Briarcliff High School and middle school students and staff who bring their devices to the high school library help desk may notice that some of the people helping them are a bit, say, young. Indeed, several high school students participate in a program in which they learn to help others with their devices, either by troubleshooting the software or repairing the hardware.

Students as young as ninth grade learn how to fix laptops, iPads, and even TV screens during their free time in high school and get a feel for what it’s like to be a service technician.

The program, designed and organized by Briarcliff Technology Director Erica Beasley, has been in operation for several years.

“Erica had this idea that since we’re a 1:1 school, we should always have a student-run help desk to help students and staff,” Briarcliff’s technical support specialist said. John Gonsalves, which is also in charge of the student assistance program.

When Mr. Gonsalves joined the district in 2017, he and other members of the technology department, also known as the “technical team”, took a two-week summer course to be certified to perform Apple hardware repairs on laptops and iPhones.

“We learned how to open a computer and fix it,” Mr. Gonsalves said. “Erica’s vision was to create an atmosphere at school that resembles the Apple Genius Bar and to have an open and welcoming space, which is what we have here at the library.”

Mr. Gonsalves, who holds a degree in computer science from Boston University, has always loved computer hardware and shares his vast knowledge with the technicians at the student support service.

“Students come during their free time or study hall and help anyone who comes along. If there is no work, they can just do their schoolwork,” he said. “They get half credit for it and a pass/fail grade, although I’ve never given anyone a ‘fail’. They all want to help others and will ask me or anyone else from the technical team, if they need additional help.

Anyone interested in participating in the program can contact Mr. Gonsalves and arrange an interview. Eighth graders who want to enroll when they enter high school can contact the guidance counselor Sara Pierson.

“During the interview, I will talk with the students and I can get a pretty good idea if they have a genuine interest,” Gonsalves said. “I teach them everything they need to know. All they need is to have a passion for helping others and an interest in computer software or hardware. Even if they just like to play, that’s enough.

Although freshmen usually don’t have study rooms or free time, many come to help out during part of their lunch period.

First-year student Oliver Elsworth specializes in mounting hardware.

“I’ve known about this program since I was in elementary school because John was there,” he said. “We had been talking about it for a while and I was always interested in computers and repair. I think this stuff is really cool.

According to Oliver, who hopes to take a computer class at school next year, even if someone isn’t interested in the repair aspect, they can help in other ways, like helping with software or order parts.

There is also the benefit of learning a skill that can be used outside of school.

“It’s really cool to learn these things. I can also use this knowledge to help other family members,” he said.

Junior Noah Hirschhorn accepted.

“What we learn here definitely transfers into our own lives – a lot of kids will come to me first before they open a help desk ticket because they know I can help,” he said. he declares.

First-year student Amir Anzer mainly helps with software and enjoys interacting and socializing with other students while helping them.

“It’s really fun here,” he said. “We learn and have fun at the same time. Noah and John are my best friends.

“It’s a place to build trust,” Mr. Gonsalves said. “Helping at the help desk can encourage shy students to talk and interact more with their peers and staff members. They not only learn how to provide technical assistance, but also how to talk to others and improve communications. »