NEWS ARCHIVE

EPC Spotlights... Data Projections
Data Projections, Inc. initially entered the industry as a technical communications marketer for Texas-based schools and has since evolved into a full-service provider of advanced visual communications products and services and technology solutions. From system design to installation and product training to service and support programs, Data Projections connects their clients with customized end-to-end solutions that are scalable, reliable and, above all, simple to use.
4/4/2008 [MORE]

Screen Shots ...online with Brenda Quintanilla!
A world apart but so much in common. Brenda Quintanilla has discovered the world is a small place with a universal link – education. “If you didn’t know you were in Romania, you would think you were at a local college in the United States,” Quintanilla said. “The contrasts, however, could be seen once you left the campus and traveled into the city or into the small towns.”
4/3/2008 [MORE]

TxDLA Presents Awards at Annual 2008 Conference
The Texas Distance Learning Association (TxDLA) annual conference was held at the Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center on historic Galveston Island March 24-27, 2008.
3/31/2008 [MORE]

Andra Perrin Wins TxDLA Adventure Cruise Game
Andra Perrin, Northwest ISD, is all smiles after winning the 2008 TxDLA Adventure Cruise Game. Conference attendees played the game to learn more about our Partners and to have a chance to win a $200 Amazon.com Gift Certificate. About 50% of those who played got the correct answer to the final puzzle.
3/31/2008 [MORE]

Ron Thomson: 2008 Texas Distance Learning Hall of Fame Recipient
On Tuesday, February 26, the TxDLA Board of Directors officially approved the recommendation by the Hall of Fame Committee to name Ron Thomson as the 2008 TxDLA Hall of Fame inductee. The Texas Distance Learning Hall of Fame Award recognizes long-term distance-learning practitioners or advocates whose careers are characterized by exceptional commitment, outstanding achievements, and enduring impact in the field of distance learning.
3/6/2008 [MORE]

EPC Spotlights... Visionality
Designs That Compute, dba Visionality was founded in 1985 as a technology consulting company, and has always been at the forefront of high tech development. Visionality has assisted many companies and agencies throughout Texas with new product and application developments over the decades.
2/12/2008 [MORE]

2008 Board Election Results
The Texas Distance Learning Association 2008 Board Election results are in and have been tabulated. Ken Rosier, Nominations and Elections Chair and his committee have certified the results of our recent board member elections. Elected were Steve Welch as K-12 Representative, Raymond Hartsfield as Corporate/Private Sector Representative, and Bennie Tschoerner as Chief Information Officer (CIO).
2/11/2008 [MORE]

Screen Shots ...online with Pam Dooley!
Pam Dooley knows that relationships can be developed through online connections. From a virtual shoulder for a student to meeting her husband through online personals, she can attest to the value of internet emoting.
2/12008 [MORE]

TxDLA Fall 2007 Election Results
After a record breaking voting turnout, the Texas Distance Learning Association Fall 2007 Election results are in and have been tabulated. Ken Rosier, Nominations and Elections Chair, and his committee have certified the results of our recent officer and at-large board member elections.
12/20/2007 [MORE]

TxDLA Participates in National Distance Learning Week
A successful 2007 National Distance Learning Week (NDLW), held during November 12-16, 2007 and sponsored by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), promoted and celebrated the tremendous growth and accomplishments occurring today in distance learning programs offered by schools, businesses, and governmental departments.
12/19/2007 [MORE]

Screen Shots ...online with Ron Rushing!
Most people would not want the task of a life or death situation to hang on a wireless telephone connection. Although that might be an exaggeration, Ron Rushing takes his work that seriously as the television network services manager with the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
12/3/2007 [MORE]

TxDLA Fall Elections In Full Swing
The Texas Distance Learning Association has opened the fall elections for two officer positions, President-Elect and Secretary, and one Board Member-At-Large (2008-2011). Voting opened today and will continue through Friday, December 14, 2007, and, if the initial trend continues, a heavy membership turnout is expected.
12/4/2007 [MORE]

TxDLA 2008 Award Nominations Now Open
This is the time of year that TxDLA seeks nominations to honor the best and brightest leaders in distance learning. Nominations are now being accepted online for the 2008 Texas Distance Learning Association awards. Nominations will be accepted until December 15, 2007.
11/19/2007 [MORE]

