Two years ago, Barbara Blackwell stepped into the position of Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) Coach at Harriet Tubman Charter School. Thanks to CCS’s participation in the VILS program, every fifth through eighth-grade student has had access to a wifi-enabled computer that they can use both in school and at home since the Fall of 2020. This access to technology has ensured that even students without internet access at home can participate fully in digital learning.
However, the story doesn’t end here. Under the guidance of Blackwell, Tubman has seen its very own “Geek Squad” emerge as a result of this investment in tech. The team is composed of twelve students in sixth through eighth grades and includes representatives from all classroom tiers. The student tech team serves others in the school in various ways, from assisting with technology troubleshooting to overseeing the distribution and collection of loaner computers. In addition to providing support to others on campus, the tech team also builds participating students’ individual tech knowledge, such as learning coding skills, and helps them develop leadership and teamwork skills.
“The student tech team empowers students to work a little deeper with technology and combines technology with other student growth goals,” Blackwell said.
The student tech team isn’t limited to tech-savvy individuals; it’s open to all students interested in technology and leadership.
“We teach them from the ground up,” Blackwell said. “The application process is straightforward, with students expressing their interests and skills.”
The impact of this program is multi-faceted. As students take on additional responsibilities, they gain confidence as well as useful tech skills. With access to educational platforms like Zearn and iReady, individualized instruction and autonomy over their learning journey have become a reality for CCS students.
“We have all of these fantastic things happening within our schools because of the technology, resources, and personnel provided. Students can really bloom into their full potential.”
With AI integration and the emergence of new platforms, Blackwell anticipates exciting developments in educational technology that will further enhance student learning. As technology continues to shape education, CCS remains committed to empowering its students, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in a tech-driven world.
“This is just the beginning,” Blackwell said. “We have so many more opportunities in the years ahead.”
