Infinite Campus – Founder and CEO: Charlie Kratsch
About Infinite Campus:
“Infinite Campus is focused on delivering an innovative, evolving student information system (SIS) that K12 districts, regions, and states across the United States rely on today and into the future to effectively collect and manage student data.”
About Charlie Kratsch:
Charlie Kratsch is the founder and CEO of this web-based student information system. Starting this company in 1993, Kratsch began his career working for the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium where he “developed software and configured computer labs for local school districts”. His goal was to become a technology entrepreneur and he was successful, having founded and sold several companies that developed information systems for the healthcare and telecommunications industries.
Infinite Campus came about when Kratsch formed a partnership with his stepfather, a retired school principal. For the past thirteen years, Kratsch has been developing and perfecting Infinite Campus for schools in the United States.
Reflections:
Upon reviewing the information posted on this Infinite Campus website, it is clear that the entire team behind Infinite Campus is experienced and professional.
One thing that really sticks out here, is whether or not an IT or computing background is necessary for any educational technology entrepreneur. While I, a “non-IT” person with a genuine interest in education, have lots of ideas for educational technology, without the IT background, I wonder if I am limited in the scope of entrepreneurial opportunities I can come up with. Often, throughout the MET program, I wonder if I could do more if I had a better understanding of technology. Do you feel the same? Do you think you would have a wider scope of entrepreneurial ideas if you had a better understanding of IT?
Sources:
http://www.infinitecampus.com/home/company/about/company_officers/
http://www.infinitecampus.com/images/PDF_Sales_Sheets/About_Infinite_Campus_Product_Sheet_v3.pdf
Posted in: Week 04: Entrepreneur Bootcamp
Meggan Crawford 8:06 pm on June 3, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Lisa,
I think that you are raising a very valid concern, one that I question about my own background as well! So many of the successful ventures seem to be led by those with a direct background in IT that is seems as though they are required. At the same time, however, it seems common for these IT experts to partner with an educator, which is where I can take some comfort (I fit in!). I think that there needs to be a balance between education and IT in order to create something truly successful in this field.
As for what you can come up with, I would hope that is not limited by a lack of IT knowledge. Perhaps it is possible for the non-IT people to imagine something incredible that will be fully realized with the help of a friendly IT partner.
Either way, I think there is still a place for non-IT experts to imagine incredible ventures and to follow through, there just might be a need for support in the process.
Thanks,
-Meggan
lisamallen 9:41 am on June 4, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thanks for this comment Meggan,
I am hopeful that me lack of IT knowledge won’t get in my way. I think you’re right that educators do have a place in the entrepreneurial world!
Lisa
Leonora Zefi 5:27 pm on June 6, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
HI Lisa .
I appreciate your genuine reflection about the roles on IT and non-IT. This is a question I ask myself very frequently. While I think that the role of the IT person is important to implement a creative idea in a creative way….I think that it’s the qualitative, pedagogically sound content that will prevail and make any venture successful (at least long-term).
Maybe I am too naive but that’s what I like to believe.
Thanks,
Leonora