Statewide Videoconference Projects

for

Texas Students

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Texas Connects?

When is it scheduled? 

How can my school participate/register?

How do I get the video connection for the event?

How much does it cost?

What technology do I need to participate?

What else should I know?
 

WHAT IS TEXAS CONNECTS?  
 

Texas Connects Goes Green is a videoconference event for Texas secondary students 6th through 12th grades, planned and sponsored by the Texas Education Telecommunications Network (TETN) and the regional networks of the twenty Education Service Centers in Texas.  It is designed to give students an opportunity to tell others about efforts in their community to protect the Earth’s environment.  Student presenters will conduct videoconference presentations and activities focused on a project or program that protects or improves the natural resources in their community. 

WHEN IS IT SCHEDULED?

This event will be held on May 16, 2008, and will run continuously from 8:30 am until 3 pm (CST).  This will make it possible for schools with a variety of bell schedules to participate during their school day.

 
HOW CAN YOUR SCHOOL PARTICIPATE/REGISTER?

Your elementary students can register to participate any of the three following ways:

  1. Register as a live ‘Presenting Site’ by submitting a ‘Student Presentation Proposal’ for the opportunity to have your students present a live program to other students around the state. Student presentations are short, 10 minute programs that will allow your students to utilize your schools distance learning technology. The Student Presentation Proposal deadline is May 7, 2008. Schools selected to do live presentations will be notified no later than Thursday, May 8th.
     

  2. Register to be ‘Interactive Site’ to be considered as an interactive campus designated to ask questions to the presenting sites. Deadline to register as an ‘interactive site’ is Tuesday, May 13th
     

  3. Register as a ‘View Only’ site to simply allow your students to watch the presentations and interaction between the presenting sites and the interactive sites.  Deadline to register as a ‘view only’ site is Wednesday, May 14th.

HOW DO I GET THE VIDEO CONNECTION FOR THE EVENT?

When you complete the registration process, the DL Consultant or Event Coordinator at your Regional Education Service Center will be notified. Your ESC will work with you to get your students connected for the event.

 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Here is the ABSOLUTE best part: This program is FREE – that’s right, FREE for schools that receive video services from their Regional Education Service Center.

 

WHAT TECHNOLOGY DO I NEED TO PARTICIPATE?  
Students may participate from their Regional Education Service Center or your will need access to a videoconference system in your district on December 14th. The videoconferencing system should be able to operate at 384 Kbps and have a private ISDN or IP (H.320 or H.323) connection to your Regional Education Service Center (ESC). Your site manager must complete site certification with their ESC Event Coordinator prior to December 14th. For more detailed technical information, click here.

 

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?

This Green program is related to several TEKS in grades 6 - 12, particularly in the area of science relating to human activities on nature.