As I just mentioned in 31 Days To Build A Better Blog – Day 7, this is my thematic, “Building a Resource on a Topic” linking entry.
I’ve often heard that the TxDLA is one of the better state-based conferences, yet I have never been. Back when I was an early year doc student I submitted a proposal to the conference, but it wasn’t accepted and I didn’t attend. A few days ago, when I was discussing my Day 5 activities for the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog by ProBlogger Blog Tips, I wrote:
The first was I selected a blog from someone outside of K-12 online learning (but still in the K-12 technology realm) who posts from time to time about K-12 distance education and leave a comment on his blog that was encouraging more of the same content. For this activity I selected the entry TxDLA09 – Online Course Facilitation from Around the Corner-MGuhlin.org. Miguel posts a lot of content, some of which is related to K-12 online learning. This particular entry was both related to K-12 online learning and talking about a conference that I would one day love to attend. So, I simply asked Miguel to blog while he is at the TxDLA conference (which I’m sure he was planning to do anyway) and, selfishly, asked him to attend some K-12 online learning sessions (and given the content of his blog and the topic of his own session, again something he would likely do anyway) so I could vicariously attend through him.
I figured that this was an appropriate time to add links to the items that Miguel had already posted on Around the Corner-MGuhlin.org about this conference:
- TxDLA Conference Coming Soon!
- TxDLA09LearnMe Conference Materials
- TxDLA09 – Workshop Notes
- TxDLA09 – Using Moodle to Create and Foster a Learning Community
- TxDLA09 – Online Course Facilitation
Granted, it appears I may have erred in the comment I left on Miguel’s blog earlier this week. You see, I had assumed that the conference had not yet occurred and that these entries were items he was posting ahead of the conference. However, as you can see from the conference website the conference ended earlier this week.
While not as useful after the fact, based on the printed program here are some of the K-12 online learning sessions.
Pre-Conference Workshops
Distance Learning: When to Do What and How to Go About It
You don’t have to be a web guru to teach online. Join us for facilitated activities that will lead you through the process of structuring your course material, choosing appropriate strategies, and designing effective navigation. Workshop will include brainstorming session about effective applications and online tools.
Participants should bring information about a course they are considering putting online, or an existing online course they wish to improve, including: syllabus, course description, goals, learning objectives, outline or table of contents, textbook and any other course materials currently being used (for example: handouts, templates, games, illustrations, maps and descriptions of activities). Participants will leave with a storyboard for one lesson plan.
Sessions:
21st Online Learning Environment
Abstract: Instructors consider personal interaction to be the most valuable element of the teaching and learning process. We will demonstrate how 21st century online learning environment allows faculty and students to build relationships by combining state-of-the-art interactive technologies such as voice, video, application sharing, polling, and whiteboarding, with traditional instruction.
Presenter(s): Mr. Mick de los Santos, Regional Sales Manager, Wimba mdelossantos@wimba.com
Delivering Quality: The TxVSN Online Course Review Process
Abstract: Learn how to submit online courses for review to offer courses statewide through the Texas Virtual School Network. Region 4 is the TxVSN partner conducting the review of Provider District courses offered through the network. Course review standards and evaluation criteria will be explained.
Presenter(s): Mr. Brent Bakken, Education Consultant, Region 4 Education Service Center bbakken@esc4.net
Enhancing Online Courses: A Next Generation Digital Video Repository
Abstract: Have advances in technology outpaced institutions’ ability to keep up without sacrificing instructional quality? Presenter will introduce The INTELECOM Online Resources Network, a fully-hosted learning object repository designed to provide faculty and instructional designers access to content they need to provide an engaging and student-centered experience that leads to learning.
Presenter(s): Mr. Gabe Zaldivar, Account Manager, INTELECOM gzaldivar@intelecom.org
Free Shareware Makes Online Teaching Easier and More Effective
Abstract: This presentation will introduce participants to free, beta-level, sharable content technologies. Each of the technologies will be presented along with ideas for implementation. In small groups, participants will develop stand-alone and integrated learning environments using the technologies. Case studies related to student satisfaction and learning effectiveness will also be presented.
Presenter(s): Dr. Phil Ice, Director of Course Design, Research and Development, American Public University System pice@apus.edu
Dr. Lori Kupczynski, Instructional Designer, University of Texas-Pan American capitola16@yahoo.comFrom Lecture to Online: The Laws of Learner-Centered Design
Abstract: Content-centered or learner-centered? Which type of eLearning course would you rather take? Then why do we continue to see page turners or piece-meal courses with sparse moments of interactivity? The “Laws of Learning” (Thorndike) should be applied to any course design, especially eLearning.
