Add as a preferred source on Google


Round Rock ISD Students Repair Legacy Hardware for District Families

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 10/27/15

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School District created a "Home Access Program" after the Board of Trustees there changed rules regarding how outdated computers could be discarded.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

  • magnifying glass with AI icon in the center

    Google Releases Learning-Themed AI Mode Features for Search

    Ahead of back-to-school season, Google has introduced new AI Mode features in Search, including image and PDF queries on desktop, a Canvas tool for planning, real-time help with Search Live, and Lens integration in Chrome.

  • student holding a smartphone with thumbs-up and thumbs-down icons, surrounded by abstract digital media symbols and interface elements

    Teaching Media Literacy? Start by Teaching Decision-Making

    Decision-making is a skill that must be developed — not assumed. Students need opportunities to learn the tools and practices of effective decision-making so they can apply what they know in meaningful, real-world contexts.

  • open laptop with various educational materials like charts, quizzes, and documents emerging from the screen

    Pear Deck Learning Debuts New AI Features

    GoGuardian recently introduced new artificial intelligence features within its Pear Deck Learning curriculum and instruction platform, designed to aid educators throughout their teaching journey — from lesson planning to assessment.

  • cloud with binary code and technology imagery

    Hybrid and AI Expansion Outpacing Cloud Security

    A survey from the Cloud Security Alliance and Tenable finds that rapid adoption of hybrid, multi-cloud and AI systems is outpacing the security measures meant to protect them, leaving organizations exposed to preventable breaches and identity-related risks.