The Wire

A Few Good Mice: Mouse Squad Advisory Board

Got Ideas?
Are you always being told that you're creative or have an outgoing personality?
Do you like expressing your opinion or readily contribute to online surveys, forums and polls?
Do you just have a lot to say?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may be a good fit for the Mouse Squad Advisory Board. We're looking for a few good students to act as the go to source for feedback on Mouse programs and services.
This is a unique opportunity for Mouse Squad students to not only have their voices heard, but provide direction and ideas for everything Mouse offers, including field trips, technology, prizes, training and internships. Everyone has an opinion--now you can make yours count.
The Mouse Squad Advisory Board will meet monthly and consist of up to 10 middle and high school students. These students will be the first to try out and explore new hardware, like our stunning HD video equipment or mobile training Macbooks. They'll also get the inside scoop on what's new at Mouse HQ like e-Learning 3.0 which will allow students to certify online.
Interested?
If so, send an email to JB at [email protected]

So What's With Mouse Certifications Anyway?

So What's with returns with a timely and much needed look at Mouse's growing cadre of certification courses.  Starting with the most fun and most adored:
Mouse Squad Technician Training
Who's it for?
Bright eyed public school students who want to learn lots of cool tech tricks and do something great for their school.
How does it work?
There are ten modules that make up MSTT.  To be a certified tech, you'll need to demonstrate proficiency in the core skills of each module by passing the Mouse Squad Certification quizzes online. 
Do I have to attend a Mouse training?
No.  Refer above for more information on this question.  If you'd like to attend training, read below.
How can I get help passing Mouse Squad Certification quizzes?
As a first step, you should try to attend training.  Check the Mouse Squad Program Calendar for the next available date and enrollment instructions.  Training is typically offered centrally a couple of times each semester.
None of the list training dates will work for me or my squad.  What should I do?
Certain schools or squads may be eligible for on site technical training.  Based on the program calendar availability, Mouse will come to your school(s) and lead some tech-intensive training.  Interested schools are required to send a request form.  Afterward, you'll be contacted about whether or not Mouse is able to come to your location or if other options might be better suited.  Send and email to [email protected] to get started.
 
Faculty Advisor Certification
Who's it for?
Bright eyed public school education professionals, staff and anyone interested in leading a team of tech savvy Mouse Squad students.
How does it work?
Typically, Mouse delivers a host of half day workshops in late September and late January.  The road to certification begins by enrolling an completing one of these workshops.   A certified Faculty Advisor is somone who demonstrates proficiency in recruiting a team of students, implementing a level one help desk, and managing a Mouse Squad within a certain time frame. 
Do I have to attend a Mouse training?
Yes.  Currently, the only way to participate in FAC is at a Mouse-led training. 
 
Mouse Trainer Certification
Who's it for?
MTC training is for individuals with a good deal of technical know how and the willingness to teach Mouse Squad students in their school or organization. 
How does it work?
MTC Workshops are offered several times a semester and each session is a full day.  Participants become very familiar with Mouse Squad goals and objectives, the Mouse Squad Implementation Guide and basic classroom leadership.  Participants should also be prepared to compose and deliver portions of Mouse Squad Technicians Training in the workshop.
Do I have to attend a Mouse training?
Yes.  Currently, the only way to participate in MTC is at a Mouse-led training. Will Mouse Trainer
Certification help me with my networking skills?
No.  MTC workshops are not technical training courses.  The workshops are designed to prepare individuals with strong tech skills to deliver Mouse Squad curriculum.
When is the next MTC workshop?
Refer to the Mouse Squad Program Calendar for information and details for upcoming workshops.


Mouse Squad Spring Certification Enrollment Begins December 17th

Many certification dates are already loaded on the Mouse Program Calendar, including site visits, Faculty Adivsor Training and Technician Training.
The good news is you'll only have to wait a couple more weeks to enroll in the certification courses of your choice.  Certification enrollment will be available all day, every day after 3:00PM on December 17th.
 

Mouse Squad is a program of Mouse. 55 Broad Street, 16th Floor, NY, NY 10004 646-574-6446, [email protected]