Andrea Cook’s Student Tech Team at Central Middle School is a group of 10 students who produce the “The Student Tech Team podcast,” that is focused on technology and its impact on society. The podcast, which was awarded the Stellar Tech Team Award from Verizon Innovative Learning Schools for the 23-24 school year, is live streamed every Friday morning, features two types of guests: one from within the school district and another from outside, including professionals and leaders in the tech industry. Through this experience, the students are developing essential skills such as digital literacy, public speaking, and team collaboration. The self-guided nature of their projects has encouraged autonomy and adaptability, preparing them for future educational and career opportunities.
Additionally, this club is not just a podcast. Andrea Cook works closely with the school district to organize school field trips, including one to a data center, giving the students a firsthand look at how technology infrastructure supports services like cloud computing and internet access.
The Student Tech Team’s work began with a donation from Verizon, who provided LTE-enabled iPads to help the students launch their podcast. These devices played a key role in allowing the team to manage their projects and record high-quality content. The students also use Samsung WAC Interactive Displays so the students can talk to their guests virtually. The team has hosted virtual guests from diverse locations such as Iceland, Alaska, and other remote areas to discuss how technology access affects different communities.
One of the key features of the podcast is its exploration of global technology access. By speaking with guests from remote regions, the students have gained valuable insights into how digital access—or the lack thereof—affects people’s lives. These conversations have sparked interest among the students in pursuing tech careers, as they learn how technology can address challenges in different parts of the world.
The podcast, along with other tech-related projects, is almost completely student-led. The team chooses topics, arranges interviews, and manages production, giving them the opportunity to develop important skills like problem-solving, time management, and collaboration. The students use a variety of tools, including microphones, green screens, Samsung TV screens, and the LTE-enabled iPads from Verizon, to produce their episodes.
The Student Tech Team is now looking for guests to join their award-winning podcast. If you’re a professional in the tech industry, education, or any related field, the students would love to hear your insights. Please reach out to Andrea Cook if you’re interested in being a guest on the podcast. The podcast provides a platform for guests to share their experiences and knowledge, helping the students broaden their understanding of technology and its impact.