Every Friday morning, Chuck Robinson meets with his student technology team and gets to work. One student might be fixing an iPad case or ensuring that their classmate’s technology is functioning properly. Another time, Robinson could be conducting an in-depth lesson about device hardware and the principles behind it, such as what a MAC address is and how to decipher one.  

In a world increasingly steeped in technology, Robinson seeks to empower his team to understand technology on a deeper level, and to gain important skills along the way.

“I know that the younger generation have a better grasp of technology, as they are surrounded by it every day,” said Robinson, the district’s Director of Information Technology and Truancy Services.

“Learning how things work — not just the hardware but the software and logic behind it all — and getting some hands-on experience will give them discipline into tackling any projects at home, responsible and safe repairs of devices, and a better understanding of how things work, not just 'it works when I press this button.'"

The district’s student technology team — which is available to grade 5-8 students — is in its second year at Duquesne City. Headed by Robinson and Verizon Innovative Learning School Instructional Coach, Michelle Stowell, the team emerged as part of the district’s Verizon Innovative Learning (VILS) partnership with Verizon and Digital Promise.  

In partnership with Digital Promise, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools program works side-by-side with schools and districts to provide free technology devices, access to the internet, and innovative STEM learning programs. At Duquesne, each student has their own device.

“I have noticed a positive reaction from the students in the Student Tech Team. They are taking it nicely, and in fact, I believe I'm going too slow for them,” said Robinson. “They definitely have a high understanding of technology and are very eager to learn.”

The technology team follows a franchise model, where students promote their services as a ‘business’ to their classmates. Thus far, the team has worked on device checks and case repairs, ensuring each student has their iPad and charger and that it is free of damage.  

On the horizon, the group will discuss how devices are centrally managed, how the iPad operates on an educational/school network, and what the core components of an iPad are, while tying that into screen repairs. Additionally, the group will take apart iPads and see what's inside, and then try to swap screens out to do screen repairs.  

Along the way, students are running their work like a business, keeping track of which iPads they repair, what types of repairs were performed, when the repair was performed, and logging how much money they would’ve made off of each repair, while also factoring in basic business expenses, from paying employees and rent, to insurance and taxes.  

“Understanding basics could get the students aligned with technology, engineering, or even business administration careers in the future,” said Robinson.  

Beyond specific skills, Robinson hopes to give students perspective on technology, while teaching the value of patience and processes. Those skills and traits, Robinson harps, are transferable to all facets of life.

“I want them to understand that there is a lot more behind technology than pressing buttons. Everything works for a reason, and a combination of hardware and software is that reason,” said Robinson. “More than just an understanding, I want them to learn the proper ways of doing something, and if something doesn't work, generally it can be repaired.”