Round Rock ISD Students Repair Legacy Hardware for District Families

High schoolers in Texas are getting the chance to repair computers that are then distributed to district families. Round Rock Independent School District created a "Home Access Program" after the Board of Trustees there changed rules regarding how outdated computers could be discarded. Under the new policy, surplus laptops in the district warehouse can be reprogrammed and distributed free to students from low-income households.

During a spring pilot, 350 computers were distributed to families at two elementary schools and one middle school. Students from four high school career & technical education programs in information technology participated in the repair program. Supplies were made possible by a $12,500 grant from the district's Partners in Education Foundation.

A new round of repairs and distributions will expand distribution of the refurbished machines into four additional schools.

"This is a great opportunity for our students to get hands-on experience in tech repairs, not just having it explained to them," said Computer Technology Teacher Ricardo Olvera in a district article about the program. "It's a chance for them to actually look at different problems with laptops and everything that goes into a computer."

"The benefit of this program is that these students get an opportunity to do something in the real world," added Mark Gabehart, executive director of Technology & Information Services. "They get the chance to look at problems and how to fix them so I think it's a really positive experience." Gabehart's department is working with district purchasing and warehouse staff to run the program.

Said Senior Zach Martinez, who participated in the project, "I know that if I wanted to have a career in repairs, I can go to work at places like Best Buy or Geek Squad because of my experience with this class."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • tutors helping young students with laptops against a vibrant abstract background

    K12 Tutoring Earns ESSA Level II Validation

    Online tutoring service K12 Tutoring recently announced that it has received Level II validation underneath the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The independently validated study provides evidence of K12 Tutoring's role in creating positive student outcomes through effective academic intervention and research-based solutions.

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.

  • computer science classroom featuring a desktop setup with code on the screen, a large wall display with charts, and a labeled book on a clean desk

    McGraw Hill Expands CTE Offerings

    Education company McGraw Hill has announced a host of new career and technical education courses, designed to help learners gain professional, technical, and academic skills for workforce success.

  • DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education Announces Updates to Experience, DreamBox Math

    K-12 learning solution provider Discovery Education has announced enhancements to its Discovery Education Experience and DreamBox Math products, designed to create a more personalized, engaging learning experience for students.