On July 13, the first “Tech Squad” session was held at Buck’s Radio Shack in Grand Marais. Students in the program—a collaboration among Cook County Higher Ed, the Northland Foundation, and Radio Shack—spent the day talking technology with customers. Tech Squad member Luke Fenwick talks to Nicole Boostrom about different cell phone options.
Thanks to a unique collaboration between Cook County Higher Education (CCHE) and Buck’s Radio Shack in Grand Marais, a “Tech Squad” is being built to help the community find answers to those confounding computer and cell phone questions. The Tech Squad program, funded by a grant from the Northland Foundation, is intended to provide high school students with training, after-school and summer activities and entrepreneurial experience—all while helping other lesstechnical savvy folks.
The first Tech Squad session was held at Buck’s Radio Shack in downtown Grand Marais on July 13. Aaron Carlson, Luke Fenwick, and Bjorn Johnson took part, standing ready to talk to people in Radio Shack facing digital dilemmas.
The students admitted they were a bit nervous. None of them own the latest, state-of-the-art cellular equipment that they will be discussing with customers. “We’ll learn along with our customers,” explained Luke Fenwick. “That’s part of the training, the social interaction with customers.”
The difference between the Tech Squad and the confused customer is that the students find the new technology fascinating and they are looking forward to learning more. When not talking with customers, they were asking questions of Radio Shack Manager Brad Ludlow or observing other Radio Shack staff set up cell phone accounts or find essential components for items.
And unlike many beleaguered customers, they already have a reasonably solid knowledge of technology. One customer noted that she was frustrated recently when she was instructed to update her Internet Explorer program—and it changed the way her e-mail in-box looks. Could the Tech Squad help with that? “Very possibly,” answered Bjorn Johnson.
How about talking her through sending a photo by e-mail? “Very possibly,” nodded Fenwick.
So whatever the question, consider stopping by the next Tech Squad session at Buck’s Radio Shack. CCHE Director Paula Wolf, who is overseeing the Tech Squad, said, “Bring in your items—your cell phone or smart phone or learn what Radio Shack has to offer. Stop by with your laptop questions. Learn how to transfer your music collection to an IPod.”
In addition to getting help with technology, participants will be helping the Tech Squad fulfill the other goals of the program—students will be learning how to respond to customer needs with patience, interest, and respect. They will learn how to communicate product information. The Tech Squad course will also cover starting a business and writing a business plan and students will learn to be more effective through evaluation. All life skills that are just as important as knowing how to connect to today’s technological world.
Wolf encourages everyone to come and meet the Tech Squad. The next sessions are at Buck’s Radio Shack on August 11, 18 and 25 from 10 a.m. to noon.
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