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Is the program designed to prepare students to provide tech support on campus?
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Would there need to be an adult identified to manage the students?
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Is MOUSE Squad handled as an identified course (elective?) or as a club-type format?
1. Is the program designed to prepare students to provide tech support on campus?
The program does provide MOUSE Squad certification so that students can provide tech support. However, some schools don't have the students provide tech support - they just like using the online curriculum and hands on activities.
2. Our school district is primarily Mac-based for teachers and students. Does the student training address the Mac platform or just/primarily Windows?
All curriculum modules address Mac and PC platforms. Since the curriculum is web-based it can be accessed from any computer, Mac or PC. Students can access the online curriculum from a Mac or PC. Module 5 covers Mac and Windows Operating Systems. See the summary of all MOUSE Squad Certified Technician Modules for a curriculum outline.
3. Does student training include a component on ethics?
See Module 10 which addresses communication, etiquette, and ethics.
4. Would there need to be an adult identified to manage the students?
Schools/districts identify an instructor/faculty advisor to teach/facilitate the students. It does not have to be a credentialed teacher. Some MOUSE Squad schools have computer lab instructors, librarians, after school instructors, parents, or community volunteers as MOUSE Squad instructor/faculty advisors. It may be a team of 2 people. We also try to provide a volunteer from a local company.
5. Is MOUSE Squad handled as an identified course (elective?) or as a club-type format?
MOUSE Squad can be an elective, incorporated into an existing computer applications course, as a club, or after-school program.
6. What is the cost?
The $1,500 fee (+ $500 start-up fee) per site (mini-grants are available for qualified California schools) includes:
- Online curriculum (20 - 30 hours) correlated with state curriculum and national technology standards;
- Training of instructor/faculty advisor and site team;
- Mini-trainings for "Computer In a Box" and other hands-on activities;
- Computer tool kit, USB Flashdrives, Recruitment and Tech Help posters, ID cards, holders, & lanyards, Program DVD;
- Coordination of volunteers who assist with curriculum, help desk, and mentoring;
- Identification and coordination of internships for high school youth;
- Interactive web space for instructor/faculty advisor sharing of ideas, activities, documents;
- Access to web-based ticket management system;
- Spring summit for participating California sites;
- Site visits and overall program management and support.
7. What other schools are participating?
A significant number of California schools are participating in MOUSE Squad of California. To see the list of schools, go to the Our Squads page.
8. How long does it take to go through the curriculum?
Completion time for curriculum and tests varies depending on how many and how in depth the projects are done. Curriculum modules are 20 - 30 hours.
9. What is the MOUSE Squad certification?
MOUSE Squad certification serves as a foundation for A+, Microsoft, and other professional certifications.