Can we Learn from Cisco™’s Marketing?
What other “high tech” company understands technology integration issues better than some of our school systems?
Check this link to Cisco™ System’s online presentation, BizWiseTV: Transforming Education for the 21st Century and decide for yourself.
Link to the presentation:
At any rate, the presentation is slick and professional, uses data and testimonials, focuses upon educational outcomes rather than Cisco™ products, and addresses cost issues in a matter of fact way that shows that school districts can surmount this obstacle. (The presentation shows that what school districts need is vision, focus, commitment. Expertise and Open Source Solutions are the easy part.)
More importantly, This Cisco™ presentation provides a model for the kind of marketing materials that Open Source advocates could develop.
Our marketing presentations could include:
- Video that focuses upon benefits of Open Source Solutions for teachers and students
- “Why we must change education” insights from higher education experts
- A validation of how Open Source Solutions increased student achievement in their districts (by one or more school district superintendents)
- Video showing engaged students using Open Source Solutions at school and at home
- “How Open Source Solutions” drive improved instruction and teacher effectiveness
- Testimonials from Real Users
- A panel discussion of the challenges that were overcome by an early adopter districts (with members from various stakeholder groups, i.e., teacher, principal, counselor, IT Department leader, curriculum specialist, superintendent, etc.)
- “How Open Source fits in” by a high-ranking business executive
- Support from any of our Teachers’ Unions
There are many more options that will communicate the benefits of Open Source Solutions, but, this list could be the start of a productive brainstorming session.
And, maybe the videos could be produced and edited with Open Source software.
Of course, the key is to be able to show real student improvement data where the improvement is the direct result of projects and programs that relied on Open Source Solutions. (No “could be,” “if only,” or “we believe” here; but real-world, honest, matter-of fact, instructional delivery and student outcome results.)
But, Cisco™ has developed a presentation model that we can use as a template. So, check out this presentation.
You will have to register to view the presentation, and the presentation can be viewed by Windows™ Media Player of Real™ Player.
This presentation is worth the time that you invest in viewing it.
