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RETN Newsletter Page 1
Vol. 2 - Summer Issue 2005

It's Here!!
Easy Scheduling of Videoconferencing Content Enhancement Programs in Texas!

Connect2Texas is a centralized scheduling Web site for many distance learning program providers in Texas.

Local providers include
Amon Carter Museum
Bass Performance Hall
Fort Worth Nature
Center and Refuge
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
River Legacy
Science Center

Why is this important?
As a member of RETN, teachers can connect to these providers for no additional connectivity costs (program fees apply). There will also be unique opportunities for students added throughout the school year, and scheduling for these programs couldn't be easier!

Check out the schedule of programs at
www.Connect2Texas.net.
Contact Gerri Maglia (gmaglia@esc11.net, 817-740-3607) for more information.

Mark Your Calendars!

What is it?

The Education Service Center Region XI and
Region Eleven Telecommunications Network (RETN)
are hosting a Distance Learning Educator Conference that is designed for teachers and administrators to

  • gain an understanding of the capabilities of a variety of distance learning technologies,
  • provide opportunities for networking with peers in Region XI and around the state,
  • have time to share experiences in distance learning, and,
  • experience fun, food, door prizes, vendor demonstrations, and learning!

When is it?

October 19, 2005, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Where is it?

Education Service Center Region XI
Click here for location information.

How can I participate?

Plan to be a presenter and share your knowledge and expertise. Go to the Call for Proposal for the online submission form. If you prefer to attend and learn from others, please click here to register online. Check the conference Web site in September for the schedule of presentations and vendors to plan your conference experience.

Where can I find more information?

Visit the conference Web site to get information about the conference such as the program schedule, registration link, location, exhibitor information, and the opportunity to submit a proposal to be a presenter. You may also contact Laurie Hogle (lhogle@esc11.net, 817-740-3625) for more information.

http://esc.esc11.net/edtech/laurie/dl_conference
 (You may also copy and paste the link into your browser.)

Each newsletter will announce a contest winner and his or her reward for the RETN District Support Award!

Summer Contest Winner
Margaret Johnson
Joshua ISD Site Manager

Click here for contest info.


RETN Event Scheduling Procedures - click here to find out how to schedule events to be delivered via videoconferencing.
Courses for High School Students
(Important information for Course Facilitators) Click here to get more information about sharing courses, dual-credit courses, and course facilitation.

The maintenance agreement contracts have been sent to the district contacts. Please verify that your site has
returned the signature page with a P.O. to Carla Crocker. If your signature page has not been returned,
please do so as soon as possible. It is very important to have this contract in place in order to ensure limited
down time if there are problems with your system.

Also, many videoconferencing systems are reaching end-of-life. Now is the time to consider an upgrade to your
systems. Contact Pat Crawford or Carla Crocker for options and to determine the most cost-effective means of
ensuring your system is ready when you need it. It is important to test your systems before the school years
starts to ensure that everything is ready for your students and staff to take advantage of the many opportunities delivered via RETN.

Patrick Crawford, pcrawford@esc11.net, (817) 740-3648 - Carla Crocker, ccrocker@esc11.net, (817) 740-7605


For more information and to see a listing of programs, events, courses, sites,
and the designated Site Manager, visit the RETN Web site.
www.esc11.net/retn
To quickly see what events are scheduled for a particular day, check out our monthly event calendar.
Click here for page 2