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Project Information |
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School: | Jeremiah E. Burke High School |
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Pathway: | Information Technology |
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Course: | A+ Computer Repair |
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Grades: | Grades 11-12 |
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Authenticity
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Key Questions:
| How can students narrow the digital divide? How can students determine if a computer is upgradable and what steps can be taken to upgrade a computer? How can students build computers to distribute in order to help others in the community to be better able to compete in a technological world? |
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Overview: |
This project includes students in grades 11 and 12. The primary goal of the project is to teach the students how to upgrade and build a computer from recycled parts in order to bring the computer home, thereby raising the number of computers found in inner city homes and narrowing the digital divide. A large percentage of city students are not able to work at home on classroom projects or assignments because they do not own computers; this project addresses that problem.
Participating students produce a video of the computer upgrading and building process. The video is used to teach others and reinforce skills taught throughout the project.
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Academic Rigor
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What Learning Standards and School to Career Competencies are used in this project? |
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Technology |
- Choose procedures, software applications, tools and equipment needed
- Apply appropriate technology to complete and enhance work
- Troubleshooting application and software problems
- Use video and computer technology to solve real real problems that face real people today
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Math |
- Formulate and solve problems that involve collecting and analyzing data
- Apply math skills to construct, read and interpret data
- Use computation and estimation procedures to solve problems
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English Language Arts |
- Use various applications and software to complete and enhance work
- Make effective presentations
- Understand and use writing effectively
- Share knowledge and skills with others
- Research, analyze, and evaluates related sites
- Clarify and define use of terminology
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School to Career Competencies |
 Communicate and understand ideas and information
Collect, analyze and organize information
Identify and solve problems
Use technology
Initiate and complete entire activities
Act professionally
Interact with others
Career and life choices
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Applied Learning |
How do students apply what they have learned and researched to a complex problem (e.g.: designing a product, improving a system, creating an exhibit, organizing an event)? |
Students apply their skills and knowledge in order to upgrade or build computers using recycled parts. The final products are computers that can be taken home and a video that can be used by others to learn how to upgrade or build a computer. Students present their video to members of the school community and STC and PIC staff.
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Active Exploration |
Classroom Activities |
- Learn how computers work by identifying parts and learning hands-on the function of each part
- Problem solve and trouble shoot actual problems that are set up on a demo computer
- Test parts and return unusable parts to the Enabling Center for appropriate recycling
- Students catalog parts
- Students collect needed parts to build their computers
- Students assemble computer
- Test computer
- Complete a PowerPoint presentation of the steps involved in both upgrading and building a computer
- Form groups for video part of project
- Write script
- Assign parts
- Practice with consultant
- Produce and edit final version of video
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Community Activities |
- Visit the Recycle Center/ Extras for Education - Enabling Center, Dorchester to collect used equipment and parts
- Develop action plan for distributing extra computers to other students or community organizations
- Present video to Roxbury YMCA After School Program
- Present to school community and other interested community groups
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Career Activities |
- Shadow professionals at Computer Warehouse, Dorchester
- Invite guest speakers: Computer Warehouse, Dorchester
- Consultants from Deli Video Productions visit four time to plan and complete video
- Invite all partners to view and critique final products
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Adult Connections |
Who from the community, workplace or postsecondary or industry partnership do students work with on the project? |
Students will shadow professionals at Computer Warehouse, Dorchester, MA. Computer Warehouse employees also serve as guest speakers to help students prepare to upgrade and build personal computers from recycled parts. Students also work with professionals at Deli Video Productions to produce a video that documents the process. Used equipment is received from adults at the Enabling Center (Recycle Center). In addition, students display the computers and present the video to school staff and community members.
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Assessment |
How do you and the students know the project is a success?
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The students will upgrade and/or build an operating computer to take home. Student use task descriptions, checklists, and logs for regular progress review. Teachers and professionals evaluate the video.
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Recommended Resources / Sample Products - EXAMPLES |
Software or Materials Needed |
Windows, Office 97
A+ Certification Computer Repair Program (Books I-VI). CES Industries, Inc., Educational Products Division, N.Y., 1997. ISBN 0-86711-272-7
A+ Certification Computer Repair Program (CD-Rom)
Motherboard, SIMM memory modules, Hard disk drive, Floppy disk drive, Case, Keyboard, Mouse, Video Card, Monitor, Power supply, CPU, Fan
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Websites Used |
http://techboston.org
http:/boston.k12.ma.us/stc
http://www.cesindustries.com
http://colorcase.com
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Teacher
Developed |
PowerPoints: How to Upgrade a Computer and How to Assemble a Computer Checklists
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Student
Developed |
Script for Video
Video
Upgraded Computer
Rebuilt Computer
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