New Web Site Engages, Informs School Administrators
The Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) recently launched a new Web site, designed and produced by Clarity Innovations. COSA, a nonprofit organization focusing on professional development, public policy, and advocacy for Oregon schools, is leveraging Clarity's expertise in bringing collaboration and communication tools to engage and inform. The new site is open to the public at www.cosa.k12.or.us.
The new COSA Web site marks the first time that the organization has used emerging technologies like blogs or online discussions. COSA immediately put the new site to use, soliciting feedback on a number of issues, including the debate over how to restructure divisions in the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA). After posting the question to its Hot Topics blog, COSA's membership responded quickly. Nearly 50 school administrators commented within 48 hours on the article.
This was the first time COSA had ever seen such a rapid response from members using its Web site. Web 2.0 technologies like these are at the core of the organization's strategy to bring its expertise online. "Our new Website is a focal point for our entire organization", said Craig Hawkins, COSA's Communications Director. "With more than 2,000 members across the State of Oregon, we see the site as an essential function that provides COSA with new and better opportunities to serve, engage, inform and collaborate with our members." Hawkins added, "Equally essential in the development and launch of our new site is our relationship with Clarity Innovations. Clarity helped us not only create a new site, but also provided us with the training and tools we need to manage it ourselves."
In 2005, Clarity Innovations developed COSA's Web strategy, and has since worked with COSA to implement that plan. In addition to the relaunched Web site, COSA is examining further enhancements to its site recommended by Clarity, including online registration and enrollment, member discussions, conference participation, streaming media, podcasting, and e-commerce.
About COSA
The Confederation of Oregon School Administrators serves and represents more than 2,000 school administrators, managers and executives. COSA was founded in 1974 to give Oregon's education leaders a united voice in helping to shape public policy, advocate for schools and speak on behalf of students. In addition to advocacy, COSA supports and develops educational leaders with unmatched professional development opportunities, including statewide conferences, regional seminars and workshops.
About Clarity Innovations
Clarity Innovations, Inc. is a professional services firm that creates Web 2.0 solutions from a unique hybrid of expertise in education and technology. Clarity helps its clients multiply their effectiveness by making technology more familiar and usable, adapted to address specific priorities and outcomes, with a focus on creating a sustainable return on investment. We innovate the process and practice of teaching and learning.
For more information about this project, contact aray [at] clarity-innovations [dot] com.
