MOUSE Squad Certified Technician Modules
MOUSE Squad Certified Technician modules are organized by Explorations, Activities and Quizzes. Explorations provide key content and skills for students to practice. These explorations can be self-guided, team-based or instructor-directed. Quizzes ensure that students understand key concepts, vocabulary and processes covered. Several activities serve as performance assessment opportunities. These assessments give students a chance to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the modules in a real world context.
Quick Links to Modules:
Module 1: Preparing for a Help Desk |
| |
Exploration: Understanding MOUSE Squad
- Getting on mousesquad.org
- An Introduction to Technical Help Desks
- What is MOUSE Squad
- How does the MOUSE Squad Work?
- Setting MOUSE Squad Goals
- Technician Skills Tracker
- MOUSE Squad Jobs
- MOUSE Squad Certification
|
| |
Exploration: Team Building
- What is a Team?
- Teamwork Game: Make Some Noise
- Teamwork Game: Middle Name March
- Selecting Team Games from the Web
|
| |
Exploration: Online Communication and Information
- Becoming an Information Detective
- Building a Blog in mousesquad.org - Module 1 Reflections
- Communicating Online: The mousesquad.org Forum
- Introduction to Blogging
- The Source Whisperer: an HTML Game
|
return to top
Module 2: Problem Solving & Troubleshooting |
| |
Exploration: Problem Solving and Troubleshooting
- Becoming a Good Problem Solver
- Problem Solving Games: MOUSE Squad Maintenance Schedule
- Problem Solving Games: The Pony Express
- Problem Solving Games: The Zin Obelisk
|
| |
Exploration: Troubleshooting
- MOUSE Method for Troubleshooting: UMCHS
- Tips for Effective Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting Practice
|
return to top
Module 3: Computers, Computer Users, & User Error |
| |
Exploration: Basic Computer Technology
- What is the personal computer?
- Personal Computer Basics
|
| |
Exploration: Computer Users and User Error
- Learning to Identify a Customer's Technology Level
- Common User Errors
- Dealing with Difficult Clients: Think GRULARS
- Asking the Right Questions
- BlogIt! - Reflections on Computers, Computer Users, and User Error
|
return to top
Module 4: Wired & Wireless: Networking and Computer Mechanics |
| |
Exploration: Network Design
- Network Topology
- A Network Mystery
- Network Design Project
|
| |
Exploration: Getting Inside the Network
- Ports and Connections
- Network Addressing
- The Command Prompt and the Terminal
- Troubleshooting Network Problems - The Ping Utility
- BlogIt! - Reflections on Networking and Computer Mechanics
|
return to top
Module 5: The Operating System & the Desktop |
| |
Exploration: A Computer's Operating System
- The Operating System: Mac vs. Windows
- Installing the Operating System
- Customizing the Desktop
- Routine Maintenance of the Operating System
- BlogIt! - Reflections on the Operating System
|
return to top
Module 6: Configuration Basics: Hardware & Peripherals |
| |
Exploration: Configuring a Computer
- Exploring Control Panel (PC) and System Preferences (Mac)
- Configure It!
- Blogging - Reflections on Configuration
|
return to top
Module 7: Software: Programs to Get the Job Done |
| |
Exploration: Software Applications
- Installing and Removing End User Applications
- A Software Challenge: Word Processing
- A Software Challenge: Presentation Software
- A Software Challenge: Spreadsheet Software
- BlogIt! - Reflections on Software
|
return to top
Module 8: Cracking the Case: Computer Hardware |
| |
Exploration: Computer Components
- DreamLab: Learning Hardware Specifications
- Computer Components
|
| |
Exploration: An Inside Look
- Safety Guidelines
- Break/Fix: Taking it Apart & Putting it Back Together
- BlogIt! - Reflections on Computer Hardware
|
return to top
Module 9: The Mobile Solution: Managing Mobile Labs |
| |
Exploration: Understanding Your Laptop
- What is a Laptop and How Does it Work?
- How are Laptops Different than Desktops?
|
| |
Exploration: Basic Laptop Care
- Basic Laptop Care
- A Plan for Safe Laptop Use
- BlogIt! - Reflections on Mobile Labs and Carts
|
return to top
Module 10: The Talented & Trusted Technician |
| |
Exploration: MOUSE Squad Operations
- MOUSE Squad Ticket Tracking and Ticket Requests
- MOUSE Squad Rules of Operation
|
| |
Exploration: Effective Communication
- What is Good Communication?
- See What I See: Practicing Communication
|
| |
Exploration: Becoming a Technician
- Professional Etiquette
- Earning Trust and Respect
- Taking the MOUSE Squad Pledge
- BlogIt! - Reflections on the Talented and Trusted Technician
|
