STEM Minute | Pana High School student computer repair program

PANA, Ill. (WAND) - At Pana CUSD 8, each student has access to their own technology, with older students bringing Chromebooks home with them. With so many devices, the district was sending broken computers out of state for repairs.

Pana High School's Technology Integration Specialist, Amanda Skinner, said the process would take two weeks, leaving student's without their devices for multiple class periods. Skinner and her team implemented a new program, teaching students how to do basic repairs.

"I have 12 students in tech application class right now, and I have two lead technician students that kind of manage the flow and start off as the point of contact," said Skinner. "Their brains are kind of a flow chart right now of if this doesn't work, we'll try this, or maybe this is the problem."

Those two lead technicians are Parker Moore and Reign Ballew. Ballew was one of the first student in the program and took the lead on reaching other students the repairs they already knew. They also now are teaching other schools how to create similar programs.

"I've went over to Okaw Valley over near Vandalia and I've started repairing Chromebooks there," said Ballew. "This has been a really great opportunity for that and it's definitely evolved. It's way less primitive now, and we're getting a lot more done too."

Ballew has made such a significant difference at the school, that the district hired them to help with IT related issues over the summer. They are getting paid to do what they love, and plan to pursue as a career.

"I knew I was going into technology, but this kind of helped narrow it down," said Ballew "What I love most is the actual technician part of it."

Moore got involved in the second year of the program and will be leading the class next year. He's enjoyed the chance to teach others, all while helping his fellow students.

"This is kind of my debriefing class," said Moore. 'I get to sit down, do things I love to do. If I had the choice to do this as a profession, I would do it."

Skinner said since this program started they've seen a 25% reduction in computer repairs. This is partially because of the repair program and also because the students completing the repairs are reminding their classmates to treat their technology better.