Kaleidoscope Videoconferencing

Each major videoconferencing vendor offers a program to help schools and colleges write grants to obtain equipment; see list below. Often these efforts will focus on the USDA’s RUS grant program, which is highly competitive but has also funded lots of I-TV/Distance Learning projects. Getting assistance in your grant writing effort is a good idea and all of these vendors have capable people that we can put you in touch with. However, organizations should realize that if you have Brand X help you write your grant application, Brand X will make sure that all of your technical requirements are written so that Brand X is the only choice. This is the reverse of the normal process of securing fundings and then making a product selection. Instead organizations that use these services need to first evaluate the available products and select a solution, and then go to the maker of that solution for help with grant writing. As a dealer experienced in the usage of all three major product lines in the videoconferencing world, we can help you evaluate and choose the most appropriate technology for your applications.

• Polycom® Grant Assistance Program
• TANDBERG’s Grant Services Team
• The LifeSize® Grant Assistance Program

J Scott Christianson, owner of Kaleidoscope Videoconferencing, has been awarded the 2009 Distance Learning Leadership Award by the Missouri Distance Learning Association. This honor recognizes outstanding leadership in the field of distance learning. Scott started his work in this field as the technical coordinator for a distance-education consortium in 1993. Over the years Scott has continued to be a leader in Missouri’s distance learning efforts, serving on numerous distance learning boards, task forces, and grant review committees, co-authoring a book about distance education and making more than 23 presentations at regional and national education conferences, sharing his experience and knowledge with others in the education community.

Established in 1998, the Global Nomads Group (GNG) is an international NGO that creates interactive educational programs for students about global issues. GNG’s educational programs include (1) four types of videoconferences – The PULSE, Currents, Innovations and Rapid Response – where students learn about and discuss subjects with their peers from around the world in live, facilitated sessions; and (2) videos and learning content on a variety of international issues relevant to teachers and students. You can check them out by visiting: http://www.gng.org

The Communications Center in partnership with Kaleidoscope is offering a number of workshop on Parental engagement. Designed for teachers and administrators, these workshops will help encourage and incorporate parent involvement within your schools. We offer workshops in 2 hour, 1/2 day, and full day blocks to meet your school’s specific needs. For more details visit The Communications Center.

I wanted to share some exciting news about developments here at Kaleidoscope. We have recently partnered with another local business—The Communications Center, Inc—in order to add several key services to our offerings. The Communications Center is well known as a provider of high quality training to business, schools and communities. But until now the only way to access their resources was by either traveling to The Communications Center in Columbia or having them come to your site. No longer is that a limitation since we have re-located our videoconferencing facility to The Communications Center (Village of Cherry Hill, 1905 Cherry Hill Dr., Suite 200, in Columbia).

This is a win-win solution for Kaleidoscope and our clients. The Communications Center facility can accommodate larger on-site groups for videoconferences. But the more exciting news is that connecting to the experienced trainers and facilitators at The Communication Center is now as easy as dialing a video call. You know that I-TV and videoconferencing can bring new opportunities to your students. So does effective professional development. The training available from The Communications Center includes programs for boards and superintendents who deal with difficult public issues and interact with the media; programs for administrators; and programs for faculty and staff. These programs can help you better communicate on complex issues, save time in meetings, reduce the costs of conflict, and make the most of the resources you have.

For over 10 years, Kaleidoscope has provided technology that helps our clients communicate more simply, effectively, and productively. The Communications Center shares this mission of making communication easier through the delivery of customized, content-rich programming. Like us, they have a proven commitment to satisfying their clients and providing outstanding services.

By working together to offer both technology and content we hope to better meet your needs. For information on some of the trainings that The Communications Center can offer via videoconference visit www.buildingdialogue.com. We have negotiated a 10% discount, good on ALL programs or services from The Communications Center during 2009 for our education clients. You can obtain this discount by simply taking a short online survey that can be found by clicking here. (you will receive your coupon code at the end of the survey). Our Business Clients can also receive a discount on programs from the Communication Center, click here for more details.

Scott