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What is CBTN?CBTN (Coastal Bend Telecommunications Network) is a collaborative for you! It is an entity that oversees the functions of our Region’s Distance-Learning Program. It allows members input into the workings of the program, collaborative grant dollars, scheduling priorities, curriculum input, and much more. Membership allows your voice to be heard for your district. Back to TopWhat is our Region’s Distance Learning Program?Our distance learning program provides a two-way audio video network allowing interactive question and answer sessions between students & teachers. Dual credit/concurrent enrollment, professional development, staff training, virtual field trips, virtual high schools, community education & continuing education courses are just some of the wonderful uses. It can include any type of distance learning program approved by the CBTN. Back to TopWho makes up the CBTN membership?The CBTN membership may consist of school districts, colleges, universities, libraries, hospitals, museums, aquariums, governmental and public entities to provide greater learning opportunities for all participants. It is a designed to have a collection of people from many areas across the Coastal Bend Region. To find out who our current members are click here. Back to TopWhat is the benefit of belonging to the CBTN?Belonging to the CBTN has the following benefits:
Back to TopWhat are the benefits of our Region’s Distance Learning Program?This program has many benefits:
Back to TopWhat is CoBeNet?CoBeNet (Coastal Bend Network) is the nuts and bolts of our network. It contains all of the hardware pieces that connect all of the entities in our Region. T-1 lines, routers, firewalls, servers, and video bridges are some examples of the pieces involved in the CoBeNet structure. Back to TopWhat are the services provided by CoBeNet?CoBeNet provides many wonderful services:
Back to TopHow does our Region’s Distance Learning Program differ from other distance-learning opportunities already available?CBTN differs in three main ways.
Back to TopIs the CBTN collaborative a money making entity for the ESC-2?No. The center offers this service to our region with fees incurred strictly for the administrative duties and coordination of the collaborative. Administrative fees include items such as mail outs, personnel costs, marketing fees, web page design and many other related issues to enhance the collaborative. Back to TopCan districts receive Distance-Learning services without connecting to the ESC-2 for Internet Services?Yes. New options for receiving distance learning services are currently being explored. Back to TopWhat are the CBTN fees of $500?These fees are for the collaborative itself. They are administrative fees to assist in the coordination of the collaborative. This fee gives members the right to decide on courses at their discretion. Also, this membership fee gives your district grant opportunities created specifically for the collaborative. Back to TopCan a district still receive distance learning without being a member of the collaborative?Yes, however this district would lose out on any grant opportunities provided to the collaborative, would not be included in curriculum content, and would not be able to make changes to the CBTN policies and procedures to benefit their own district. Back to TopWhy should my district connect to ESC-2 for Distance-Learning instead of another provider?Many advantages exist for districts to use the services provided by the ESC-2:
Back to TopIn what capacity could my district be involved with the CBTN decisions?A member from your district could sit in on the Board to assist with the policies and procedures of the collaborative. Also, a member from your district could participate on committees and special groups. These groups could be formed specifically for items such as choosing the curriculum content to provide across the network. Groups and committees could then voice their opinions and request to the CBTN Board for approval. *Suggestions to the Distance Learning Program are always welcome! Back to TopCan districts connect to the ESC-2’s video conferencing system if they use a different system than the one suggested by the center?Yes. ESC-2 will provide connectivity for the standard video conferencing systems, including H.320 (ISDN) and H.323 (IP). Back to TopAre grant opportunities available for districts to receive their own Video Conferencing equipment?Yes. There are many grant dollars available for different Distance Learning needs. While districts can utilize USDA grant dollars, the ESC-2 will continue to research different grants to find one that will meet all of our needs and assist the districts in receiving Distance Learning equipment. The ESC-2 website www.esc2.net lists grant information under “G” for grants. It is updated to provide districts with links to many funding resources. Back to TopWho are the districts that are already set up for video conferencing?
Back to TopDo any sites accept participants from other districts?Yes. The sites connected with ESC-2 have agreed to provide their video conferencing room and equipment for the use of others in the region. Please contact them for this information. Back to Top
Education Service Center Region 2
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