The Rancho computer lab has thirty-two eMacs running OSX 10.4 as student work stations that are used on a weekly rotation basis so students can learn about and use technology to enhance the curriculum. Students learn keyboarding, use draw and paint programs, word processing, make multi-media presentations, and use the Internet for researching.
The computer lab houses a complete teacher multi-media presentation station which is connected to a high quality LCD projector and high definition document camera. Rancho has a second computer lab located in room 13 which holds 32 iMacs where teachers can sign up to use as needed.
Technology is also in the classrooms at Rancho. All fourth fifth grade classes have at least five networked Macintosh computers with internet access while kindergarten, first, second and third grade classes have at least three networked Macintosh computers with internet access. All classrooms have a portable MacBook connected to a wireless network and document camera connected to an LCD projector for instruction and presentation purposes.
Rancho uses a variety of award winning educational software including keyboarding and word processing. Some of the software titles include: ArtRage 2, Stellarium. Google Earth, Kid Pix Deluxe 3X, Kidspiration 3, The Graph Club 2, Type to Learn 3, Microsoft Office, Math Essentials, Neighborhood Map Machine, Zoombinis Mountain Rescue, Read, Write Type, Cross Country USA 2, Mighty Math, STAR Reading Accelerated Reader.
As Rancho’s Technology Specialist, Lori Sanborn, serves the students, teachers, and staff. Her primary job is to maintain the over 200 computers on campus. Additionally, Mrs. Sanborn assists teachers with integrating technology and is the webmaster for the Rancho website.
Rancho participates in a recycling program that pays schools for empty laser and inkjet cartridges, used cell phones, laptops, PDAs, and iPods. This program helps protect the environment by keeping these items out of landfills and helps to preserve our natural resources. Just drop off your used technology items (laser and inkjet cartridges, laptops, DVDs, video games, cameras, cell phones, PDAs and iPod’s) in the box outside of the library. What we earn is used to support the technology program here at Rancho.
