Frequently Asked Technology Questions

Many of the questions asked at Parent Night involved the students' use of technology. Most of what we use is Google-based. Each student has a Google account through the district, and as they advance in grades, they will submit more and more assignments via Google Classroom. Most fourth graders are just getting started with this, and therefore, most technology required will be completed in class. However, extra practice at home often helps, so here are a few general tips:

Signing in with Google: Every RRISD student has a unique six-digit ID number, used for Home Access, cafeteria accounts, library checkout, computer login at school, and Google. Every email address is:

s_ _ _ _ _ _ @student.roundrockisd.org 

with the blanks representing the six-digit student ID. Each password is an 8 letter, two word phrase, like "dogchair" with no space and all lowercase letters. Every student should have that written inside his or her agenda. Often, if a student needs to login to Google at home, the "@student.roundrockisd.org" portion is forgotten.

Google Apps for Education: When a student is signed in to Google Chrome, and the data is linked, apps and bookmarks should automatically appear. If access at home doesn't allow for use on Chrome, most apps are also available in an iOS format as well. Students will simply need to login into the app with the Google account assigned. Quizlet is one example of such an app.

Other online accounts: Some web-based programs, such as iStation, Think Through Math, and ALI/STEMscopes, are separate from Google Apps for Education and may have different sign in instructions. These user names and passwords, just like the Google ones, are assigned to each student. These are just similar enough and just different enough to be confusing at first, and the companies involved frequently adapt their platform to co-exist with Google Apps. As these are introduced to students, they will be used during class time. Often students will want to access these programs at home, but because of the slight variation may not login easily. Again, we will be using these primarily in class, especially at first.

We are encouraging our fourth graders to own their academics, so instructions are given in class to the students directly. If there are problems with student access at home, I will be available to students during Coyote Club the first few weeks of school. It is usually helpful to know what systems or devices are being used at home, so students should be prepared with that information when asking procedural questions.

Hopefully this helps with some of the beginning questions. As we continue to add resources and online tools, I will work to expand the FAQs. Please email me with any additional questions.