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A Guide To Exploring the Wired For Learning CD-ROM
Your Wired for Learning Map
Suggestions On Routes To Take
Information About Your Guides
A Guide To Exploring The Wired For Learning CD-ROM
There was fear that fortune and honor might be lost if a ship did not return from the unknown oceans. There were no landmarks to guide the individuals who dreamed of a better route. Early explorers, setting a new course, committed themselves to bringing their dreams to fruition. The naysayers were symbolic of those who fear failure, who think the world needs to remain static, and pursue only what is probable-- or, at least, what has been done before. The adventurers took risks, sought what their imaginations told them was possible, and were motivated by future opportunities. They envisioned a break with the past and designed a way to start down the path to an entirely new future.
The development and implementation of distance learning networks could be compared to the breakthroughs of the European explorers in the 15th century. A small group of visionaries in East Texas believed that advanced telecommunications networks could give rural and small schools a dramatic and insurmountable competitive advantage over the traditional educational program. The group that styled itself "ET-LINC" has had an extraordinary influence in Texas because they were the first constituency who grasped the significance of a broadband audio/video, data, and Internet high speed network.
When we started working together six years ago to form a consortium and to build a broadband distance learning network, we were told, "Beware! Beyond this place, there be dragons." Indeed, the professional careers of many of the ET-LINC members depended on the success of the plan to bring distance learning technologies to East Texas. The personal motivations of the members included a desire to explore the technology as well as the opportunity to exploit the capability of the new multi-media tool to benefit students and community.
There were no existing maps or "how to's" in the state other than the pilot experience of San Marcos. We, as early adopters, have learned many lessons. For districts who want to use the technology to expand their curriculum offerings this CD-ROM and video set will be valuable.
Many educators who are bringing technology innovations to their schools do so only when there is a proven track record of useful productivity and improvement. They also want strong references. The replication of the ET-LINC experience into a generic model should be beneficial because it was designed to respond to those concerns.
Users of this multimedia kit have divergent needs. Some schools will consider distance learning technologies only if they have limited options to expand their curriculum offerings. Most educators are very price-sensitive, demanding of technical quality, and concerned that these technologies are "not just another educational fad." The CD-ROM and videotapes should assist these educators in answering the questions that are pertinent to their community and stakeholders.
Wired for Learning has been designed to remove the mystery, unknowns, and dragons from the process. The text materials have been replicated from the project funded as "Creating Connections." We have simplified and systemized the "lessons" learned in a four-year period from the "Creating Connections Project". Our experience should result in a product that is reliable and provides crucial information for any group seeking to develop a distance learning network.
Your Wired for Learning Map
Here we provide a basic map to help you navigate this CD-ROM and its accompanying videotapes.
Just as an individual would go the school office when first visiting a campus, we encourage you to stop by our Office as a starting point to begin your journey. Here you will find:
- The Overview
- The Table of Contents which identifies the materials in the different rooms of the CD-ROM.
In the Builders' Classroom, you will find:
- A training and partnership building model, entitled Local Planning Model. It provides a "how-to", text, graphics, and materials that can be printed for use with your district's team.
- The Consortium Planning Model which summarizes the use of two-way interactive video networks in the schools. It provides critical information that any partnership must consider.
- Illustrated "blueprints" for the retrofitting and installation of the distance learning classroom along with customized layouts.
- Videos to accompany this section are "Blueprint for Distance Learning," "Taking the Hocus Pocus Out of Telecommunication, "Frequently Asked Questions About Distance Learning"and "Seeing the Light."
The Multimedia Classroom contains teacher's materials. You will find:
- The "best tips" for teachers
- Forms that students and teachers need which may be printed as samples to be adapted by each user.
- A description of the Distance Learning Coordinator's Job
- Videos for this section include "The ABC's of Distance Learning"which shows a humorous approach to distance learning while pointing out key strategies of teaching on-line.
- "What Students Want-What Students Need" is a video showcasing students who have been involved in distance learning. They speak to the heart of this entire project-- about the benefits distance learning technologies provide to the student.
As in any school, we have a library. It contains information pertinent to a subject being researched. So, too, does the Library in our virtual school. Here you can find:
- A summary of each video, and topics covered.
- A glossary to explain technical terms.
- Links to on-line sites to obtain current information. If, for example, you want to check the monthly schedule of on-going classes for ET-LINC, check the TAMU-Commerce site.
- "Frequently Asked Questions." These are the standard concerns and issues that any partnership must consider for planning, funding, and management.
- A "History of ET-LINC" and information on the Core Team members.
Suggestions on Routes To Take
From that point you may wish to view "Seeing the Light," and then the "Hocus Pocus" video.
If you are a teacher:
Go to the video"The ABC's of Distance Learning." which will orient you as a teacher to the aspects and "surprises" that may be awaiting you through teaching on-line.
From there you may want to visit The Multimedia Classroom, or other rooms..
If you are a technology director:
Go to the "Hocus Pocus" "Blueprint" and Frequently Asked Questions videos and to the Builders' Classroom for the Blueprint information.
You may also want to see the Coordinator's Job Description found in The Multimedia Classroom
and the Glossary of terms and the Frequently Asked Questions that are found in the Library.
If you are a superintendent or district administrator:
Go to the Builders' Classroom. You may want to view the "Blueprint for Distance Learning" "Frequently Asked Questions", "Hocus-Pocus" and "What Students Want, What Students Need" videos.
You may want to go the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Library for information which outlines costs, management and partnership issues as well as daily operational procedures. You may also want to check out the Glossary and History of ET-LINC.
In 1992 we set sail for a New World in education that could be brought to us through high-speed networks. We had heard the old tales of dragons and monsters that would come from the deep and dash our dreams upon the rocks of the unknown. Our dreams and our commitments sustained us. The winds of change enabled us to reach our destiny. We wish you "Godspeed " as you embark on a journey that can change your school and community.
Information About Your Guides
Project Directors for Wired For Learning
July, 1998
In 1990 Peggy Meathenia was the first administrator to begin the process of bringing broadband telecommunications into the Texas public schools. She formed a team in San Marcos ISD that had high school students on-line with a university in January 1992.
Meathenia joined Gladewater ISD where in the fall of 1992 she joined in efforts to bring a wide-area network of schools in East Texas together as ET-LINC. She has been involved in all aspects of the technical design of this advanced broadband network. Development of school and university consortiums is considered her forte.
Under her direction, ET-LINC received a $1,000,000 award from the Texas Education Agency to implement distance learning technologies at 12 school districts. In addition to conceptualizing, she has been involved in training as well as management of the distance learning network.
Today as Assistant to the Superintendent, Lufkin Independent School District, she is again assisting a regional consortium to bring educational opportunities and services to learners of all ages. Wired For Learning represents replication of the process to bring advanced telecommunications to education.
Rita Lynn Dobbs:
Rita Dobbs currently serves as the Project Director for a 14 county School-to-Careers program in East Texas. She has worked in the education field for 22 years as a teacher and administrator.
She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Texas A&M University-Commerce, and is currently completing her doctoral requirements at that institution. Certifications include all level P.E., English, supervisor, mid-management and superintendent.
Ms. Dobbs began her teaching career in McKinney, Texas and has taught in Mt. Pleasant, Marshall, Leonard, and Quitman. She has served as a Curriculum Director and as an Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology for Fruitvale ISD and Rains ISD. She taught in the English and Physical Education departments at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas.
She serves as a Core Team member and Vice-President for the ET-LINC schools.
