According to research, project-based learning Improve student retention and engagement. Additionally, project-based learning lends itself well to support. 21st century skills such as critical thinking and self-direction. “One of the most important skills of the 21st century is understand things independently” emphasized Mr. Bacon. Ossining Middle School’s Genius Bar features the following features to suit student interests: Related skills to navigate and adapt to it. The ever-changing technological landscape.
Encourage independence and independent learning
The learning didn’t end with computer batteries, Bacon said. The students were intrigued by learning how to repair things they use every day with their own hands. Bacon and his network specialist brought several broken Chromebooks to a lunchtime training session and took them apart. “(The network expert) actually showed us all the parts, all the wires, what it is, what it does, and how to remove the clips,” Bacon said. The children were able to take out all of these broken devices and collect various parts that could be used to repair other devices.
Genius Bar’s success has evolved from an informal lunchtime group into an after-school club where students can learn more about and repair Chromebooks. Students recognized how to repair hardware for their peers. The students are learning to be independent, Bacon said. “Instead of going upstairs and having someone do it for you, you can do it right there in the library,” Bacon added.
Last year, Bacon won a grant to buy a 3D printer and said Genius Bar students would meet up after school to build it. “I thought, ‘They’re 11 and 12 years old, and this is worth $2,000,'” Bacon said. “But the reality is that people will overcome the hurdles that are set for them.” With the help of one of their technology instructors, the students assembled a 3D printer. Since then, I’ve also built podcasting microphones and mixing boards.
Encourage the participation of all students, not just the top performers
Students, regardless of their academic status, found value in the Genius Bar program, including those who needed additional academic support. english learner. Bacon attributes this to the fact that technology doesn’t just impact high-achieving students. “We have all taken advantage of technology,” she said.Some students learned how to log into Chromebooks for the first time, while others enthusiastically took apart their computers. “[Hardware repair]is not a skill that’s taught every day in school,” Bacon noted. “Unfortunately, kids have great skills. Not necessarily academically consistent along with what we’re doing. So this space can really shine for kids to modify, understand and see how things are put together. ”As a result, some Students now want technology-related careersOn the other hand, some people simply value practical knowledge.
21st century skills and high school
Genius Bar’s impact was so great that students advocated for a similar program at the high school level. They proposed the elective to the high school principal, who agreed to offer the certification course. Mr. Bacon helped the students submit a proposal to the school board, leading to the launch of the Ossining High School Genius Bar class for the 2023-24 school year.
“We want them to run a help desk, a help desk for students,” said Omar Saar, who teaches the high school’s Genius Bar class. “We also work with the technology department to have students learn the basics of computer troubleshooting and solve small problems that students and some teachers have with technology equipment.”This class also includes a Google Level 1 certification that teaches students proficiency in Google Classroom tools such as Gmail, Drive, and Calendar.
Sarr’s goal is to encourage students to: think creatively about technologynot just as a consumer, but as a critical thinker who can shape it. “We started talking about AI technology and its impact on students And our community,” Sah explained. “They’re starting to realize that technology, like everything else, needs to be leveraged. Otherwise, technology can be disruptive, so it needs to be deployed in channels that help. there is.”
