The Hunt Continues at the TxDLA Conference, March 27-29
Submitted by Patrick Pluscht, 2007 TxDLA Conference Marketing Chair

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. Mike serves as the Coordinator of Distance Learning Support for Frank Phillips College where their motto is “Start Here…Go Anywhere.” Mike also serves as a co-coordinator of the West Texas Regional Group. 

Would you like a second chance to win? The Treasure Hunt has been re-opened with $200 gift certificate on the line in Round 2. To play, register for the conference at http://www.txdla.org/conference/2007/goREGISTER2007.asp and visit this link by March 15: http://web3.unt.edu/cdl/cdl_flash/TXDLATH/treasurecypher.swf 

Other eligibility details: Those who successfully completed Round 1 have been notified and will automatically be in a second chance drawing for Round 2. If you began the quest, but didn’t finish or weren’t notified that you submitted the correct final answer, you are welcome to try again in Round 2. And, of course, if you’re already registered and didn’t get a chance to play Round 1, you’re eligible to play Round 2. Have fun!

Maybe you don’t like games? Well, here are some other great reasons to join us on Galveston Island for the 2007 TxDLA Conference, March 26-29:

Special Sessions
We will proudly honor four soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas and listen to their stories of taking college level courses over the internet from the front lines while performing a vital role in “Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

We will be amused and inspired by Dr. Luke Barber who will share his nationally-renowned presentation “Work Like a Dog: Fifty Ways to Work Less Play More, and Earn More.” 

We will be amazed as we interact with Elliott Masie, an internationally recognized futurist, analyst, researcher and humorist, who will provide a provocative view of the near future in the world of learning and its implications for educators and leaders. 

Hall of Fame Award
We will recognize the greatness in our midst as we induct Dr. Rod Zent, Executive Director of Texas A&M University’s Educational Broadcast Services, into the Texas Distance Learning Hall of Fame for his long-term distance learning career characterized by exceptional commitment, outstanding achievements and enduring impact. 

Pre-Conference Workshop Added 
Of particular interest to our K-12 attendees, a new pre-conference workshop was added to the Monday morning schedule. In this session entitled “Going the e-Distance with High School Students,” Pam Dooley will discuss a recent pilot program for developing and delivering online courses to high school students and she’ll provide participants with a hands-on tour of the tools available in the Moodle learning management system. Additional details and registration costs are available at http://www.txdla.org/conference/2007/program/preconfworkshops.asp 

Hotel 
Moody Gardens is now SOLD OUT, but we have rooms booked at several overflow hotels nearby.

Moody Gardens attractions pass - purchase a discounted attraction pass for only $35 and enjoy unlimited admission to a number of attractions - good from Sunday, March 25 - Friday, March 30. Bring your family, and make a vacation out of it!
Attraction passes: http://www.txdla.org/conference/2007/mgdiscountpasses.asp 

Partners 
Please visit the conference website at http://www.txdla.org/conference/2007/2007partners.asp and see the list of Partners that have committed to providing resources and sponsorships to make this the most successful conference to date!

Volunteers 
The conference can never happen without the volunteers that work tirelessly to make it go smoothly. Sign up today at http://www.txdla.org/conference/2007/volunteering.asp to volunteer in a number of areas, and see how it all gets done. Get active in TxDLA and help to make this the most exciting and successful conference for all attendees.

There are lots more treasures of distance learning to be discovered at this year’s conference: top notch breakout sessions, a superior line-up of exhibitors and plenty of time to network with your colleagues in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.