Screen Shots ...online with Ken Rosier!
Ken Rosier literally started from the ground level of the telecommunications industry. After graduating from Snook High School in 1969, one among 12 others, Rosier’s job was as a ground man. “This was the guy who handed the wrench to the man on the pole,” Ken said.
11/3/2007 [MORE]

Call for Nominations - 2008-2009 TxDLA Officers
TxDLA has several leadership opportunities available that will begin service on July 1, 2008. Two officer positions, President-Elect and Secretary, and one Board Member-At-Large (2008-2011) position will be elected by the TxDLA membership.
11/8/2007 [MORE]

Screen Shots ...online with Lea Bentley Castillo!
Lea Bentley Castillo may well be the rocket scientist of the distance learning world. In a career that currently blasts off from the Houston Space Center, she has flown through a vast network of videoconferencing experiences.
10/1/2007 [MORE]

Bob Barnes Elected to Board Member-At-Large Position
Ken Rosier, Chair of TxDLA's Nominations and Elections Committee, and his committee have certified the results of the Board Member-At-Large election. In a crowded field of 12 candidates, Bob Barnes, Network Manager with the Region X Educational Service Center, has been elected to fill the remaining Member-At-Large term that was vacated by Rhonda Blackburn who moved into the TxDLA’s President-Elect position.
9/28/2007 [MORE]

Vicki Traweek Elected Parliamentarian
The TxDLA Board of Directors elected Vicki Traweek, Director of Distance Education for Weatherford College, to serve as the Association's Parliamentarian, effective immediately. Vicki has been active in the area of two-way video courses, online courses, and high school dual credit classes for the past six years.
9/26/2007 [MORE]

Screen Shots ...online with Tommy Bearden!
Thou shalt not let dust collect on video conferencing equipment! As Bearden considers the world in which students will work within the next 10 years, he projects that we will live in a world dominated by video.
9/1/2007 [MORE]

TxDLA Takes Visionary Lead in Distance Education at National Level
As part of its 20th anniversary theme “Our Past … Your Future!,” USDLA pooled talent from education entrepreneurs and practitioners of life-long learning for concurrent sessions, keynote addresses and project presentations. With more than 200 attendees from across the nation, TxDLA was well represented with 34 members collaborating among the professional and technical resources.
6/19/2007 [MORE]

Former TxDLA Officer and Current Member Has Died-Matt Lawyer [1955 – 2007]
TxDLA has lost a longtime member and past Treasurer with the passing of Matt Lawyer, Birdville ISD, on Saturday, June 23, 2007. Matt served as the association’s treasurer from 2001 to 2003, and was an active member for many years.
6/26/2007 [MORE]

Long-distance Lessons-‘Teletherapy’ Pilot Program Eases Shortage in Lamar CISD
Lamar CISD is involved in a teletherapy pilot program, in which a video link is used to give realtime instruction from a remote site. Since teletherapy is conducted in real time, it meets the guidelines for instruction. A therapist can sit at a central location and provide services to multiple campuses; thus more children can be served. Just as important as money savings, early indications are that the therapy actually works better for many children.
6/6/2007 [MORE]

Screen Shots ...online with Charlie Brown!
SKIE: Hello everyone in TxDLA land. This is Skie VanderKampf, TxDLA's roving reporter sitting in the living room with Charlie Brown, TxDLA's K-12 board representative. How are you doing, Charlie? CHARLIE: I'm doing great, Skie, and thanks for asking. SKIE: You're welcome. Now Charlie, I'd like to ask you a few questions about technolgy, education, and you.
7/2/2007 [MORE]

Pluscht Steps Down as TxDLA Board Chair
After four years as Chairman of the TxDLA Board, Patrick Pluscht announced at the close of the June 20 Board Meeting that he is stepping down as TxDLA Board Chair effective July 1, 2007. Pluscht cited other personal and professional time commitments as the reason he has decided to not seek reelection to the Board Chair.
6/21/2007 [MORE]

