With 20+ students and only one or two adults in the computer lab, tending to the students’ questions can quickly become overwhelming. Since there was no way to tend to everyone’s needs, a new plan had be instated.  Techsperts have now been employed in the lab.

A Techspert is a student who answers questions, directs students and guides them to the answer only using their words. All students are trained not to touch another person’s computer, however they are allowed to verbally help.  The chosen students are never decided at the beginning of class. They are selected during class after they have completed a task independently. Once chosen, they wear the necklace seen in the picture  and have permission to walk around the room. (Now you have a use for all those conference lanyards.)As the students walk around the room they tend to the students’ questions. At first, many were shy and reserved because of insecurities of not knowing the answer. That ended quickly. Being a Techspert and wearing the necklace has empowered the students to solve technological problems on their own, guide the students and lead to more collaboration.

This idea was shared by a very creative presenter at the VSTE 2013 conference. If you are reading this, thank you. This has been one of the best additions to Lab.