0. ‘Bridging The Gap‘ A Computer Recycling and Donation Program with VASTAR
VSTE
Brian Hackett, Instructional Technologist, Forest Park High School
Chuck Drake, iT/AP Coordinator, Forest Park High School
Sharon Henry, Executive Director PWCS Education Foundation
Melissa McQuarrie, Director of Community Relations VBCPS
Brian Chiglinsky, Assistant to the Secretary of Technology VA

1. Overview The story behind the vision Connecting the dots
Need for outside help
Making the vision come alive for you

2. A Vision for the 21st Century Education
Service-Learning
Technology
Lasting Education

3. (Average Learning Retention Rates)
Learning Pyramid
(Average Learning Retention Rates)
(National Training Laboratories, Bethel, Maine)

4. At Forest Park we offer Service Learning through:
Research studies of service-learning, an educational method that intentionally connects community service to classroom learning, demonstrates that service-learning projects can have positive impacts on youth. The studies also demonstrates that students gain the maximum benefit when their service-learning experience includes a direct tie to the curriculum…..
At Forest Park we offer Service Learning through:
iT Program
Learn and Serve (a for credit service class)
Future Business Leaders of America
Key Club
Technology Clubs (SWAT)
Student Clubs

5. One of our Project-Based approach to Service-Learning
Students work in elementary and middle schools tutoring in subjects that they are taking in High School. Portfolio reflections show that students gain a greater mastery of the subjects as well as understanding of the educational process.

6. At Forest Park we offer Technology courses through our iT program:
Technology helps students become active, independent, life-long learners. It also enhances education by helping students to solve problems, develop critical thinking skills, communicate their ideas, and work collaboratively on multidisciplinary projects.
At Forest Park we offer Technology courses through our iT program:
iT Foundations of Technology
iT Essentials (A+)
Network Design (Cisco)
Graphic Design
Programming

7. Our Project-Based approach to mastering IT curriculum
Students enrolled in the Forest Park iT program are given a hands on opportunity to connect their instruction to real world applications with donated computers.

8. So where do the computers come from?
Local Business partners
Government agencies
PWCS Education Foundation

9. 2 years ago the iT Essential students worked on outdated computers only 2 per student were refurbished during the year
– 11% pass rate on the certification exam
Last year each student worked on 8, up-to-date, and different models.
- 72% pass rate on the certification exam

10. SWAT to the Rescue

11. Identify the Need Classroom teachers Building administrators
Instructional technologists
Non-profit organizations

12. FPHS Computer Donations

13. Donations for

14. Houston we have a problem!
Well at least a good one
Our success has created a large demand for computers.
How do we get them here?
Where do we store them?
How can we work on them if they belong to the School?
How do we give them away?

15. Not for profit partnerships
Allow for the model to be implemented outside of the School System, thus allowing for free flow of computers to the community.
Prince William County Public Schools Education Foundation
Virginia Beach

16. Where Do the Computers Go?

17. Bridging the Gap
Using our SWAT program we establish a ‘Bridging the Gap’ Night at Forest Park where eligible students along with a parent/guardian attend and participate in an educational session on computer literacy. Leaving with a computer.
Several hundred computers have been donated through the BTG project in just the last 3 years

18. Bridging the Gap is identified as a ‘Best Practice’
The Former VA Secretary of Technology Aneesh Chopra and Secretary of Education Tom Morris announced that Forest Park High School have agreed to join the Secretaries of Technology, Education and the Virginia Department of Education in replicating elements of the Forest Park High School Information Technology (IT) program in schools throughout the Commonwealth.
Forest Park has collaborated with the State on the VA STAR Manual
Secretaries Aneesh Chopra and Tom Morris Announce Partnership with PWCS

19. A collaborative effort between the Virginia Department of Education and the Office of Technology
Develop and assist with IT industry certifications
“Everyone benefits by keeping perfectly good computers out of the landfill and placing them in the hands of students to do school work, to do research, and to communicate.”
Dr. Steven L. Walts
Superintendent of Schools

20. Here are some ways this project can help you
Some ideas for how you VA STAR can help you….
Build labs within the school system to support areas of need and growth, thus saving capital investment on technology for the school or district.
Increase the number of computers in schools to be used for after-school activities and adult education, thus saving money on investment on for these programs and allowing for longer life of current inventory.
Use computers to support and replace current inventory that is aged and malfunctioning
Get computers back into the hands of students
If computers are donated to community they could be earmarked for online learning opportunities, thus saving the school money to support students outside the regular classroom and give them another option. (Night School also)

21. PWC School Board Welcomes Secretary Chopra
Saving budget dollars
Hands-on learning
Giving back to the community
Workforce development
Assist with IT industry certifications

22. School Divisions’ Roles
School Board
Associate Superintendent
Leadership Team
Instructional Technology Resource Teachers

23. So has this model be replicated?
VA Beach
How did you learn about the project?
What did you have to do to get it going?
How do you see your project down the road?

24. What do I have to do to get started?
Have a class or a club that is sponsored by someone that has basic computer hardware knowledge. Advocate or leader with some IT skills or interest
You must be willing to educate students on the basic understanding of hardware and computer operations.
You must be willing to accept and store up to 30 computers.
Must be willing to showcase the recycling project at a community donation event called ‘Bridging the Gap’.

25. Who can you get involved
SWAT clubs
Future Business Leaders of America
Learn and Serve
Volunteer parents
Committed staff member

26. Final Thought
Technology hasn't made much of a dent yet but that's because we really haven't immersed ourselves in the possibilities. In general, schools have not kept pace with technological advances. This is not the fault of educators. Schools are rarely adequately funded and buying technology often only happens at the expense of purchasing other materials or increasing salaries…..until now…..
VA STAR offers not only an alternative way to finding technology resources for school, but also stress the importance of using these resources to connect learning and teaching with civic responsibility….. ..…The ‘Lasting Education’…….

27. Ignite / VA STAR Program