April 13, 2012 - 11:30 AM -12:15 PM CT

Audience: Grades 2-5

Have you ever been to a historical museum? What about one that actually talks to you? Watch as figures from Texas come to life right before your eyes. Learn from Cleburn ISD fifth graders about Austin, Houston, Travis and more!

http://www.tetnplus.net/event_Details_email.aspx?eventID=362

If you would to register on the TETN site, please use the above link to gather details about the event and use it to market the program to your schools.

If you have questions of would like to request more information contact JoAnn Roe, Educational Consultant at Education Service Center Region XI. Questions for the presenting students can be submitted via

http://www.todaysmeet.com/texashistory.

On March 28, 2012, high school students from across the state went on a whirlwind tour of potential colleges throughout the state of Texas. Students learned about the history, mission, demographics, admissions requirements, financial requirements, degree plans, and campus life at colleges all over the Texas. Throughout the event students were allowed to text questions to the various college.

This day long video conference event was offered through a collaborative effort between state colleges, local education service centers, and the Texas Education Telecommunications Network and was free for Texas Schools that receive video services from their ESC.

All total we had 18 colleges present. Two of these colleges presented multiple times, and filled 20 presentation slots throughout the day. Presenters had 15 minutes to tell us about their college and then a 5 minute transition time was provided between each university.

Questions from participants were sent to a TETN office cell phone (we have an unlimited texting plan). Additionally, we allowed participants to send questions to the TETN phone via email by using a carrier specific email address. (I've included these at the bottom of the blog post. You will need to adjust them to fit your carrier specific needs) We had a lot of success with this feedback method. Everyone of our presenting colleges received questions via text. About 95% were delivered via text and only about 5% of the feedback came from the email option. During some presentations, the TETN office was overwhelmed by the sheer number.

One draw back to the text message option was a host of juvenile texts, some requesting the presenters phone #, some asking about the party scene, others wondering whether or not a shirt was required on campus, etc. For the most part, the TETN office simply ignored these texts. Strangely, enough those same students would turn around and ask a legitimate question later.

I want to thank Tommy Bearden from region 14 for suggesting we obtain filler questions for those presentations that did not receive a lot of quality feedback from participants. We only had to resort to this method on a couple of occasions as we waited for questions to come in but having those questions on hand proved invaluable.

The 5 minute transition time and 15 minute presentations definitely made us have to stay on our toes. Rob, our video tech, did a great job of checking in with the next presenter to make sure they were connected and ready to go before their time slot. And regions 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 20 did a wonderful job of testing with the colleges they recruited for the event. Thank you again service centers for all the time and effort you put in to make this happen. It was suggested that we consider extending presentation and transition times. (TETN would like to hear the your feedback on this)

It also helped that we ran either a recruiting video or powerpoint on a loop during the transition times. This freed us up to do some back end troubleshooting and helped minimize interruptions as new sites joined the conference.

The presenters all did fairly well considering it was the first time video conferencing for many of them. We provided an outline to the presenters, but I definitely think it would be beneficial to identify some best practices for future presenter as they develop their presentations. A few of our presenters simply sat in a room and spoke to camera without any visuals. Some of the presentations were by actual college students. These seemed to get a lot more feedback, when an actual student was presenting text messages started to pour in.

So that's the long and short of it. Please feel free to ask me any questions you might have. Once again thanks to everyone who helped make this possible and don't forget to check out the carrier specific email a text options below. They are great for teachers utilizing mobile devices in the classroom.

AT&T: number@txt.att.net

Qwest: number@qwestmp.com

T-Mobile: number@tmomail.net

Verizon: number@vtext.com

Sprint: number@pm.sprint.com

Virgin Mobile: number@vmobl.com

U.S. Cellular: number@email.uscc.net

Nextel: number@messaging.nextel.com

Alltel: number@message.alltel.com

Metro PCS: number@mymetropcs.com

Powertel: number@ptel.com

Suncom: number@tms.suncom.com

Inspired by the journey of Philadelphia-area hero Alex Scott, the Alex's Virtual Lemonade Stand Project celebrates the idea that just one kid can make a difference. Join schools from around the world to raise awareness and money for pediatric cancer research, all while participating in standards-based projects that make the process both inspiring and fun. It's all about kids helping kids - - and we want you to get involved!

