TxDLA Resources
Half and full day hands-on sessions that feature a more focused, in-depth exploration of a particular distance learning topic. Pre-registration and additional fee required.
Pre-Conference Workshops
SHHHH! Don't Tell Them They are Learning!
Join the Virtual Endeavors team members from Texas State Technical College as they guide participants through an actual class delivered via Second Life. This session will highlight various online tools used to teach classes at vTSTC and delve into the ways their team uses technology in an effort to support learning experiences that are effective, efficient and maybe even a little fun!
This activity is for those TxDLA members with Second Life experience already under their belt. This will NOT be an introduction to Second Life, but rather a development opportunity for virtual world educators wanting takeaways for their own real world classes. So come to the session armed with your SL avatar, a sense of adventure and a willingness to share.
Join the Virtual Endeavors team members from Texas State Technical College as they guide participants through an actual class delivered via Second Life. This session will highlight various online tools used to teach classes at vTSTC and delve into the ways their team uses technology in an effort to support learning experiences that are effective, efficient and maybe even a little fun!
This activity is for those TxDLA members with Second Life experience already under their belt. This will NOT be an introduction to Second Life, but rather a development opportunity for virtual world educators wanting takeaways for their own real world classes. So come to the session armed with your SL avatar, a sense of adventure and a willingness to share.
| Date | Time | Location | Cost | Seats Available |
| Sunday, March 21, 2010 | 10:00am - 1:00pm | West Alabama | $75 | 13 |
15 Free Web and Learning 2.0 Tools You Can Implement Virtually
In the era of Web and Learning 2.0 there is a promise of new possibilities for increased sharing, learning visualization and creative expression through mashups, the social web, collaboration and community. There are lots of free tools that have potential for expanding and enlivening your course content and engaging students. But which tool will work for you? How do you use them, and why should you? After this session, you'll understand 1) how and why to use some free web and learning 2.0 tools; 2) how to create course compatibility content feeds, instant messaging , social mapping, web-based sharing, mashups, and more; and 30 how effective use of fee web and learning 2.9 tools can engage students.
In the era of Web and Learning 2.0 there is a promise of new possibilities for increased sharing, learning visualization and creative expression through mashups, the social web, collaboration and community. There are lots of free tools that have potential for expanding and enlivening your course content and engaging students. But which tool will work for you? How do you use them, and why should you? After this session, you'll understand 1) how and why to use some free web and learning 2.0 tools; 2) how to create course compatibility content feeds, instant messaging , social mapping, web-based sharing, mashups, and more; and 30 how effective use of fee web and learning 2.9 tools can engage students.
| Date | Time | Location | Cost | Seats Available |
| Sunday, March 21, 2010 | 10:00am - 1:00pm | Chevy Chase | $75 | 1 |
How Can We Design With Games?
Learning should be like a good book that you don't want to put down. Join us as we explore a process of instructional design that uses narrative and games as a way to increase engagement and critical thinking. Alternate reality games blend the world of fiction with reality creating a mix that engages students in problem based learning. Participants will learn the basics of developing these creative learning environments utilizing resources freely available on the Read/Write web and in most schools. Bring your laptop and creativity to Houston and learn how you can use blogs, twitter, wikis, podcasts and other new media formats to bring your courses to life.
Learning should be like a good book that you don't want to put down. Join us as we explore a process of instructional design that uses narrative and games as a way to increase engagement and critical thinking. Alternate reality games blend the world of fiction with reality creating a mix that engages students in problem based learning. Participants will learn the basics of developing these creative learning environments utilizing resources freely available on the Read/Write web and in most schools. Bring your laptop and creativity to Houston and learn how you can use blogs, twitter, wikis, podcasts and other new media formats to bring your courses to life.
| Date | Time | Location | Cost | Seats Available |
| Sunday, March 21, 2010 | 2:00 - 5:00pm | West Alabama | $75 | 0 |
Teach From The Stars: Understanding Information Security
Have you ever considered the potential security risks of using many of the latest Web 2.0 technologies in your classes? Do your students know how to protect their privacy online? Join us as we discuss several strategies to help you ensure that your classes are both cutting edge and secure!
Have you ever considered the potential security risks of using many of the latest Web 2.0 technologies in your classes? Do your students know how to protect their privacy online? Join us as we discuss several strategies to help you ensure that your classes are both cutting edge and secure!
| Date | Time | Location | Cost | Seats Available |
| Sunday, March 21, 2010 | 2:00 - 5:00pm | Chevy Chase | $75 | 10 |
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.
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.
| Date | Time | Location | Cost | Seats Available |
| Sunday, March 21, 2010 | 2:00 - 5:00pm | San Felipe | $75 | 19 |
Second Life Conference
Second Life In-World 1-Day Event
This will be a live 1-day conference event in Second Life. Presenations will focus on the use of Second Life in education. Presenters will discuss how they have incorporated this virtual world into their classrooms.
More information on the TxDLA Second Life conference
This will be a live 1-day conference event in Second Life. Presenations will focus on the use of Second Life in education. Presenters will discuss how they have incorporated this virtual world into their classrooms.
More information on the TxDLA Second Life conference
| Date | Time | Location | Cost | Seats Available |
| Friday, March 26, 2010 | 9:00am - 4:00pm | In World (Second Life) | $25 | 0 |