Generation YES Blog

We were excited to see this article about one of our new GenYES schools in Waitsburg, Washington.

This is real evidence of student engagement and the value of including students in the learning community. By trusting students to be involved citizens and giving them real responsibility we open a door to generational understanding and shared values.

Congratulations to Russ Knopp and his GenYES students for this well-deserved recognition!

Sylvia

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Program sharpens students’ computer skills
Students at Preston Hall Middle School get a big leg up in technological skills through the GenYES program.

By CARRIE CHICKEN of the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin

WAITSBURG — In a third-floor classroom in Preston Hall Middle School, computers and related equipment occupy every desktop, fill shelves, and sit on the floor.

The computers, which might have been discarded, are getting a second life, thanks to middle school students who are willing to get up early and come to the classroom to learn how to repair and operate the machines.

Then they distribute them to students or community members or place them in a computer lab.

About 20 computers had been distributed to students and adults in the community, according to sixth-grade teacher Russ Knopp, who is advisor for the Preston Hall Technology Club and administrator of the GenYES program.

GenYES is a research-based model for K-12 schools that addresses staff development and technology integration. As students develop skills and knowledge, they are able to help teachers, administrators and other school staff use technology.

Now that the program is under way, Knopp is seeing tangible benefits for the children, and for himself.

“I’m really excited about what it’s done for kids and what it’s shown them about their abilities. And it’s shown me, too,” he said.

Upstairs in the historic school building, 12-year-old Ian Doepker confidently replaces a fan in a computer tower, then puts the tower back together.

In the class, “I’ve learned how to take a computer apart. I’ve learned how to take care of a computer. I’ve learned how to kill disks. I’ve learned how to clean a computer, neatly,” he said.

Sixth-grader Ben Brown said he has learned how to clean the computer and change the settings.

“Mr. Knopp always talks about how we’re learning how to problem solve,” Ben observed.

Alex Breland, also a sixth-grader, said he’s now learning how to hook up computers to servers.

Alex has put his newfound skills to use at home, scoring some points with his grandmother.

“My grandma’s computer froze last night so I took it apart and cleaned it out and it worked. She was happy,” Alex said.

Part of Knopp’s program is training students to train others to use the computers. The distribution does come with a price, a two-hour training course at $10 per hour.

“When they finish the training they walk out with a computer, monitor, keyboard and a mouse,” Knopp said.

Students and adults who don’t have computers at home are eligible for the computers, Knopp said. At least three have gone to adults.

Besides connecting people to the cyber world, the GenYES connects the generations, Knopp observed.

Teachers have asked for student help with software or hardware, and club member Trent Hafen, 12, has been asked to assemble a computer for a middle school teacher.

After a student helped a senior citizen get started with her “new” computer, “this lady’s always going to have memories of a sixth-grade boy being so kind and patient,” Knopp said.

“What’s been so fun is what it means to the kids. That’s what I’m excited about,” Knopp said.