NBC news ran the following video coverage of the HMH FUSE pilot at Earhart Middle School.  You can view the video at

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Education_Nation_Riverside_School_Using_Technology_to_Teach_Algebra_Los_Angeles-121742384.html

Hi Everyone,

In March the District Technology Plan Committee made the decision to move from Blackboard to Haiku.  This transition will take place on July 1^st.  Price and functionality were the driving forces in making this decision.  In terms of functionality Haiku is much more user friendly as well as being fully integrated with Google docs and other web 2.0 tools.  We fully understand that change can be difficult and will be making every effort to provide training and…

Hi All,

The Press Enterprise ran a story covering our HMH pilot at Earhart MS.  To read the article go to : http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_wipads15.27c76f8.html

Hi Everyone,

As you recall RUSD was recently awarded over 1 million dollars by the FCC for broadband access.  The pilot language is very specific and it provides for broadband access only (i.e. no devices, Netbooks, iPads etc)  One of the reasons that we were successful in obtaining the pilot was our partners over at Verizon as they were willing to start down this road of providing students access.  Verizon understands our current budget crisis and the fact that access without some…

     I've been using the iPad since November with my students. Many students are independently using the iPads and staying engaged throughout the entire reading period.  I've now had time to search some simple apps that support IEP goals for each student.  Each student is able to have an iPad program specifically designed to support their learning.  AND the best thing is, the students continue to love it! 

    Here are a few apps that I've found helpful.  The apps from…

Hi Everyone,

Hi Everyone,

Recently Education Weekly sent out a reporter and cameraman to spend a couple of days seeing what we are doing with Open Access and how that is effecting everything from the way we provide literacy training in grades K-6, Digital Textbooks, One-One computing at Central Middle School and the upcoming pilot at Ramona HS.  Special thanks to Tracy Arner who coordinated their 2nd visit while I was out ill.  To see the article please go to…

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to update you on my situation and also make some correlations with what I am experiencing and our ongoing battle to provide truly open access to all forms of technology for our students, teachers and parents.  First of all for those of you who do not know I was forced to undergo emergency surgery the first part of January.  It was a very serious, life threatening situation and thankfully the Dr. located and was able to remove the source of my internal…

Students at Washington and Franklin Elementary Schools enjoyed the beauty of The Redwoods and tranquility of the seaside on Friday January 21st, all without hopping on a bus.

 

Thanks to a grant from Target, RUSD was able to purchase video conferencing equipment that literally brings the world to RUSD students. Through the California PORTS program, students can now interact with park rangers at parks throughout the state. Eventually students will be able to travel throughout the…

Hi Everyone,

Welcome back and Happy New Year!  I know I’m a week behind you but trying to catch up :)  I want to encourage each of you to continue the work you have begun and to continue to expand and extend the ideas and principals of “Open Access” Open access is simply examining our existing policies…

The Press Enterprise recently ran a video story on the use of cell phones and other student owned technology in class.  They visited Ed Gonzales' class at Ramona high school where students are using their own technology to learn.  This is one example of how “Open Access” is being used throughout the district.  To view the video story go to http://www.pe.com/video/index.html?bcid=714793634001

Today Jay and I walked into a classroom at Washington Elementary School to a round of applause. We were being applauded by Kris Paquette’s 4^th grade students

who knew that our arrival meant the distribution of their iPod Touches. Kris Paquette, Vicki Verani, and Helen

Cha, 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade teachers at

Washington Elementary, are introducing innovative learning with the iPod Touch

made possible by a grant…