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Narrative: The Alcoa City High School's Tech Team began in January 1997 with a handful of students recruited to assist the technology coordinator, Dr. Robert Kite, in the wiring and integration of the Internet into the school system. Within two years, the Tech Team has grown to a cadre of approximately thirteen (13) students who receive internship credit for their in-school work and pay for their work after school hours. Students are selected to the Tech Team through an application and interview process, just like the real "world of work". In addition to their networking responsibilities with the internet, students also repair computer equipment, develop web sites, conduct some staff development sessions, assist teachers with in-class projects, tape and edit video for the school's cable channel and run the Technology Learning Center! An Apple Certification Program allows students to become Apple certified technicians. When Tech Team members graduate from Alcoa High School, they have superior computer technology experience for employment or to continue their education at the college level. In addition to the skills students learn, the school district maximizes the use of technology in the classroom and saves money on teacher workshops.
It Works! The Tech Team has been recognized by the Tennessee School Board Association with an article in their Spring 1998 Journal. The Team has been invited to present at several conferences across the country and has been recognized by the business community of Blount County. The Tech Team has been featured in stories on the major television networks. Graduating students are entering college or high-paying jobs.
Contact:
Dr. Robert Kite
Karen Lane, School-to-Work/Vocational Consultant
Alcoa city Schools
524 Faraday Street
Alcoa, TN 37701
865/984-0531 Voice
856/984-5832 Fax
E-mail: rkite@alcoaschools.net
klane@alcoaschools.net