FAQ

Will we get credit for the class? Yes. For the 2017-18 school year, SWAT was a regular course credit and listed as Principles of IT TEKS. SWAT will count as a technology credit beginning in the 2018-19 school year.

Will we all be in the same class period? No. The purpose of the SWAT team is available throughout the day to serve teachers & students and are strategically placed throughout the morning and afternoons in multiple class periods.

Should I expect tests and daily work? Yes, but not in a traditional sense. Daily work will include readings, reflections, and performing help desk tasks. Exam and quiz grades come from the weekly Student Leader Evaluation, student-led conferences with the instructor, book study reflections, certifications, video reflections & peer feedback, discussion questions, individual and team projects and time management.

Will we be working inside computers and/or iPads? No. The vision of our jobs is to be the first line of support for our students and teachers. If we are unable to assist them, help tickets are submitted to our district technology help desk.

What would a typical day look like for this class? A typical day in the SWAT room consists of working on individual or class projects, reading, and assisting teachers and students will technical or G Suite scenarios inside and outside of the classroom.

How can I get SWAT on my schedule? Who should I talk to if I am accepted as a new member of SWAT and need to change my schedule? Once you've been interviewed and accepted, speak with your school counselor and they will lead you in the proper direction so that you will receive your technology credit.

If students want to begin training early, what resources would you recommend? Since much of our work involves helping others with Google products, a great way to get a head start is to start studying for the Google Certified Educator Level 1 Exam. This way, students will be able to help others and will have a head start on the exam taken in the fall. Before taking the certification exam, another great way to prepare would be to take the CISD Beginning Badge Quizzes offered to district employees.

What is the outside-of-class time commitment? As a new school year approaches, each SWAT member aids with laptop handout/pickup efforts and the local Opportunity summer conference. In addition, there may be scheduled team trainings during summer or other team building get-togethers scheduled throughout the year.

Do I have to be a technology expert to take this class? Absolutely not! In fact, we most want students who can walk in our team's core values first: respect, You'll be learning skills in tech support, customer service, and leadership throughout the year! As long as you have a coachable attitude, this class will help you achieve your future goals.

How will this class help prepare me for the future? Even if you don't pursue a career in information technology or other computer-related fields, you will be trained in technology skills, leadership, communication, working relationships, team building, project management, and public speaking.