The MOUSE Squad of California curriculum is composed of basic technology information and hands-on activities to guide students to become successful MOUSE Squad technicians. Lessons cover a variety of issues and computer platforms that can be partially or fully implemented.
Students apply skills and principles taught in the curriculum in a real help desk setting, assuming various job positions to meet the needs of their school and community. Students learn to respond to end-user issues by asking key questions, researching problems, reviewing solutions with the user and documenting the process.
In addition to actual work experience, students gain communication, problem solving and team interaction skills that can help them pursue job or higher education goals. As students learn professional skills, they contribute a valuable technical service with significant impact for their school and community.
Sample Activity
eLearning
MOUSE Squad eLearning is a members-only website for students and instructors/faculty advisors participating in MOUSE's student technical support and leadership program. The MOUSE Squad Certified Technician Curriculum consist of 10 modules on topics related to tech support. These can be downloaded for use in a variety of ways. Online quizzes give feedback and allow tracking of your student's journey toward certification. A place to share ideas, ask questions and create content is also available for each squad and between the MOUSE Squad communities. Learn more at eLearning.
Supplemental Resources
MSCA continues to support instructors/faculty advisors with additional hands-on curriculum and updated content to the MOUSE Squad Certified Technician Curriculum. We invite MSCA instructors/faculty advisors to share their best practices with other squads by contributing to Supplemental Resources.
MyTechDesk
MYTechDesk is a web-based system for managing and tracking help desk service requests and is free to all California schools. This simple, but effective ticket management system allows MOUSE Squad students to receive requests for technical assistance and track a detailed response to the issue. It is an organized way to process tickets and review time management and issue resolution. Reports generated through this database can be used as an assessment of work and as a way to evaluate and continually improve the support operations that students are able to accomplish in MOUSE Squad. Learn more at MyTechDesk.