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What is the Independent Study Course?
What is the Independent Study Course?
Course Description - The OLHS Student Help Desk is an independent, problem-based learning environment that provides students with firsthand experience integrating technology in an educational context. The Student Help Desk is an independent study course (worth one credit) designed to provide tech support AND technology integration assistance to the student body and instructional staff. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? Our student helpers can help fix VBCPS technology and can help you use new tech tools in the classroom.
NO PRIOR TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED! All training is provided.
Student Help Desk members will engage in various activities like -
basic troubleshooting (software, malware, internet/network issues, Google, iPads, computers, Chromebooks, interactive whiteboards, projectors, printers, etc.).
developing and sharing resources (using Microsoft Office, Google Docs, OLHS Student Technology Site, and/or webcasting & editing tools).
providing instructional support to students and staff (may include setting up technology tool use for classes, researching various tools, creating tutorials for teacher and student use, providing in-class support for use of the tool).
manning Help Desk kiosk events.
planning, supporting, and/or implementing a school-wide program (like Hour of Code, Makerspace activities, etc.).
responding to student and teacher technology needs (may need to identify problems, find a solution, create a tutorial to share that solution with the school).
creating app reviews to share the pros and cons of various tools (Google, Apple, & Web).
presenting at a conference (2016-17 Pod Squad Members presented at VSTE & the VBCPS ITS citywide meeting to help others start their own help desks; 2024-25 members presented at VSTE).
How Does Grading Work?
How Does Grading Work?
Performance Evaluation
The performance evaluation is used as a goal-setting and reflective tool for students to self-assess growth.
Students gradually learn skills over the course of the year and are not necessarily expected to achieve Advanced ranking in each category.
As long as students are setting goals, reflecting, and growing, their grades will reflect their efforts. Check out the Pod Squad Performance Evaluation.
Want to Learn More?
Want to Learn More?
Students interested in joining the Pod Squad should review the Pod Squad course description, performance evaluation, and other resources carefully before applying.
This class is unlike any offered at Ocean Lakes High School.
Watch the video (right) to view testimonials from previous students.
Ready to Apply?
Ready to Apply?
Please be aware that the OLHS Student Help Desk is an independent study course. In order to apply for the course, you must have a free block on your schedule. This class will take the place of a study block, free block, or an elective.
🐬 USE THE PLANNING DOC (optional) – Since the application has multiple parts, a planning document has been made available to you. Log in to your VBCPS Google account to access your own editable copy of the Application Planning Document.
🐬 SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION – Pod Squad Student Help Desk Application.
Applications are due by the end of May for the following school year.
Once your Google Form application is submitted, we will reach out to teachers to complete a quick survey via a Google Form. Teachers do NOT need to write you a letter of recommendation.
Candidates will be contacted before the end of the school year with enrollment information.
Reach out to Jennifer.Leary@vbschools.com and Meri.Riddick@vbschools.com with questions.
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