iPad squad receives training from Apple
Posted October 25
The 1:1 iPad program has gotten off to a strong start this year, but occasionally, students experience technical issues with their devices. Whether they have trouble uploading files or need help troubleshooting in other areas, the iPad squad is here to help.
The iPad squad is a team of students who have helped launch the iPad program and is overseen by iPad program manager Nigel Marrion. To get the devices ready for their peers, over the summer they labeled all 1,700 tablets, configured and activated them. The iPad squad was also available on registration days to help students get acquainted with their devices for the first time.
Today, group members continue to help students through the help desk that is available during collaboration and lunch periods. Located in the library, the help desk is an option for students if they have technical issues they can’t resolve.
Junior Niral Pathak has enjoyed being a part of this new group on campus. “I have used an iPad before, and I just wanted to spread my knowledge to others,” he said.
Recently, the iPad squad received training from Apple to learn how to better provide technical support for their peers. At the Palo Alto Apple store, an Apple learning specialist and former Genius Bar staff member helped the team think about different approaches to take when answering questions -- whether they should simply fix something for their classmates or show them how to do it themselves. This was the first time this Apple store provided any such training for a high school group.
The training session was invaluable, the members say.
“We learned how to interact with people depending on if they learn better visually or by hearing,” said sophomore Katie Morfin.
The iPad squad was established to help students know how to make the most of their iPads, and Katie hopes her peers won’t shy away.
“People shouldn’t be afraid to come to us for help,” she said.
