Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re going to learn about something really cool happening at Poplar Tree Elementary School in Virginia. It’s called the Paw Tech Squad, and it’s all about students becoming technology leaders. Let’s dive in and see how this awesome team got started and what they do!
Leslie Lacey and Sharon Wooden are the masterminds behind the Paw Tech Squad. Leslie is the technology specialist at the school, which means she helps teachers use technology in their lessons. Sharon is the technology support specialist, making sure all the computers and devices are ready for students and teachers to use.
The Paw Tech Squad started a few years ago with just a handful of students. It all began when the school wanted to try out a new way of teaching using technology. Leslie and Sharon thought it would be a great idea to involve students in helping with this. They started small, with just a few students, and it has grown into a team of 44 members!
Students from fourth to sixth grade can apply to join the Paw Tech Squad. At first, only a few students were interested, but now many more want to be part of it. There’s an application process to make sure students who join are really excited to learn and help others with technology.
The Paw Tech Squad has made a big difference at the school. These student leaders help teachers and other students with technology. They even create videos and guides to teach others how to use different tools. During distance learning, their help was especially important!
One inspiring story is about a sixth grader who joined the squad in fourth grade. She learned so much that she was able to teach her classmates and teachers about a reading tool she loved. This shows how being part of the squad helps students grow in confidence and leadership.
Even when learning moved online, the Paw Tech Squad kept going strong. They have weekly meetings called “Tech Squad Tuesday” where they play games and share tech tips. They also started a blog to share their experiences and teach others about being good digital citizens.
Leslie and Sharon have some great advice for anyone wanting to start something similar. They say it’s important to start small and be open to change. Listening to students and building strong relationships are also key to success.
Thanks for joining us to learn about the Paw Tech Squad! Remember, you can always find more resources and videos on the Common Sense Education YouTube channel. See you next time!
Imagine you’re part of the Paw Tech Squad! Choose a technology tool you use at school and create a simple guide for your classmates. Include step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. Share your guide with the class to help everyone become more tech-savvy.
Pair up with a classmate and take turns being the tech support specialist and a student needing help. Use a common tech problem, like connecting to Wi-Fi or using a new app. Practice explaining the solution clearly and patiently, just like the Paw Tech Squad would!
Get creative and design a logo for your own version of the Paw Tech Squad. Think about what symbols and colors represent technology and teamwork. Share your design with the class and explain why you chose those elements.
Work in small groups to plan a fun and educational “Tech Squad Tuesday” meeting. Decide on a tech topic to discuss, a game to play, and a tech tip to share. Present your plan to the class and vote on which meeting to try out!
Write a short blog post about what it means to be a good digital citizen. Include tips on how to stay safe online and be respectful to others. Share your post with the class and discuss how the Paw Tech Squad promotes digital citizenship.
**Sanitized Transcript:**
Thank you to everyone joining us! We’ll be starting in just a couple of minutes.
Welcome to distance learning with Common Sense. My name is Barbara Huth, and I am the Regional Education Program Manager for the DC Metro region. Today, our guests are Leslie Lacey and Sharon Wooden from Fairfax County Public Schools. They will be discussing how to develop a student team of technology leaders by sharing how they started the Paw Tech Squad at their elementary school.
As a reminder, this conversation will be posted to our Common Sense Education YouTube channel, along with links and resources shared during our chat today.
Let’s get started! I’m excited to introduce everyone to Leslie and Sharon. Hi, Leslie and Sharon! Can you tell us a little more about yourselves and the school you represent?
Leslie: Sure! My name is Leslie Lacey, and I am the school-based technology specialist at Poplar Tree Elementary School in Fairfax County, Virginia. We have about 650 students at our school. My job is to support the instructional technology needs of our teachers, which includes modeling lessons, co-teaching, and helping plan lessons that incorporate technology in meaningful ways.
