ICT Technician is a role that involves helping anyone use and deliver the benefits of technology !!
A career choice more commonly seen in Secondary schools, Colleges and some Primary schools although potentially many other learning establishments could have the facillity of their own in house and hands on technical help
This Video from Teachers TV is an interview with a technician from a busy College in Cheshire and details some of the happenings from two days at work.
ICT Technicians - People Who Help Us
Whilst the role is controversially at risk of disappearing the opportunity to see how others can benefit from the services qualified in house technicians offer never will.
:soapbox:
We have a Systems administrators day article with lots of play ideas for highlighting the value this sector brings and how to introduce the concept of networks .. not just in ICT to the Children -
System administrators day
People who help us:
Play ideas to accompany the role of ICT Technicians could include:
A box of computer mice !
with leads and wireless .. but all can be un attached.
Move the mice arround and look at how they move - do some have roller balls underneath or maybe have a small area for a light (infra red).
Do some have cradles that they can sit in to charge up and do some have battery compartments - RISK - Check before hand batteries are removed if you are to examine the mice closely and watch for how the leads of the mice are used/played with - Strangulation.
What clicks, makes a noise and which ones have wheels that can turn ?
Play with the mice so that the children are familiar with them.
Keyboards may already be part of your role play/home corner area. They are great for 'office scenarios, shop tills, taking messages and general pretend play - for this you could use them for a ICT office.
Role Play ICT office
Items to include:
Postits for reminders, pens pencils and paper.
Telephones/walkie talkies.
Switchboards and Plug in boards - peg boards would be good along with a variety of threading toys.
Posters of computers, monitors - a motherboard or processor perhaps ??
Junk modelling boxes to build computers and monitors - use collage materials that are shiny, see through, rigid and flexible.
Caps and lids for buttons, knobs, dials and switches (watch for choking/mouthing)
Toys and activities that need a 'connection .. not necessarily electrical or powered !
Magnetic toys that attach to each other -
Magnets and computers are definitely not good together though
Building Fences that need other posts and cross bars to grow and be sturdy - Lolly pop sticks and sticky tac maybe !?
Garden twine and traffic beacons or chairs that the children can wind the twine around / over and between
- supervision will be necessary to minimise any possible accidents.
Skipping ropes and french skipping games.
Hoola hoops and bucket ball games.
Fans - do the children know what keeps computers cool? The power a PC uses and creates can make the insides very hot and to make sure things don't burn/melt or 'fry fans are used to circulate the air.
Do the children feel hot or cold if they fan thier faces - with paper fans or small hand held ones ?
What computers do the children know of - is their one at home, at their parents place of work or at pre school ?
Home communication ideas:
Requesting donation or lending (with a fore warning apology note 'Might not go home as intended' ) for any of the items you'll need to provide these activities.
Suggested Rhyme to sing with the Children at home:
ONE, TWO BUCKLE MY SHOE
One two
buckle my shoe.
Three four
shut the door.
Five six
Pick up sticks.
Seven eight
Lay them straight.
Nine ten
Do it again !
Parents Display Notice Board Ideas:
Business cards and leaflets for ICT services in your area.
Open times and any free Computer training courses that are available locally or being provided in house.
If you are lucky enough to know someone who can come in and visit your group to talk about ICT technicians and their roles, please let us know what you all did ...
Have fun ..