The Help Desk or Technology Integration course is open to all students. It is a semester long, hands-on study of technology integration and various cutting-edge technology in an educational context. When the program was started, it was a first line tech support program for Burlington High when it started its iPad program. Over time, it has evolved into more of a technology exploration program where students learn about various topics such as artificial intelligence, drones, game design, programming and robotics. While it is helpful for students to have a prior understanding of Apple OS, Microsoft Windows OS, and the iPad iOS, all students are welcome to join the program.
Take a look inside the BHS Help Desk…the video below was created by Cat Hoyt, Help Desk staff member and BHS student, Class of 2015.
*In addition to skills and knowledge related to educational technology, Help Desk students should possess strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Students are expected to be self-motivated, independent learners.
This video was created by LeRoy Wong, and it captures the personalized learning in the Help Desk or Tech Exploration program.
Supporting Course Documents:
Help Desk Course Syllabus
Help Desk Blogging Rubric
(Visit Alice Keeler’s site to learn how to use Rubrics in Google Sheets)
Blogging Tips
WIRED- 5 Steps of Great Customer Service
WIRED-5 Steps of Great Customer Service (Video)
Educational App Review Guide
Help Desk Presentation Rubric
20% Time Documents:
Individual Portfolio Requirements
Individual Learning Endeavor SMART Goal Planning Sheet
ILE Smart Goal Planning Video
Student Projects:
Career Portfolio Project
Google Glass in Education
Google Glass Presentation Evaluation
Screencasting Best Practices
Help Desk is an exciting program to be a part of at Burlington High School. Upon completion of the program, students will have gained authentic experiences which they can include in a digital portfolio and share with a college admissions officer and/or a potential employer. Take a look at all that Help Desk has to offer to students:
Questions about starting a student-run tech team at your school?
After looking through the resources on this blog, (free for you to adapt to fit the needs of your own student tech team) feel free to connect with LeRoy Wong, Burlington Public Schools Instructional Technology Specialist, at
lwong@bpsk12.org or find him on Twitter at @leroywong
We are happy to answer any questions you have about creating and maintaining a student run technology support team.
We are available to chat via Google Hangout, Skype, or can arrange for you, your students, IT staff, and/or school administration to come to Burlington for an up close and personal look at how our Help Desk program runs.
Burlington High School Help Desk 
What a great idea! This would be perfect for the Ideal Learning Environment contest! Check it out — the winner gets $10,000 and the winner’s class gets $5,000: http://www.facebook.com/CompassLearningInc/app_343537095737436
I love how you guys made this and how your keeping up with everything and to do how-to’s. I would not have guessed you already got on top of Windows 8. This is very interesting.
– Kudos from a student in Palm Beach County School District.
This is such a great initiative. And I’m delighted I saw it working first hand recently. Keep up the great work!
Your followers are global, Jenn. I’m particularly impressed with the copious amounts of former students who are so appreciative of all of the vital content, strategies, skills and knowledge which they’ve acquired being students in your classes throughout your many years in the pedagogy. You’re preparing them for lifelong learning in the 21st century learning economy. Their success truly rewards you in return. Thanks for your ardent investment into your students and staff here at BHS. Cheers to your success!!
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Great! Would like to initiate something in our Calgary high school!! I’ll reach out.
@meadowswm