This year ODA has launched a new student club called “S.W.A.T,” Students Willing to Assist with Technology.

The team was created by Ms. Giraud in hopes of finding ways for technologically advanced students to share their skills and assist others with tech issues.

Even though the year has just begun, S.W.A.T. has already been active.  The club has 19 members who are all skilled with various aspects of technology from trouble-shooting hardware glitches to understanding various software applications. The group receives requests for help through email via [email protected] Those requests for help are then assigned to SWAT members by Club President Johnny Delgado and Advisor Camela Giraud.  Club members then find time to work with students and faculty to resolve the issue. Recently a parent solicited help from two SWAT members who were able to assist the parent in setting up an important link on a fund raising website.

Junior, Johnny Delgado says, “I like the organization of the club, an see it as the ultimate way to allow teachers to be more active with technology in the classroom.”

The team has also just launched its workshop series. The series will cover topics such as annotating PDFs, using Google Drive, and customizing portal pages. Workshops will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school and are open to all members of the ODA community.

“The goal is to get S.W.A.T. to be more approachable to students and teachers” Delgado says, “So far they are doing well, and hope to progress through the course of the year.”

Students interested in working with the group is invited to see Ms. Giraud to sign up. The only prerequisites are a willingness to learn and some basic proficiencies with technology.

Watch for workshops and email SWAT with questions!  [email protected]