As part of this two week program, each participating school will hold their own lemonade stands to help raise funds for pediatric cancer. Schools can hold one big lemonade stand day or a series of lemonade stand events throughout the two weeks. They will be able to communicate and interact with one another through a project blog, student-created videos, poster contest and special videoconference events!

Target Audience: K12, College/University

Requirements for Participation: This FREE videoconference project is open to any interested MAGPI or non-MAGPI member school with H.323 videoconference capabilities and connectivity to their state/national research and education network.

Key Project Dates:

Registration Open: Now through April 13, 2012

Make a Difference Commercials Due: May 1, 2012 (optional)

Videoconference Testing: April 16 - 27, 2012

Kick-Off Virtual Pep Rally: May 8, 2012 11am - 12pm EDT via videoconference

School Lemonade Stand Projects: May 8, 2012 - May 22, 2012

Poster Competition Entries Due: May 17, 2012 (optional)

Wrap-Up Celebration Videoconference: May 22, 2012 11am - 12pm EDT via videoconference

Registration: http://magpi.net/Community/Programs/Alexs-Virtual-Lemonade-Stand

To learn more about Alex’s amazing story and donate to the cause visit http://www.alexslemonade.org

Date: March 28, 2012 from 8:00AM-4:00PM

Join high school students from across the state on a whirlwind tour of potential colleges throughout the state of Texas. Learn about the history, mission, demographics, admissions requirements, financial requirements, degree plans, and campus life at colleges all over the Texas. Throughout the event students will be allowed to text questions to the various college presenters and contact information will be provided for follow up questions.

This day long video conference opportunity is offered through a collaborative effort between state colleges, local education service centers, and the Texas Education Telecommunications Network and is free for Texas Schools that receive video services from their ESC.

Schedule: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u06V6Lig9jShQN9C3xFa_7spjhw9ZdctCdE3tkRNJ7E/edit

Registration: http://www.tetnplus.net/student_event_registration_ESC.aspx?eventID=361

Registration Deadline: March 26, 2012

For more information please contact your local education service centers distance learning department or contact jkorb@tetnplus.net.

Beginning February 10, 2012 TETN Plus began using LEARN DFW for Internet2 services and for access to the Texas higher education intranet. Texas A&M had provided these services since the inception of TETN Plus in 2006. “It was a hard decision to make since Texas A&M has provided connectivity and technical assistance to TETN from the beginning of the project,” stated Carol Willis, Manager of TETN.

After analyzing the traffic patterns, it was discovered that TETN Plus traffic was utilizing higher education’s free caching services for things like Microsoft updates. “IP traffic takes the shortest route with BGP, therefore we saw spikes of 200 Mbps going to Akamai caching servers located at the University of Houston and UT instead of using commodity internet bandwidth” reported Lee Williams, TETN Network Engineer. The connection to the Texas higher education intranet was designed for better quality video classes with higher ed institutions and for access to I2. “The move was necessary since the amount of traffic on the intranet far exceeded the amount in the Texas A&M contract. LEARN DFW was offering more bandwidth for less costs, therefore it was a decision based upon financial necessity,” said Ms. Willis.

In addition to cost savings, Ms. Willis said TETN is seeing unexpected benefits from the Texas intranet. “ESCs and their schools are realizing quicker response times for Microsoft updates, and commonly used sites such as Yahoo and Apple, and saving their commodity internet for digital learning.” Overall, the cost saving and added bandwidth from the transition to LEARN DFW has strengthened the TETN network.

March 9, 2012 - 9:30 – 10:20 AM CT, 10:30 – 11:20 AM CT, & 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM CT

Audience: Grades 9th- college sophomores

The Education Department of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum will be hosting three free videoconferences entitled, “The Biography: Writing Techniques by James McGrath Morris, Biographical Author”. This Distance Learning program is a collaboration with the Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference and provides an opportunity to enter the national student essay contest by participating in these programs. This event and contest is for grades 9th – college sophomores. Join us in an interactive presentation by James McGrath Morris.