Presenter(s): Ms. Tonia Dousay, eLearning Manager, TEEX tonia@tamu.edu
Mr. Darrin Stephens, Senior Multimedia Project Specialist, TEEX darrin.stephens@teexmail.tamu.edu‘Get Connected’: The Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN)
Abstract: Learn about the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) model and how LEAs can provide or receive supplemental high school courses for students. TxVSN is a statewide clearinghouse of quality, rigorous online courses. View our catalog that includes TEKS-aligned courses meeting NACOL standards led by Texas-certified teachers trained in online instruction.
Presenter(s): Laura Hodges, TxVSN Counselor, Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) laura.hodges@region10.org
Barbara Smith, Project Director, Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) barbara.smith@region10.orgInteractive Courseware: Online, Desktop, Hybrid Course Content
Abstract: Dallas TeleLearning of the Dallas County Community College District offers video and interactive media that can easily be integrated into your learning management system. Designed in multiple media formats, this content allows faculty the opportunity to incorporate rich media into their course, whether online, hybrid, or f-2-f.
Presenter(s): Ms. Becky Stinson, Academic Partnerships Manager, Dallas TeleLearning bstinson@dcccd.edu
Knowledge and Skills online: An Educational model for Improving outcomes
Abstract: This project evaluated the efficacy of an online learning model designed to increase knowledge and improve practice of professionals and support staff when supporting people who have ASD and related disabilities. The learning model was developed to enhance learning outcomes in an online environment while based in human learning theory.
Presenter(s): Dr. Michael Reid, CEO/President, Innovative Learning, LLC vmoellerus@gmail.com
Michael Reid, CEO/President, Innovative Learning, LLC mreidnz@gmail.comOnline Course Facilitation: Developing Skills for 21st Century Learning
Abstract: Online facilitators take on many important roles and wear different managerial, technical, social, and pedagogical hats. This session will introduce you to these roles as well as to a cutting-edge initiative that San Antonio ISD has implemented with PBS TeacherLine to create a district-wide online professional development program.
Presenter(s): Mr. Gregory Rodriguez, Administrative Supervisor, Office of School Redesign, Austin ISD gregrodriguez@gmail.com
Ms. Vicki Moeller, Managing Director, Innovative Learning vmoellerus@gmail.comOnline Professional Development for VS Instructors Using New Web Tools
Abstract: Learn about a model of ongoing professional development for online instructors to refine online teaching skills, address online teaching standards and 21c skills, and incorporate new Web2.0 tools. Learn how the EdTech Leaders Online program helps virtual schools, including Louisiana and Mississippi Virtual Schools, increase their capacity to reach students.
Presenter(s): Ms. Leinda Peterman, Project Director, Education Development Center lpeterman@edc.org
Ms. Barbara Treacy, Managing Project Director, Education Development Center btreacy@edc.org
Ms. Laura Morris, Training and TA Specialist II, Education Development Center lmorris@edc.orgProviding Courses through TxVSN
Abstract: Learn how to make your online courses available statewide by becoming a provider district with the Texas Virtual School Network. In establishing the initial administrative relationship between a provider district and TxVSN, requirements and course standards supporting rigor and high levels of interaction are outlined.
Presenter(s): Angela Clark, Director – TxVSN Central Operations, Harris County Department of Education aclark@hcde-texas.org
Brent Bakken, TxVSN Course Review Coordinator, Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) BBakken@esc4.netProviding Professional Development for Online Instructors
Abstract: Professional Development for online instructors will be discussed, including topics such as NACOL and SREB alignment, building a community of learners, ADA modifications, assessment, and security issues.
Presenter(s): Ms. Jeanie Cole, Manager of Digital Learning and Instructional Technology, Harris County Department of Education jcole@hcde-texas.org
Mr. David McGeary, Instructional Technology Specialist, Harris County Department of Education dmcgeary@hcde-texas.orgShifting Into Virtual Gear: Online Student Orientation and Tutoring
Abstract: Student Orientation and Tutoring are key elements to retention. Help students as they shift into academic mode. Get the best possible MPG by letting virtual face-time in your LMS replace traditional face-time. Let virtual face-time in your LMS replace traditional vehicles: Save fuel, save time, and save students.
Presenter(s): Ms. Kathrine Latham, Instructional Development Manager, Central Texas College kathrine.latham@ctcd.edu
Ms. Sharon Davis, Director: Distance Education & Educational Technology, Central Texas College sharon.davis@ctcd.eduTransforming the Online Course: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques
Abstract: The online course is evolving from one-way didactic instruction to a dynamic place where students actively learn and interact with classmates, instructors, and content. Come to this lively interactive session to see how your online courses can easily become dynamic learner-centered experiences by using Blackboard applications and other tools.
Presenter(s): Ms. Michelle Escudier, Instructional Designer, Central Texas College michelle.escudier@ctcd.edu
Ms. Alexandra Janney, Quality Assurance Instructional Designer, Central Texas College alexandra.janney@ctcd.edu
As always, if you think I have missed any feel free to note them in the comments section.
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