Schools is: addressing the learning needs of the students of the Brevard Public Schools after school hours.