Sharon: Hi! I’m Sharon Wooden, and I am the technology support specialist. My job is to support instruction by ensuring that all laptops and devices are ready to go for staff and students. I’m excited to be here!
Barbara: We’re thrilled to have you both here and eager to learn more about the Paw Tech Squad. Can you start by telling us how the Paw Tech Squad began?
Leslie: Absolutely! The Paw Tech Squad consists of fourth through sixth graders in our building. There are currently 44 members, and this is our fifth year with the tech squad. Each year, we have a different theme. We’ve been the Tech Squad Superheroes, the Lifesavers, and this year, we are the Superstars. They support the technology needs of our students and staff, acting as our sidekicks.
Sharon: It actually started before I joined the school. In 2016, we were part of a pilot program to model a new instructional model that included one-to-one technology. We needed a tech team to help manage the influx of devices. Initially, I was unsure how we could implement this at the elementary level, but after attending a conference, I realized we could start small.
Leslie: In the third quarter, we brought in some students to help us. They learned how to create how-to videos and assist with technology in the classroom. Over the years, we’ve expanded, and now we have a formal application process for students who want to join.
Barbara: That sounds fantastic! How do students join the Paw Tech Squad, and how many typically express interest?
Leslie: In the beginning, we had around six to ten students. After developing an application process, we now receive many more applications. This year, we have 44 members. The application process helps us identify students who are genuinely interested in being part of the squad and willing to learn and help others.
Barbara: That’s wonderful! Can you share how the Paw Tech Squad has impacted the school community?
Leslie: The Paw Tech Squad students are true leaders in our building. Teachers often turn to them for help, and they model lessons for younger students. They also lead professional development sessions for teachers, which has been incredibly impactful.
Sharon: They create how-to guides and videos, especially during distance learning, to help their peers navigate technology. Their contributions have made a significant difference in our school community.
Barbara: It’s inspiring to hear about the growth and impact of the Paw Tech Squad. Can you share a story that highlights this growth?
Sharon: Absolutely! One of our sixth graders, who joined in fourth grade, expressed her desire to share a reading tool that helped her. Over time, she became confident enough to present this tool to her teachers and classmates, showcasing her growth and leadership.
Barbara: That’s empowering! How is the Paw Tech Squad continuing its work in a virtual environment?
Leslie: We have a weekly “Tech Squad Tuesday” meeting where we connect, play games, and share tips. We’ve also started a blog to document our experiences and share digital citizenship tips.
Barbara: Thank you both for sharing your insights and experiences. Before we wrap up, do you have any key takeaways for our audience?
Leslie: Start small and be open to revising your approach as needed.
Sharon: Elevate student voices and listen to their needs.
Leslie: Lastly, focus on building relationships. The connections we create are what make the Paw Tech Squad special.
Barbara: Thank you so much, Leslie and Sharon! This conversation will be posted on our Common Sense Education YouTube channel, along with the resources discussed today. Thank you all for joining us, and we’ll see you next time!
Technology – The use of computers and other electronic devices to solve problems or make tasks easier. – Technology helps students research information quickly for their school projects.
Students – People who are studying at a school or other educational institution. – The students used tablets to complete their math assignments.
School – A place where people go to learn, usually from teachers. – Our school has a computer lab where we can practice coding.
Learn – To gain knowledge or skills through study or experience. – We learn how to use new software programs in our computer class.
Team – A group of people working together to achieve a common goal. – Our team collaborated on a digital presentation about the solar system.
Tools – Devices or software that help you perform tasks more easily. – We used online tools to create a graph for our science project.
Apply – To use knowledge or skills in a practical way. – We apply what we learn in class to solve real-world problems using technology.
Impact – The effect or influence of one thing on another. – The impact of using computers in education has been significant, making learning more interactive.
Leaders – People who guide or direct others, often in a group or organization. – Our class leaders organized a workshop on safe internet practices.
Digital – Involving or relating to the use of computer technology. – We created a digital poster for our history project using graphic design software.
