Students partner with professional technology center to fix computers
Eight students enrolled in the Information Technology degree program at Minnesota School of Business (MSB) – St. Cloud applied what they learned in the classroom by repairing computers for people in their community. Students in the Computer Essentials course led the “Computer Bug and Repair Clinic” on May 24, 2012. Previously, the clinic was only available for staff, faculty members and other students to attend, but this year it was opened up to the public.
Partnering with Minco, a professional technology center, students broadened the clinic’s reach and helped community members solve their computer or laptop problems for free. The clinic provided the students with real-world experience in which they learned the importance of professionalism, customer service and work efficiency.
Minnesota School of Business-St. Cloud IT students learn to build their own computers
The eight students identified procedures and components, reassembled computers, repaired problems associated with each component and gave knowledgeable recommendations.
“They got a chance to fix and repair many computers, which was a very rewarding experience,” said Tom Polinceusz, IT Program Chair at MSB-St. Cloud. “I always look for opportunities for my IT students to apply the skills that they learn in classroom.”
Minco has hired many MSB graduates over the years and has always been very satisfied with their IT skills and knowledge. Minco provided great support during the clinic and supplied any new parts that specific repairs required. MSB and Minco continue to maintain a strong relationship, especially with Minco Sales Representative, Jim Draper, who is also a member of MSB-St. Cloud’s Program Advisory Committee.
Over the span of four hours, many people dropped off a broken computer and left with one that worked again. “Overall it was a great success,” Tom added.
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What a fantastic applied learning experience – kudos Tom!
That’s a great idea Tom.
Not only were the students getting great experience but they also helped their local community.
Was this a once off or will there be a follow up to this? One way would be to get a charity involved where the owners of fixed machine would ‘donate’ to the nominated charity (charities).
Regardless … well done again on a great initiative.