Unit Plan Template for Tanya Spence PTECH Help Desk Support System Project Duration: 6 Months (24 Weeks) Applicable Grades: High School Grades 9-11 Subjects: Technology Standards: Enter any applicable standards here Created by: Tanya Spence – tspence_7@yahoo.com Put an X next to key learning project elements included in this unit. Yes Elements of Project Learning X Organizes tasks around a driving questions X Engages students in in-depth inquiry X Includes a public audience X Establishes a need to know X Encourages voice and choice X Incorporates revision and reflection X Students work in teams X Students complete a teamwork agreement X Includes students in the defining stage of their project X Includes students in the planning stage of their project X Students manage the successful completion of their project Includes students in the evaluation of their project Project Overview This project was developed for the sole purpose creating an in-house help desk support system platform that will assist students, teachers, and administrative staff with technical support on a daily basis with the ultimate goal of making the customer base technologically adept. Project Outcomes The outcome of this project is to create an in-house community of users who have the skills and ability to use technology effectively and can troubleshoot minor problems that may arise without the assistance of outside vendors. The motivation for a help desk system was to deliver computer services to students, teachers and administrative staff while providing real-world training to students interested in becoming computer technicians and network engineers. Using students to teach their peers as well as faculty and staff represents the endeavor to deliver timely and effective computer services in the current environment without having to utilize outside sources. This is a great educational opportunity affording students the chance to run their own business. Schedule This project will take approximately 6 months to fully accomplish. The schedule is as follows: Date(s) April 3, 2013 – April 17, 2013 Activities Introduction to the entire project – Help Desk System Defining phase April 18, 2013 – June 26, 2013 Students get Mouse Squad certified through computer-based training exercises in order to be skilled in the technical aspects of running an effective help desk system. July 8, 2013 – September 8, 2013 Students create tangible artifacts for help desk development such as a service request ticketing system and customer feedback survey using Google Docs. September 9, 2013 – October 4, 2013 Based on customer feedback and service ticket close-out develop an online technical knowledge base for the end-user to solve minor technical issues. Students also reflect on previous practices and areas that are in need of improvement. Project Specifics The goal of the project is to run a successful in-house help desk system operation developed and implemented by our students. The objectives students will be able to accomplish are as follows: Competently and confidently use the telephone to answer Help Desk calls. Properly fill out a complete Work Order or Trouble Ticket at the Help Desk via the telephone, email or In-person requests. Develop a Help Desk script that can be utilized to service customer requests. Develop an online knowledge base or technical support guide for users to solve minor Help Desk issues. Provide training to prospective customers such as students, teachers and administration to upgrade their computer skills. Provide timely computer support services to the entire school campus. The deliverables are as follows: Online knowledge base or technical support guide to be utilized by our customer base that includes students, teachers, and administrative staff. Trouble ticket system that keeps track of all open and closed service calls. Uniform script that provides proper communication and technical support etiquette to our customer base. Daily training and support to our customer base. The equipment needed to successful complete the project include: A networked computer (PC-based) with Internet access Computer Technician tool kits Google Docs to post service requests Assessment The project will be evaluated by the number of service calls that have successfully been resolved as well as through the use of an online survey that is completed by our customer base for user-feedback purposes. As an educator responsible for student learning and engagement, it is my goal to assess the students in written format using a guided rubric and providing constructive feedback. I plan to also use the information from the online surveys and service requests as well as the online knowledgebase to provide in-depth critique based on industry standard needs and outcomes.