Distance Learning Instructor Resources

Welcome to the NETnet Distance Education Resource Center

Be sure to visit the Distance Learning Students Page and the Distance Learning Courses and Programs Page for even more resources!

Distance Education in Northeast Texas

The Northeast Texas Consortium or "NETnet" is the collaborative effort of 15 higher education institutions to bring a wide array of educational opportunities to 50 rural Northeast Texas counties. NETnet's objective is to make available - via innovative distance learning technology applications - a diverse curriculum specifically designed to meet the evolving needs of a highly competitive, yet geographically isolated, client population.

The interactive training materials found in the Instructor area of this site will assist you in the design and development of distance education materials, courses and programs to help meet those needs. The Instructor area is divided into modules, each containing optional interactive self-tests to help you assess your own progress toward meeting the training goals and objectives.

You may choose to complete the modules in sequence, or review only the sections of interest to you. Keep in mind that many of the tips for designing Internet-based distance learning courses can be easily adapted for ITV (interactive videoconferencing) classes, and vice versa, so you may want to visit both sections.

Navigational Tips

At the top of each page is a navigational bar that indicates where you are in within the site. Here's an example from the top of this page:

HOME > Instructors

This "hierarchy" of pages indicates that you are on a page linked from the Home Page.
As you select a topic, subcategories of the topic will be displayed under Available Topics in the left hand menu.
The "Back" button on your browser will take you to the last page you visited, while the "Back To Previous" button in the left hand menu takes you to back to the last main topic.
Alternately, return to the main page of a section by clicking on its link in the top navigational bar.
When you click on a link to another page within this site, you can use your browser's Back button to return to the module.
To see the site map for the Instructor Training Modules, click on the Area Map link in the left hand menu. You can return to the NETnet home page by clicking on the NETnet logo in the upper left hand corner of the screen, or by clicking on "HOME" in the navigational bar.
The links to other (external) sites are set to open in a new window without a navigation bar. If you find a site you want to bookmark or add to your favorites, click on Favorites or Bookmarks at the top of the new page, and select Add to Favorites/Bookmarks.
The first page of each module gives you an overview of the material, links to each section, and the goals and objectives for the module.

Icon Legend

	To work through the modules in order, you can click on the blue 'next' arrow at the end of each page.
	The compass symbol represents an interactive quiz, self-assessment exercise, or other activity.
	Watch a streaming video when you see this pair of binoculars.
	Want to explore further? Look for this symbol to find links to other resources.
	Check out a helpful tip when you see this sign.

To begin, click on any module below:

Introduction: This module highlights the issues and areas to consider when developing or converting a course for distance delivery. You’ll also find information on the online and offline training resources NETnet and its members provide.

Course Design: This module is designed to familiarize you with instructional design concepts for the distance learning environment, and helps you convert an established course or design a new one. You’ll find tips on setting realistic course goals and objectives, enhancing interactivity in distance education Internet and ITV courses, and ideas for assessing and evaluating your students, your course, and yourself.

Course Development: This module provides information on moving from design to development of your distance learning course. You’ll find tips on ‘chunking’ your course into modules, and learn how chunking simplifies the conversion of traditional classes to Internet and ITV delivery. Information is also provided on graphic design and layout for course materials from web pages to PowerPoint presentations.

NETnet Room Operation: This section contains the User's Guide in PDF format for operating the equipment found in your institution’s NETnet distance learning classroom. You’ll also find a troubleshooting guide and contact information for support personnel.

Resources: This section provides a glossary, a FAQ’s (frequently asked questions), technical links and links to valuable distance education resources.

Comments/Suggestions:
Let us know what you’d like to see here! Whether you've gone through some or all of these materials we would appreciate your comments and suggestions for improving this site.

HOME > Instructors

Start the Introduction Module

The Northeast Texas Network Consortium Coordinating Office / 11937 Hwy 155 at Hwy 271 / Tyler, TX 75708
phone (903) 877-7510 / fax (903) 877-7430