Moss Hill Elementary’s student Tech Team leads the way in digital learning
In an age where technology is woven into almost every aspect of education, it’s crucial for students to not only use it, but to understand it. With nearly every school in Lenoir County Public Schools recognized as an Apple Distinguished School, digital fluency is more important than ever. That’s where Moss Hill Elementary’s Student Tech Team comes in—a group of young digital leaders dedicated to guiding their peers, and even their teachers, through the ever-expanding world of technology.
The initiative, spearheaded by Digital Learning and Curriculum Specialist Catherine Lynch, was inspired by her experience with the Apple Learning Coach program. Lynch saw an opportunity to take technology integration a step further, putting leadership directly in the hands of students.
“Our goal was to see where we were taking tech in our building next,” Lynch explained. “The program sparked the idea for the tech team.”
Initially planned for just 10 students, the program quickly expanded due to high interest, leading to the creation of both fourth and fifth-grade teams. With over 30 applications in its first year, it was clear that students were eager to take on leadership roles in technology.
One such student is Annaleigh Wessell, a fifth grader who joined the team in September. She recognizes the value of having peer mentors when it comes to technology.
“It’s always nice to help kids, to direct them to what they need to do so that when they get older, they can do the same thing,” she said. Annaleigh didn’t have this kind of support when she was younger, and she knows firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate new technology alone. “It’s a lot harder to do something when you don’t have someone helping you and directing you.”
The Student Tech Team isn’t just about teaching the very basics; it’s about fostering digital literacy and leadership. These students are trained in using all of the Apple Suite apps and are equipped to teach others how to add images, record, and export videos—valuable skills in today’s digital classrooms.
Lynch emphasized the program’s impact on both the school and the students themselves. “It teaches them how to become leaders and how to work with students and other people. Obviously, the patience that comes with actually teaching someone how to do something is a big part of it,” she said.
Teachers have also seen the benefits, with tech team members stepping in to assist their own classmates outside of designated tech team activities. For the students involved, they are gaining confidence, communication skills, and a sense of accomplishment. Annaleigh summed it up best, saying her favorite part about it is “Probably meeting the kids and seeing them so happy to do this… they love it so much. It’s so fun to help them.”
As technology continues to evolve, Moss Hill Elementary’s Student Tech Team stands as a shining example of how schools can empower students to take charge of their own learning—while helping others along the way.
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