Screen Shots ...online with Tahani Henderson
Call her a merchant of virtual wares and travel agent through the digital divide–Tahani Henderson works in the division of Digital Learning and Instructional Technology for the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE).
6/1/2007 [MORE]

Glaser Receives 2007 COSI Excellence in Education Technology Award
COSI (Center Of Science and Industry, Columbus, OH) has announced that Roxanne Glaser, Distance Learning Coordinator at ESC12, Waco, TX, has received their 2007 Excellence in Education Technology Award. This annual award was established to honor those technical coordinators and educators that exemplify excellence in using technology in education. 
5/21/2007 [MORE]

Screen Shots ...online with Bruce Niebuhr
The ashes of science fiction author Gene Rodenberry were scattered into the volumnous vacuum of space. More recently, cremated remains of actor James Doohan, who played Scotty on Star Trek, was blasted into outer space. As an avid science fiction fan, Bruce Niebuhr also anticipates traveling vast distances for the advancement of distance learning.
5/4/2007 [MORE]

TxDLA Presents Awards at Annual Conference
The Texas Distance Learning Association (TxDLA) annual conference was held at the Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center on historic Galveston Island March 26-29, 2007. With a dynamic and diverse membership, it comes as no surprise to learn of the achievements and advances made in distance education by TxDLA’s members and partners.
4/17/2007 [MORE]

TxDLA and VBrick Systems Foster Education Innovation
VBrick Systems, Inc., the world leader in digital video systems and solutions, today announced that it is sponsoring the TxDLA Don Foshee Memorial Grant. TxDLA awarded the 2007 Don Foshee Memorial Grant to Roxanne Glaser, distance learning coordinator, Education Service Center Region 12 in Waco, Texas during the 10th Annual TxDLA Conference, held March 27-29, 2007 in Galveston Island, Texas. READ PRESS RELEASE
4/17/2007 [MORE]

Board Approves Oscar Hernandez to Fill Regional Group Development Chair Vacancy
At the March Board meeting, Oscar Hernández, Spanish Instructor at South Texas College, was approved as TxDLA’s Regional Group Development Chair.
4/17/2007 [MORE]

Dr. Rod Zent: 2007 Texas Distance Learning Hall of Fame Recipient
Dr. Rod Zent, the Executive Director of Texas A&M University’s Educational Broadcast Services, has been selected to the Texas Distance Learning Hall of Fame as the 2007 recipient. Dr. Zent has led the way to reach thousands of students via different means of distance learning. Not only does he practice distance learning, he also teaches it as an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M.
3/6/2007 [MORE]

Choices and Challenges: Lessons Learned in the Evolution of Online Education
The dramatic rise of online education and the lessons learned by academic institutions and new education entrepreneurs engaged in distance education will be presented in a live webinar on May 10, 2007 presented by TxDLA Partner AT&T. Hear about the promise and peril of internet delivered education. President-Elect of the US Distance Learning Association, Marci Powell, will present an overview of the current state of affairs of online learning in higher education.
4/17/2007 [MORE]

Screen Shots ...online with Katie Beedon
Lurking among the shadows, an introverted Zoe Otoole observes a computer-animated world of alter egos built by more than 4 million Second Life residents. “I am amazed at how much it changes each time I log into the site,” Katie Beedon said of the web-based virtual reality community. “Unfortunately, I have to be careful with how much time I ‘live’ in my SL; it can become very addicting.”
3/3/2007 [MORE]

Kevin Eason Selected as Director of Distance Learning at TCCD
After an extensive national search, the Tarrant County College District (TCCD) has named Dr. Kevin Eason as the TCCD Director of Distance Learning effective April 1, 2007. Dr. Eason has been an employee of TCCD for over twenty years, and has an extensive background and varied experience in distance learning.
3/8/2007 [MORE]

EPC Spotlights Visual Innovations
Visual Innovations Company was founded in Austin, Texas to support several customers in the traditional Presentation market. Visual Innovations Company has been providing distance-learning solutions for over fifteen years.
3/6/2007 [MORE]

The Hunt Continues at the TxDLA Conference, March 27-29
The Hunt begins at Moody Gardens in Galveston in less than three weeks - March 27 - 29, 2007. There is still time to register as well as participate in Round 2 of the TxDLA Treasure Hunt. Congratulations to Mike Cauthon, the winner of the first round of the TxDLA Treasure Hunt and recipient a $350 Amazon.com gift certificate.
3/8/2007 [MORE]

