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Dell TechKnow
by Faith Goldstein

The Urban Technology Project and the Pennsylvania Service-Learning Alliance's Digital Divide Initiative are leading Philadelphia's Dell TechKnow Program. This project provides an opportunity for middle school students to learn hardware components, software installation, troubleshooting skills and various software applications. Students participate in a 40 hour curriculum assisted by high school student technology teams. Upon completion, students show off their skills in a special family event and can take home the computers they rebuilt!

In collaboration with GearUp, the Philadelphia Dell TechKnow program kicked off this summer with an intensive two week institute that aimed to engage “at-risk” middle school students in technology education and learning through a meaningful and fun learning environment.

The program enables students to build technology skills and resources to pass on to their families. These children learn to take apart and reassemble computers, load software, set up and run printers, upgrade hardware, diagnose and correct basic hardware problems and use the Internet. Such hands-on activities encourage teamwork and build confidence. As one student stated, "When I opened up the computer and took it apart I thought I was never going to put it back together. But with the help of [high school tech mentors] I put it back together!"

Formerly named Learn and Earn, Dell TechKnow was first designed in 1999 as part of the Denver Public Schools’ effort to bring technology to middle school students who were at high risk of dropping out of school. Recognizing a need in other school districts and the program’s success in Denver, Dell expanded the program to other qualified districts nationwide by providing refurbished computers and training. Trained together, these schools now are able to share ideas and resources about their programs with one another.

The School District of Philadelphia's Urban Technology Project has been developing and running student refurbishing programs for the past five years. Through the Dell TechKnow program, Urban Tech is now able to acquire Dell computers and lead comprehensive refurbishing programs with the support of the Pennsylvania Service-Learning Alliance.

Take a look at our curriculum components and student testimonials that are available on the website http://www.delawarevalley.org/psla/techknow/ to see how learning and fun can take place hand in hand!