When Victory Baptist School, a small private school in Millbrook, Ala., was struggling to keep its computer network together last year, an 11-year-old student named Jon Penn stepped in as network manager.
This sounds like an interesting learning experience for the young student. Although, if I had his email address I would try to get him to switch to Linux.
Really cool find, Alec. I imagine it’s like this in a lot of smaller private schools too (but without the kid expert).
Thanks indeed for sharing. I applaud the kid and wish him the best, however there is an issue about the school administration; unless I read too quickly, the article doesn’t say under what conditions (staff or volunteer? salary?! working hours?!) was he hired. Child (even gifted) labor is ok?
Stylianos, you know, I thought that as well, I was looking to see if he was paid, and it didn’t say. They are saving money, but I have some issues with it if they are using the kid.
The other way to look at it is from a coop experience. I know we generally don’t have coop education at the elementary level but there’s no reason not to. This is a great learning opportunity for the student and if he is doing it instead of some other less meaningful activity then everybody benefits.
Wow – what a smart kid! Does the kid get paid? If so, is that legal?