Here is the registration form: The Biography: Writing Techniques, March 9, 2012

Please note: In order to be considered an “interactive” site, you must choose the videoconference option and you must submit up to 5 questions on the registration form by February 29, 2012. Have your questions ready before filling out the registration form. All interactive sites will be notified of their questions chosen by March 5, 2012.

If you have any questions, please contact Kim Taylor, IVC Facilitator at Education Service Center Region VI.

February 21, 2012 - 9:00-9:50 AM

Audience: Middle School and High School Students

Region 7 will be connecting with representatives from Stephen F Austin’s Agriculture program on February 21, 2012 from 9:00am-9:50am. We’ll explore education requirements, career opportunities, recommendations for preparing in high school for this field, and give students the opportunity to ask questions to our guests. This is a FREE videoconference opportunity for schools who are a part of their local ESC videoconference service agreement.

We’ll explore education requirements, career opportunities, recommendations for preparing in high school for this field, and give students the opportunity to ask questions to our guests. This is a FREE videoconference opportunity for schools who are a part of their local ESC videoconference service agreement.

To register for this program click here.

Additional information can be found on the Region 7 website by clicking here.

February 28, 2012 - 10:30 – 11:30 AM CT & 12:00 – 1:00 PM CT

Audience: grades 3-8

The Education Department of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum will be hosting two free videoconferences entitled, “FORGOTTEN HEROES – THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS.” This storytelling event is for grades 3-8. Join us in an interactive presentation that features the legacy and history of the African American Cavalry and Infantry Regiment. The “Texas Story” is an important historical record of the 9th Calvary and 24th and 25th Infantry. Registration will close February 27, 2012.

To register please click the following link.

FORGOTTEN HEROES-THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS

Please note: In order to be considered an “interactive” site, you must choose the videoconference option and you must submit up to 5 questions on the registration form by February 21, 2012. Have your questions ready before filling out the registration form. All interactive sites will be notified of their questions chosen by February 24, 2012.

If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Taylor, Distance Learning Content Administrator at Education Service Center Region VI.

Winners of the 1st Annual TETN Team Challenge

I am working with two Baylor alumni as they travel around the world. The program is called The Global Encounter Experience* and it is AMAZING! The two guys, Toby and David, are literally traveling around the world starting in New Zealand and will visit places like China, Vietnam, Nepal, Egypt, Cambodia, and many more. We are virtually traveling along with them using technology. We communicate through live webcasts, pre-recorded videos, e-mail, discussion forums, and even online polls (such as this week's poll -"What random act of kindness can Toby and David provide while in New Zealand?").

We are also sharing our experience with other schools. We will be working closely with a school in New Jersey as we see and experience the different countries. Using Skype we will be discussing the experience and what we have learned. There are also many other schools participating. Schools in Taiwan, England, and others such as patients at Cook's Children's Hospital are following along as well.

We have a workbook and online program that we are using as the curriculum for this project. The program, itself, naturally lends itself to multisensory instruction and is literally allowing us to tear down the walls of the classroom and giving students access to THE WORLD!

Because the guys will only be traveling for a year (they left December 31st and will return on December 30th), the clock is ticking. The hope is that The Global Encounter Experience* will give students an opportunity to use critical thinking and real world problem solving skills while gaining cultural awareness. We also hope that they will experience empathy for others as we visit orphanages in Nepal and other countries that are less fortunate than us. I believe that many students will be forever changed because of this experience.

This is such an amazing experience and I know that other schools can benefit from this program as well. The only cost to follow along is the cost for the workbooks and that is simply because they have to pay to have them printed. However, if you just want to follow them using the website and no workbooks, there is not cost at all. However, the workbooks are amazing and our kids LOVE them. Also, purchasing the workbooks allow your students access to several educational videos and discussion forums with Toby and David.

The website is www.global-encounter.com and my blog is at www.bisdizone.blogspot.com if you would like to see how I am using this in my classroom. The news segment that Channel 6 did is on my blog as well. You can also see their itinerary on their website so you will know which places will be visited.

Andi McNair

Bosqueville Elementary

Waco, Texas