Screen Shots: ...online with Laurel Mayo
Like caterpillars, educators are becoming accustomed to the metamorphic change technology causes in the classroom. Under the training and development process at Tarrant County College, coordinator of curriculum Laurel Mayo has seen many butterflies take flight.
2/2/2007 [MORE]

Newly-Elected Focus on Advancing TxDLAs Mission
The TxDLA organization will profit from the experiences and dedication of its newly elected leaders who along with current officers and board members continue to make the organization a dynamic growing community.
1/18/2007 [MORE]

EPC Spotlights Dallas TeleLearning
Dallas TeleLearning began in 1972 as a pioneering step taken by the Dallas County Community College District; distance learning was a new frontier. Through the advancement of technology, Dallas TeleLearning have added robust online options to their courseware.
1/23/2007 [MORE]

Screen Shots: ...online with Howie DiBlasi
The revelations of TxDLA member Howie DiBlasi read of digital-age literacy, inventive thinking, effective communication and high productivity. Within the letters to fellow disciples of 21st century learning skills, the message is to prepare students for a global economy.
1/1/2007 [MORE]

EPC Spotlights the Texas State Technical College Waco
TSTC Distance Learning … Education at your Fingertips! Texas State Technical College Waco has been "doing" distance learning since 1996. The TSTC Distance Learning Department’s courses are designed to offer students with conflicting work schedules and lifestyles more flexibility in planning a course load which they can complete in their own homes and within their schedules.
12/16/2006 [MORE]

2007 Texas Distance Learning Hall of Fame Call for Nominations
Is there someone you know who has made exceptional contributions to distance learning and that you believe deserves a very special recognition for their presence in Texas? Nomination packets will be accepted until 5 PM on Friday, January 12, 2007.
11/15/2006 [MORE]

Screen Shots: ... online with Sally Yang
Distance learning has “triggered a paradigm shift” in the way higher education dispenses knowledge, according to Sally Yang, instructional technology consultant with Texas A&M University. From teacher-centered to learner-centered, new concepts include learning communities, collaboration, individual knowledge construction and authentic learning.
12/1/2006 [MORE]

The 2007 TxDLA Awards are Now Open!
AWARD NOMINATION DEADLINE EXTENDED to Wednesday, December 20. This is the time of year that TxDLA seeks nominations to honor the best and brightest leaders in distance learning.
11/15/2006 [MORE]

EPC Spotlights the University of North Texas 
Demonstrating that 21st century learning is more than just classrooms and textbooks, the magazine U.S. News and World Report has recognized the University of North Texas' programs for distance and e-learning in the Oct. 16 issue.
11/15/2006 [MORE]

Alamo Area Regional Group Holds Annual Membership Drive
The Alamo Area Regional Group held its annual membership drive on November 9, 2006 at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) in downtown San Antonio.
11/15/2006 [MORE]

East Texas: October 17th Meeting Informative and Fun!
Refreshments, socializing, and an icebreaker led by Cristie Ferguson launched the October 17th meeting of the East Texas Regional Group who met at Panola College. 
11/15/2006 [MORE]

2008 Conference Site Announced
Board announces that Moody Gardens on beautiful Galveston Island has been selected as the site for the 2008 conference.
10/15/2006 [MORE]

North Texas Regional Group Plans Christmas Gathering
The North Texas Regional Group will be hosting a Christmas Celebration on December 12, 2006 from 6:30-9:30pm at the Fox & Hound English Pub & Grille sponsored by Tandberg.
11/29/2006 [MORE]

Screen Shots: ... online with Kevin Lemoine
Some teachers lecture; some teachers demonstrate. Distance educators construct learning opportunities with their students. Now, that’s involvement! Kevin Lemoine has bridged a student’s potential to the pursuit of knowledge by integrating technology and promoting interaction. As a French teacher, he utilized language learning software and early chat programs for his second language students.
11/1/2006 [MORE]

