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Free PC Clinic – A Practical Experience

Free PC Clinic – A Practical Experience. Presented by June West, Instructor Computer Technology Department Director, Free PC Clinic Coffee Shop Manager Spartanburg Community College Spartanburg, SC. Project Description.

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Free PC Clinic – A Practical Experience

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  1. Free PC Clinic –A Practical Experience

  2. Presented by June West, InstructorComputer Technology DepartmentDirector, Free PC ClinicCoffee Shop ManagerSpartanburg Community CollegeSpartanburg, SC

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Student Objectives (Continued) • Broaden students’ knowledge about working on “legacy systems” • Build soft skills through interaction with community-at-large

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. Today . . . • Moved to the hardware lab on Central Campus • Rotate among all three campuses • Donations graciously accepted • Large selection of troubleshooting tools

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. Student Participation • First-time participation • Dependability • Planning • Primary incentive is work experience

  16. 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

  17. A Typical Day . . . • Held on a Saturday from 12:00noon until 4:00pm • First-come, first-served basis • Receptionist

  18. A Typical Day . . . continued • Problem analysis • Technician assignments • Initial diagnosis • Consult with instructor • Problem resolution • Sign-off approval by A+ certified technician • Client evaluation

  19. Students in Action

  20. 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

  21. 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

  22. 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

  23. 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

  24. 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

  25. 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

  26. 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

  27. Alex Peterson, PC Clinic Student

  28. Summary • Hours and dedication commendable • Many students come to each and every Clinic; others come when they can • Rearrange work schedules; take time off without pay • Come early; leave late • Persistence and perseverance

  29. Summary (continued) • Receptionist • Volunteers time • Manages paperwork • Entertains waiting clients • Security guards • Maintenance/Building Crew

  30. Acknowledgements • Marcia Schenck – Department Head • Cyndi Bailey -- Receptionist • Terry Richburg -- Instructor • Lead Technicians:

  31. CONTACT INFORMATION June West westj@sccsc.edu 864-592-4864

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