free pc clinic – a practical experience. presented by june west, instructor computer technology...
TRANSCRIPT
Free PC Clinic –A Practical Experience
Presented by
June West, InstructorComputer Technology Department
Director, Free PC ClinicCoffee Shop Manager
Spartanburg Community CollegeSpartanburg, SC
Project Description
In 2004, a need was identified to provide experience for the students in the Computer Technology programs at SCC
Most students had no experience in the IT field Willing to volunteer time to get experience
Goals of the Free PC Clinic
Two major goals developed To provide students with practical, volunteer experience
working on users’ computers To provide a much-needed service to the community
Student Objectives
Build a foundation for troubleshooting PCs Enhance that foundation by giving an
opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills Build confidence in the student’s ability to
perform tasks efficiently and effectively
Student Objectives (Continued)
Students learn first-hand how to diagnose and repair personal computers
Students learn the differences/similarities in working on desktops and laptops
Provide students exposure to the Macintosh environment
Challenge students with other technology devices
Student Objectives (Continued)
Broaden students’ knowledge about working on “legacy systems”
Build soft skills through interaction with community-at-large
In the beginning . . .
Initiated by a former faculty member
Students designed a logo Students developed the
slogan “We’ll work on your PC for free while we get our degree.”
Free PC Clinic T-Shirt
In the beginning . . . (continued)
Offered seven Saturdays during the academic year on one existing campus
Paperwork Students attend on a voluntary basis Totally free; no donations or payments Held in an electronics lab Limited troubleshooting tools No internet access Coordination among security, room scheduling, and
maintenance
Today . . .
Moved to the hardware lab on Central Campus Rotate among all three campuses Donations graciously accepted Large selection of troubleshooting tools
Management of Clinic
The SCC Technology Club Monthly meetings Upcoming PC Clinic setup/preparation $5.00 dues almost covers cost of t-shirt
Other participants At least one instructor One Macintosh expert At least one A+ certified technician
Graduates continue to participate
Financial Support
The department head provides minimal funds Purchases supplies Lunch for the student technicians T-shirts for the participating students/instructors
Donations accepted The donated funds have helped to purchase additional
equipment, supplies, food and t-shirts
Marketing
Flyers distributed to all faculty and staff and posted on the bulletin boards
Most advertising comes by word of mouth Expanded to advertise on other campuses
• Cherokee County Campus, Gaffney, SC - Spotlighted the Clinic on the radio during halftime at the
local football game • Tyger River Campus, Duncan, SC
- First Clinic had four clients
Marketing (continued)
Clinic dates sent to multiple community calendars Featured in several news releases to area
newspapers Featured on the local news Appears on the local news channel website, along
with the SCC website home page and the SCC Student Web Portal.
Invited to appear on The Bill Drake Show, one of the most-listened-to radio talk shows in our area
Student Participation
First-time participation Dependability Planning Primary incentive is work experience
Project Implementation
College very supportive Advertisements displayed on each of the three
campuses Dates set and rooms scheduled well in advance Clinic supported by employees/students Employees/students pass along information to
family and friends
A Typical Day . . .
Held on a Saturday from 12:00noon until 4:00pm First-come, first-served basis Receptionist
A Typical Day . . . continued
Problem analysis Technician assignments Initial diagnosis Consult with instructor Problem resolution Sign-off approval by A+ certified technician Client evaluation
Students in Action
Typical Problems
About 85% of the problems related to viruses and spyware.
Slow-running computers due to a lapse of regular maintenance.
Non-functional machines The Clinic provides CD that includes free software,
along with instructions on how to maintain PC
Other issues -- Hardware
Hardware Crashed hard drives Non-functional devices Internet access difficulties
The technician may suggest what the client needs to purchase; we do not provide any free hardware
The technician will replace the hardware item for the client and test it
Other Issues -- Software
Operating system failure Client must have their own software available We do not provide copies of any licensed software We do not “crack” key codes to install software
Use the Recovery Console Use of DOS commands Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows XP, and
Windows Vista More issues arising with Vista
Benefits to Students
Ability to develop good customer service skills Experience a wide variety of PC problems which
increases their knowledge base Learn to research the Internet for solutions to
unknown issues
Benefits to Clients
Free computer service which might normally cost a minimum of $100
A free consultation on how to resolve minor issues in the future
Free tools to help them maintain their PC
Client Comments – A Sampling
Will most definitely come back if there is another PC Clinic GOOD JOB! Thank you. Great students! I learned some things, because I had no clue about computers Thank you for the service to the community. It is really a big savings!
Thank you for providing this service to the community. This clinic is a win/win for both myself and the technician.
Very courteous & knowledgeable
Reward for Hard Work!
Placed third in State Competition
14 projects submitted from around the State
Two students attended recognition luncheon
Plaque awarded, along with $100 prize
Alex Peterson, PC Clinic Student
Summary
Hours and dedication commendableMany students come to each and every Clinic;
others come when they can Rearrange work schedules; take time off without
payCome early; leave latePersistence and perseverance
Summary (continued)
Receptionist Volunteers timeManages paperworkEntertains waiting clients
Security guards Maintenance/Building Crew
Acknowledgements
Marcia Schenck – Department Head Cyndi Bailey -- Receptionist Terry Richburg -- Instructor Lead Technicians:
Robert Eyler Chris Jurgensen
Alex Peterson Herb McLaughlin
Barry Dover Patrick Cradit
