DETROIT (FOX 2) - As the Detroit school district has shifted to full-scale online learning, school officials are creating technology support hubs to better assist families.
The hubs will answer questions about using devices, and will also help repair and replace devices.
Beyond providing technology support, the hubs will offer community resources, such as serving as the district's meal distribution site, helping with utility bills, mobile COVID-19 screenings and resources for child care.
The hubs, located at 13 locations in the Detroit Public Schools Community District, will open Dec. 1.
Because of the large number of COVID-19 cases across the city, the district decided to switch to remote learning at least until January
There's been a high demand from families for technology support, and the district has received a substantial number of complaints related to devices. Damaged devices have often resulted in lost class time, Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said at Tuesday's school board meeting.
He said some parents are getting frustrated with tech support over the phone and need more immediate help.
"It's about going into the community and resolving technical issues. This is why an in-person solution is needed," he said.
Families have complained about cracked screens, broken keyboards, trouble with microphones, and some devices not turning on. The hubs are designed to more quickly respond to these issues. The hubs will also provide virtual learning support. For instance, families can get help submitting assignments through online platforms.
Below is the list of the district's 13 technology hub locations:
- Mumford High School
- Henry Ford High School
- Renaissance High School
- Cody High School
- Mackenzie Elementary-Middle School
- Gompers Elementary-Middle School
- East English Village Preparatory Academy
- King High School
- Denby High School
- Pershing High School
- Western International High School
- Academy of Americas
- Munger Elementary-Middle School
For help with internet connectivity, text "INTERNET4CF" to 562-372-6925.