Two government agencies have pooled their purchasing power to provide low-cost distance communication tools. Each of Iowa’s Area Education Agencies and the Department of Education has purchased Zoom licenses for their employees. Zoom is a cloud-based, video conferencing service that can be accessed from computers, mobile devices and room conferencing systems. With this tool, a host can invite up to 25 or 100 participants to connect via video conferencing. It also includes screen sharing, annotation, chatting and recording functions.
The Iowa Educators Consortium (IEC), an initiative of Iowa’s AEAs, coordinated the bidding process which led to drastically discounted pricing for the next five years. The IEC is also working to make licenses available for schools, colleges and universities.
“Zoom will save thousands of dollars which are put back into providing services for kids,” said Brent Siegrist, AEA Executive Director. “This distance communication platform will be used by all of our peers across the state making communication seamless. The cost savings also translate into fewer miles traveled and lessen travel time for our staff.”
For more information, contact Dr. Jerry Schnabel.