Friday, January 22, 2010

Video Conferencing Solution For MSET

Advanced Collaboration Tools Will Connect MSET Teachers, Students and Administrators

The Mid-State Education District (MSET), one of Minnesota’s largest and most innovative school cooperatives, has adopted IOCOM’s video conferencing solution for its ten school districts. MSET will use IOCOM’s software for convenient distance learning, teacher collaboration, teacher training, and administrative meetings, sparing time-consuming and often dangerous travel.

MSET relishes the application of IOCOM’s multipoint, multi-resolution video conferencing capability throughout its system of over 500 teachers and administrators, as well as its 10,000 students. IOCOM’s software architecture allows MSET to reach netbook, laptop and classroom users from school, home or administrative offices. IOCOM’s standards-based connectivity allows MSET to tie in its existing video conferencing resources as well as the region’s phone and messaging system.

MSET’s chief technology officer, Charlie Diebel, is excited about the IOCOM technology, stating: “The more my colleagues and I use the software, the more impressed we are. We couldn’t believe the mix of powerful video capabilities, device flexibility, and the ease of use. My Districts clamor for it.”

By providing courses at both the high school and college levels via interactive television (ITV) in conjunction with Central Lakes College, St. Cloud State University and East Central Minnesota Educational Cable Cooperative (ECMECC), MSET is offering students opportunities that would normally be unavailable to them through traditional classroom instruction. By doing so, MSET supports the local school districts by allowing them to retain students that would otherwise be forced to leave the district for educational opportunities elsewhere.


About MSET

Mid-State Education District (MSET) is one of 15 regional service centers and technology hubs for Minnesota’s public school system. It is known for its robust, 150-mile fiber optic network, the largest education network in the state. MSET is also the central intake point for all Early Childhood referrals for all schools in Morrison County, working to coordinate and deliver special education and related services to children and youth (ages birth to 21 years) including referral, identification, consultation, direct service, and transition planning. MSET receives referrals from a number of sources including doctors, public health, day care providers, teachers and parents. MSET is one of 15 regional service centers and technology hubs for Minnesota’s public school system. MSET is known for its robust, 150-mile fiber optic network, the largest education network in the state.