MOUSE Squad Certified Technician modules are organized by Explorations, Activities and Quizzes. Explorations provide key content and skills for students to practice. These explorations can be self-guided, team-based or instructor-directed. Quizzes ensure that students understand key concepts, vocabulary and processes covered. Several activities serve as performance assessment opportunities. These assessments give students a chance to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the modules in a real world context.
Quick Links:
Module 1: Preparing for a Help Desk
|
| |
Exploration: Understanding MOUSE Squad
- Getting on mousesquad.org
- An Introduction to Technical Help Desks
- What is MOUSE Squad
- How does the MOUSE Squad Work?
- Setting MOUSE Squad Goals
- Technician Skills Tracker
- MOUSE Squad Jobs
- MOUSE Squad Certification
|
| |
Exploration: Team Building
- What is a Team?
- Teamwork Game: Make Some Noise
- Teamwork Game: Middle Name March
- Selecting Team Games from the Web
|
| |
Exploration: Online Communication and Information
- Becoming an Information Detective
- Building a Blog in mousesquad.org - Module 1 Reflections
- Communicating Online: The mousesquad.org Forum
- Introduction to Blogging
- The Source Whisperer: an HTML Game
|
return to top
| Module 2: Problem Solving & Troubleshooting |
| |
Exploration: Problem Solving and Troubleshooting
- Becoming a Good Problem Solver
- Problem Solving Games: MOUSE Squad Maintenance Schedule
- Problem Solving Games: The Pony Express
- Problem Solving Games: The Zin Obelisk
|
| |
Exploration: Troubleshooting
- MOUSE Method for Troubleshooting: UMCHS
- Tips for Effective Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting Practice
|
return to top
| Module 3: Computers, Computer Users, & User Error |
| |
Exploration: Basic Computer Technology
- What is the personal computer?
- Personal Computer Basics
|
| |
Exploration: Computer Users and User Error
- Learning to Identify a Customer's Technology Level
- Common User Errors
- Dealing with Difficult Clients: Think GRULARS
- Asking the Right Questions
- BlogIt! - Reflections on Computers, Computer Users, and User Error
|
return to top
| Module 4: Wired & Wireless: Networking and Computer Mechanics |
| |
Exploration: Network Design
- Network Topology
- A Network Mystery
- Network Design Project
|
| |
Exploration: Getting Inside the Network
- Ports and Connections
- Network Addressing
- The Command Prompt and the Terminal
- Troubleshooting Network Problems - The Ping Utility
- BlogIt! - Reflections on Networking and Computer Mechanics
|
return to top
| Module 5: The Operating System & the Desktop |
| |
Exploration: A Computer's Operating System
- The Operating System: Mac vs. Windows
- Installing the Operating System
- Customizing the Desktop
- Routine Maintenance of the Operating System
- BlogIt! - Reflections on the Operating System
|
return to top
| Module 6: Configuration Basics: Hardware & Peripherals |
| |
Exploration: Configuring a Computer
- Exploring Control Panel (PC) and System Preferences (Mac)
- Configure It!
- Blogging - Reflections on Configuration
|
return to top
| Module 7: Software: Programs to Get the Job Done |
| |
Exploration: Software Applications
- Installing and Removing End User Applications
- A Software Challenge: Word Processing
- A Software Challenge: Presentation Software
- A Software Challenge: Spreadsheet Software
- BlogIt! - Reflections on Software
|
return to top
| Module 8: Cracking the Case: Computer Hardware |
| |
Exploration: Computer Components
- DreamLab: Learning Hardware Specifications
- Computer Components
|
| |
Exploration: An Inside Look
- Safety Guidelines
- Break/Fix: Taking it Apart & Putting it Back Together
- BlogIt! - Reflections on Computer Hardware
|
return to top
| Module 9: The Mobile Solution: Managing Mobile Labs |
| |
Exploration: Understanding Your Laptop
- What is a Laptop and How Does it Work?
- How are Laptops Different than Desktops?
|
| |
Exploration: Basic Laptop Care
- Basic Laptop Care
- A Plan for Safe Laptop Use
- BlogIt! - Reflections on Mobile Labs and Carts
|
return to top
| Module 10: The Talented & Trusted Technician |
| |
Exploration: MOUSE Squad Operations
- MOUSE Squad Ticket Tracking and Ticket Requests
- MOUSE Squad Rules of Operation
|
| |
Exploration: Effective Communication
- What is Good Communication?
- See What I See: Practicing Communication
|
| |
Exploration: Becoming a Technician
- Professional Etiquette
- Earning Trust and Respect
- Taking the MOUSE Squad Pledge
- BlogIt! - Reflections on the Talented and Trusted Technician
|
