Vendor Perspectives During the COVID-19 Crisis, S1E8

Vendor Perspectives During the COVID-19 Crisis S1E8

In this episode of the CoSN Podcast, we discuss vendor perspectives with Caroline Rinker, CoSN’s Director of External Relations; Rod Houpe, Director of Business Development at Education Networks of America (ENA); and Michael Flood, Vice President of Strategy at Kajeet. These experts discuss the conversations that need to take place between districts and vendors as the groups mutually plan for success in the new industry reality.

The host leads a discussion on how vendors should be planning ahead for the buying and selling cycle, in light of many schools closing for the rest of the academic year (1:57); how districts can make the right decisions about which providers to partner with, given the current climate (4:50); why companies should be investing in innovation during the economic downturn in order to be successful on the other side (9:36); what leaders need to be at the various “tables” having the discussions about how to steer education funding and procurement moving forward (16:06); why vendors need to communicate a plan to their district partners and the broader community (25:19); how the COVID-19 crisis has sped up a digital transition in education that was already underway (29:14); and more.

Engage further in the discussion on Twitter: @michaelmflood @CoSN

The CoSN Podcast is produced in partnership with ⁠EdCircuit⁠. To learn more about CoSN, visit ⁠https://www.cosn.org/⁠.

EdCircuit Staff: Author

edCircuit is a mission-based organization entirely focused on the K-20 EdTech Industry and emPowering the voices that can provide guidance and expertise in facilitating the appropriate usage of digital technology in education. Our goal is to elevate the voices of today’s innovative thought leaders and edtech experts. Subscribe to receive notifications in your inbox

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Michael Flood: Author

Founder, Alpine Frog. Former Vice President of Strategy at Kajeet.

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Caroline Rinker: Author

CoSN’s Director of External Relations

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Rod Houpe: Author

Rod Houpe is the Advisory Consultant for Identity Automation. Rod has over 30 years of experience as an IT leader in K-12 and state government. Early in his career, he served as both Deputy CIO and CIO for the Ohio Department of Commerce, leading the department’s strategic IT initiatives. Rod then went on to hold CIO positions at Columbus City Schools, Cleveland Public Library, and most recently Cleveland Metropolitan School District. He has extensive experience creating the technology vision and leading the strategic IT initiatives of multiple large enterprise K-12 organizations. Rod has been an active member of CoSN and the Council of Great City Schools, presenting on best practices and serving on several peer review boards. In addition, Rod served in a leadership role on several other advisory boards and non-profit organizations. He has been the recipient of numerous state and national awards, a featured speaker at various IT conferences, and published numerous articles on technology innovation in public education.

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EdCircuit Staff and Michael Flood and Caroline Rinker and Rod Houpe

edCircuit is a mission-based organization entirely focused on the K-20 EdTech Industry and emPowering the voices that can provide guidance and expertise in facilitating the appropriate usage of digital technology in education. Our goal is to elevate the voices of today’s innovative thought leaders and edtech experts. Subscribe to receive notifications in your inbox