Parent Teacher Magazine Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools September 2014 | Page 19

Hough High students find their inner geeks

Geek Squad Academy encourages students to explore latest technology

Nearly 140 Hough High students were introduced to the world of
programming, robotics, digital film production, digital photography and
3-D printing during a Geek Squad Academy July 15-16. Thanks to Best
Buy, which sponsored it, students had access to MacBook Pros for doing
video editing plus video cameras, laptops and iPads.
Students also participated in a digital-citizenship course.
“I’m really happy they included digital citizenship,” said teacher and
organizer Justin Keene. “It is important to inform students about what
their responsibilities are when using technology.”
Keene also said it’s a subject that will be added to the school’s
freshman academy as a part of its enrichment schedule.
As students discussed digital citizenship in one classroom, next
door sophomore Kassidy Houston learned how to program a Lego robot
to follow instructions via the computer. A few doors down, another
group learned the basics of 3-D animation and printing. Mark Snedicor,
an 11th-grader, enjoyed the chance to immediately apply what he
learned.
“Being able to create your own 3-D house was cool,” said Mark.
“I wasn’t totally new to it because I’ve taken some 3-D modeling at
school but I’d never designed a house before.”
Junior Alyssa Sims was most excited about learning music creation
techniques.
“Digital music is the course I’ve wanted to explore the most,” said
Alyssa. “I love music and play an instrument, so I’m excited to learn
how to compose digital music.”
The two-day academy is part of a larger one-to-one technology
initiative the school plans to roll out in the fall. Beginning in the ninth
grade, students will have the benefit of using a computing device as

one of their key learning tools. Students can bring their own devices
or use available school devices. For those who don’t have access to
technology at home, they can apply for a laptop through Eliminate the
Digital Divide (E2D), a student-led nonprofit which has partnered with
the school.
E2D founder and incoming Hough freshman Franny Millen also took
part in the academy.
“Our organization has supplied computer technology and low-cost
internet access to families since 2013,” said Franny. “Technology is
essential to learning.”
Franny said the academy allowed her to learn more about
computers. She hopes to be one of the 40 students on the school’s
Junior Geek Squad.
“With incorporating more technology, we have to take into account
the support that is needed,” said Keene. “A Junior Geek Squad gives
students a chance to learn more technology applications and use them
by providing technology support for their peers and staff.”
Students are learning new skills in a fun and interactive way
by using emerging technologies which can spark an interest in the
industry according to Megan McCollom, a Geek Squad field lieutenant.
The goal is to get students excited about technology but also the
career options.
Teachers at Hough will get more training on how to teach
effectively with digital devices. Keene will be responsible for the
training.
“It’s a new generation of teaching,” said Keene. “The curriculum
will continue to drive instruction but technology will enhance it.”

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Parent Teacher Magazine • Sept/Oct 2014 • 17