Getting I.T. Right

Cristal Misplay demonstrates TeacherMates to Rep. Mark Strama.

rrisdinsttech — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:35:52 +0000

Cristal Misplay and her 1st Grade Students at Wells Branch Elementary are currently in the second year of a pilot using TeacherMate handheld computers from Innovations for Learning. To answer questions and demonstrate the use of the TeacherMates, Ms. Misplay and Round Rock ISD hosted a visit from Representative Mark Strama, Texas House of Representatives. On hand to answer questions about the TeacherMate pilot and the grants that funded the purchase of the devices was Susan Dawson of E3 Alliance.

NOTE: Image is linked to video file.

More Information:
- http://www.innovationsforlearning.org/
- http://www.e3alliance.org/
- http://rrisd-its.wikispaces.com/TeacherMate

ESC Region XIII Visit Hosted by Callison and Live Oak

rrisdinsttech — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:40:34 +0000

Callison Elementary and Live Oak Elementary schools hosted the employees of Education Service Center Region XIII on November 17th, 2009 for a “field trip” in which they could interact with the students and faculty with whom they serve. The Region XIII visitors got to witness first-hand and hear directly from the students about the embedded and interactive technology that is enriching their learning environments.

Central Texas First Lego League Nov. 2009

rrisdinsttech — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:43:14 +0000

On 11/14 and 11/21 twenty-nine Round Rock ISD teams from 16 campuses competed in the Central Texas First Lego League Qualifier Events. Congratulations to the middle schools teams at CD Fulkes, Canyon Vista, Cedar Valley, Deerpark, Grisham, Hopewell, and Walsh and to the elementary teams at Bluebonnet, Cactus Ranch, Callison, Caraway, Forest Creek, Gattis, Laurel Mountain, and Purple Sage. Round Rock is proud to celebrate the achievements of these teams. The * teams will go on to the competition on Dec. 12 at Rouse High School in Leander.
11/14 LBJ Qualifier Results
*Walsh1 – 4th – Research Project
*Cactus Ranch Longhorns 1- 3rd Research Project
Cactus Ranch Longhorns 3 – 3rd Teamwork
*Forest Creek – 1st Research Project
11/14 West Ridge Qualifer Results
*Laurel Mountain Team Dr. Octogonaus – 1st Champions
*Laurel Mountain LegoLions – 2nd Champions
*Laurel Mountain LegoLunatics – Wildcard
11/21 Anderson Qualifier Results
*Bluebonnet – 1st Teamwork, 3rd Research Project
11/21 Westwood Qualifier Results
*Deerpark CPU’s – 3rd Champions
*Deerpark Robanators – 3rd Research Project
*Gattis InstaGators – 2nd Robot Design
*Gattis Robo-Crocs – 2nd Teamwork
*Purple Sage Riders – 1st Research Project
*CarawayRobotechs – 2nd Research Project
*Canyon Vista Mustangs 2 – 3rd Robot Design
Canyon Vista Mustangs 4 – 3rd Teamwork
*Grisham Grizzlies – 1st Robot Design

Learn more about Central Texas FLL.

FLL 2009 Qualifiers

View more presentations from Mary Jo Humphreys.

Deerpark Robotics

rrisdinsttech — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:06:08 +0000

Deerpark Middle School’s robotics club engineers have video conference with UPS pilot and former F-16 fighter pilot, Jim Crowley, about their airplane engine cover design. The engine cover was designed to prevent birds from dying when they encounter a plane engine during flight. Mr. Crowley praised their design for being aerodynamic and environmentally conscious. He asked them to think about the benefits vs costs of saving the birds compared to the weight and amount of fuel that extra weight would require.

Service Learning and Technology at Anderson Mill

rrisdinsttech — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:37:50 +0000

As a service-learning project, Scott Ganske’s fifth grade students at Anderson Mill Elementary combined their classroom learning with a meaningful service to the community. Students used technology to raise awareness about children’s needs around the world and the importance of getting involved and making a difference by developing an inspirational video, a wiki, a blog, a newsletter and a book.

Math Jeopardy: Fern Bluff vs Cactus Ranch

rrisdinsttech — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:34:07 +0000

Visit the link below to learn more about the Math Jeopardy via webcam challenge between students at Fern Bluff Elementary and Cactus Ranch Elementary.

http://fernbluffit.edublogs.org/2009/10/22/math-jeopardy-via-webcam/

Round Rock High School Teacher of the Year.

rrisdinsttech — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:34:45 +0000

Mr. Osman with wireless slate

David Osman, AP Government teacher at Round Rock High School, was chosen the 2009 Teacher of the Year. Mr. Osman, shown here annotating a website with his wireless slate, extends his classroom by posting all his class notes, powerpoints, and study guides on his impressive website. His busy senior students appreciate the ability to access Mr. Osman’s course materials at any time.

IBM Donation to PreK classrooms

rrisdinsttech — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:48:16 +0000

IBM donated 15 Young Explorer stations to the prekindergarten classrooms at Brushy Creek, Caldwell Heights, Double File Trail, Forest Creek, Forest North, Gattis, Great Oaks, Jollyville, Old Town, Pond Springs, Purple Sage, Sommer, Teravista, and Wells Branch. These workstations come with pre-loaded educational software: Millie’s Math House®, Sammy’s Science House®, Bailey’s Book House®, Trudy’s Time and Place House®, and Thinkin Things Toony the Loon Lagoon® . The students are learning while they plan. Round Rock is very appreciative of the partnership with IBM To create engaging learning environments for our prekindergarten students.
http://www.ibm.com/ibm/ibmgives/grant/education/programs/kidsmart.shtml

Old Town’s “My Life” videos

rrisdinsttech — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:36:16 +0000

My Life (view video here)

Ms. Callaway’s 4th grade class created “My Life” videos. They scanned in photos and original drawings, wrote a story, and narrated their creative work.

Cactus Ranch students debate via videoconference!

rrisdinsttech — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:22:12 +0000

Mrs. Jenkins 4th grade class at Cactus Ranch Elementary challenged students from Jefferson ISD in Louisville, Kentucky to a debate via videoconference. The topic of the debate was whether or not children should have the freedom to spend their allowance on whatever they want. Cactus Ranch students asserted that children earn their allowance and should have the right to decide how to spend it. Since both schools made strong arguments, the debate was determined a draw.

View clips from debate: CRE4thGradeDebate