TxDLA’s Public Policy committee is giving an active voice to TxDLA’s membership
Public Policy suggests how TxDLA membership can be involved in monitoring and commenting on significant national and state policy that could impact our organization.
10/18/2006 [MORE]

Refer A Friend
Do you want to share the benefits of TxDLA membership with friends and colleagues at an industry conference, event or regional meeting? Distribute TxDLA's "Refer-a-Friend" membership cards.
10/18/2006 [MORE]

KLRN Hosts Alamo Area Regional Group Meeting
San Antonio's public television station, KLRN, hosted the quarterly meeting of the Alamo Area Regional Group (AARG) and demonstrated their digital datacasting pilot project, a system for delivering data over broadcast waves, and is similar in concept to Internet-based video delivery systems.
10/16/2006 [MORE]

Showcasing the Future of Learning
HDTV, IPTV, WiFi. These are just a few of the additions to the technology soup du jour. Add Visual Radio, mobile broadband TV, fiber optics and global communications to the pot and you have a bubbling mix of cutting edge communications technology that is just right to offer digital content in an educational environment.
10/12/2006 [MORE]

AHOY TREASURE HUNTERS! IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN THE QUEST
The deadline to submit a proposal to present at the 10th Annual TxDLA Conference, March 27-29, 2007 at Moody Gardens in Galveston has been extended to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8, 2006, so don't wait!
10/31/2006 [MORE]

Call for Nominations - 2007-2008 TxDLA Officers
TxDLA is seeking leaders like you! The Texas Distance Learning Association needs members like you to help implement our mission and goals! Nomination deadline is noon on Monday, November 6, 2006.
10/18/2006 [MORE]

Skies the Limit!
Listen to some of the reflections of those who attended this year’s TxDLA Fall Leadership Workshop held at Moody Gardens.. courtesy of Skie VadDerKampf, TxDLA’s roving reporter.
10/4/2006 [MORE]

Human Bingo to Snowball Fights - FLWS 2006
Forty-seven distance learning professionals converged on beautiful Galveston, Texas for TxDLA’s Fall Leadership Workshop, September 27 – 29, 2006. Ken Conn, TxDLA’s President, kicked off the workshop with a team building exercise that tested attendees’ knowledge of TxDLA as well as their ability to run full-tilt ...........
10/4/2006 [MORE]

Screen Shots: ... online with Linda Solis
From chalk and blackboards to laser pointers and interactive screens, an educator’s toolkit has evolved as instructional strategies adapt to the influence of technology.
10/2/2006 [MORE]

Diving into Unlimited Possibilities
Leaping into video conferencing is like taking that first dive and bracing yourself for a belly flop. Once you nail it, the fear is replaced with more daring jumps and higher exploits.
8/23/2006 [MORE]

TxDLA 2007 - Discover the Treasures of Distance Learning
Plot your course next year for the 2007 TDLA convention at Galveston island. The promised bounty will expose mysteries as participants "Discover the Treasures of Distance Learning."
6/1/2006 [MORE]

Screen Shots: ... online with Jack Mann
While the work is confidential, Jack Mann and his company have no secrets concerning distance learning solutions.
9/1/2006 [MORE]

F – L – W – S
Gimmie a “F!” Gimmie a “L!” Gimmie a “W!” Gimmie a “S!” What’s that spell?!? FLWS, also known as TxDLA’s Fall Leadership Workshop. This annual event is scheduled to take place Wednesday, September 27 through Friday, September 29 at the fabulous Moody Gardens Hotel on Galveston Island.
8/23/2006 [MORE]

TxDLA FALL LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP: EXPERIENCE THE SYNERGY OF NETWORKING
Kevin Eason got more than sand between his toes at the Padre Island Fall Leadership Workshop. As a team-building activity, Kevin and his group had to build a sand castle. After observing the techniques of a professional, they began working. Another opportunity to experience the synergy of networking will be Wednesday-Friday, Sept. 27-29, at Moody Gardens in Galveston.
7/25/2006 [MORE]

TxDLA Offers Recommendations to the Texas Legislature
The Texas Senate Subcommittee for Higher Education chaired by Senator Royce West recently issued a request for distance learning recommendations for possible legislative action.
8/21/2006 [MORE] </