Starin Education Technology Solutions ebook Spring 2023

Map of Technology

As a companion to the Education Technology Solutions ebook, we’ve developed this visual tool – a pictorial representation of any typical education space and the technologies within each room. This will help your customer visualize how these products will fit into their space, how they can assist in the learning environment and allow improved opportunities to grant accessibility to all.

The spaces included are the Lobby & Front Office, Cafeteria, Hallway, Classroom, Auditorium, and Gymnasium. Click any room to get started. This will open up in a new webpage.

Elevating the Educational Environment — A SMART Customer story with Beardsley School District

By SMART

Teachers and School

Kevin Williams-Assistant Superintendent

Ryan Frank-Beardsley Director of Technology

Aimee Williamson-Principal

Sharon Lutje- Technology Teacher

Kari Baker- Technology Teacher

Challenge

Allowing students to feel the classroom is a safe place to have a positive and engaging interaction with technology relationally while still building much-needed learning skills.

SMART Solution

SMART Board 7000 series

SMART Learning Suite

Result

SMART solutions gave students access to more learning opportunities. Teachers were able to develop multi-dimensional lessons that reached all learners through multi-touchpoint professional development opportunities that were tiered for all levels of technology. Teacher and Student relationships were strengthened by positive educational interactions.

Motivation: A Shift in Pedagogical Strategy

Technology use away from school has caused a barrier to learn because it is seen more as a source of passive entertainment and not as an opportunity to actively engage students in learning experiences. Students might have some technology at home but it’s isolated and they’re not getting the human interaction they need. Keeping students actively engaged has been a challenge in the Beardsley School District. Some students come to school and feel like they have to “power down” to learn. Aimee Williamson, principal at Beardsley School Elementary, has seen an increase in student

absences and lack of student “buy in” to the idea that school can be a place of fun and learning. Her mission is to fill the gap by showing the students that the classroom is a safe place to have a positive and engaging interaction with technology relationally while still building much-needed learning skills. Williamson believes, “We need to have the technology and human interaction come together to create the change that’s going to empower future generations.”

Beardsley has found a way to meet students where they are, using SMART technology as the vehicle to motivate and increase student participation in the classroom.

Why SMART?

Ryan Frank, Beardsley’s Director of Technology, was given the task to find the right product that would benefit teachers and the economically impacted district. We wanted to empower our teachers to take a step forward in understanding and recognizing how active use of the right technology can positively impact students. There was much technology that would work, but the priority in the decision making process was to elevate the educational experience for students and to enhance the curriculum that teachers already had. Ryan wanted technology that would have longevity. The deciding factor for Beardsley was SMART’s commitment to education. According to Ryan, “SMART’s

“It’s in SMART’s DNA to support teachers and their endeavors to be better teachers.”

commitment to education is unmatched!” Not only do they have a great product but their support for teachers is undeniable. It’s in SMART’s DNA to support teachers and their endeavors to be better teachers.” Having a SMART board in each classroom along with SMART Learning Suite subscription has allowed teachers to take their students to places they have never been. The interactive abilities between SMART and devices allow for seamless learning.

Motivating Students to Participate in Fun and Educational Experiences

Teachers are bringing their lessons to life with the help of SMART. “Some of our kids have never really been outside of the Bakersfield community so when you try to teach something, and they have no understanding, it’s a great way to integrate new experiences that they otherwise wouldn’t have,” emphasized technology teacher Sharon Lufte. In Beardsley, students are collaborating and creating new meaning, building educational relationships with their peers and teachers.

Including a student-run broadcast called “Bear TV,” where students create scripts, produce and broadcast video out to all classrooms eagerly watching the live show on their SMART Boards. Bear TV consists of silly challenges such as; throw a pie in the principal’s face, escape rooms, dancing, playing a SMART activity and much more. Principal Aimee Williamson, capitalized on

the technology, shining a focus on school being a place of fun. “If students feel that school is fun and a great place to learn, they’ll want to be there and be a part of it.”

Outcome: Using SMART Learning Suite.

According to Aimee Williamson, “The classroom is a safe place to have a positive interaction with technology in a personal way while still building the much-needed relationships with each other.” Teachers are rejuvenated, jumping in full force to create dynamic learning experiences for the students and are excited to continue using SMART Solutions to facilitate active learning for students in their classrooms.

The impact of meeting students where they are has improved student attendance in Beardsley from 40 students absent down to less than 15 students absent per day. Students are coming to school more consistently and engaging in interactive learning they enjoy and benefit from.

Esports, Podcast Studios, and Audio-Visual Clubs: The Technological Advancements in K-12 Education

By Jennifer Weaver, Business Development Education for Starin

Esports, podcast studios, and audio-visual clubs are rapidly gaining popularity in K-12 education. These extracurricular activities offer students the opportunity to acquire critical life skills while engaging in a fun and

stimulating environment. One of the major factors driving this trend is the significant technological advancements that have been made in recent years.

Esports

Esports is a form of competitive video gaming that has exploded in popularity over the last decade. It is now recognized as a legitimate sport and is played at the professional level worldwide. Esports in K-12 schools offer students the chance to develop teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking skills while playing games that they love. But what has truly driven the growth of esports is the technology behind it.

Esports is heavily dependent on advanced gaming systems, high-speed internet connections, and powerful hardware. K-12 schools that have embraced esports have invested in state-of-the-art gaming systems and peripherals such as high-end gaming PCs, microphones, speakers and LED Video walls. This has allowed students to play games at the highest level and compete with other schools around the world. Esports arenas have been designed to show any players screen at any moment. The arenas also have the ability to stream out to spectators that are watching on line. Technology like matrix switching, video steaming and audio take Esports events to the next level.

Podcast Studios

Podcasting is a rapidly growing medium that allows anyone to create and distribute their own audio content. Podcast studios in K-12 schools provide students with the opportunity to produce their own shows while learning the necessary technology skills..

K-12 schools that have invested in podcasting technology have set up soundproof recording booths and equipped them with professional-grade microphones, mixers, and editing software. This technology enables students to record high-quality

audio and produce podcasts that rival professional productions. Schools are also utilizing Unified Communication technology such as Zoom, Teams, and Cameras. This always for a “face to face” feel when recording.

Podcast technology has also revolutionized the way students communicate and collaborate with each other. In the past, students might have had to rely on outdated tools like email or face-to-face conversations to work together. But with podcasting, they can communicate and collaborate asynchronously, recording their parts of the show and editing them together later. This technology has enabled students to work more efficiently and has encouraged collaboration on a global scale.

Audio-Visual Clubs

Audio-visual clubs provide students with the opportunity to learn about cameras, lighting, video, audio and editing software to produce their own videos, documentaries, short films and more. Technological advancements in cameras and editing software have made it easier than ever for students to create professional-quality video content.

K-12 schools have invested in video production technology, including cameras that can shoot in high-definition and 4K resolution, as well as professional editing software such as Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro. These tools allow students to produce videos that are visually stunning and highly engaging.

Students in the AV Clubs are also learning the basic of the audio-visual field. Things like, resolution, HDMI VS USB-C, audio feedback, event set up and more. These students can be the next generation of AV Designers and Engineers.

The New Logic of Learning

By Logitech

Our education-first solutions help technology better adapt to the needs of students and educators. We create beautiful, intuitive, ready-to- connect tools that are packed with innovative features, and classroom-tested to withstand daily student life.

By partnering with students and educators we ensure every tool is built around the learning experience. We make technology more accessible, learning more meaningful, and outcomes more impactful. We seek to drive sustainability with products that are easy to deploy and manage across an entire classroom, school or district.

Our commitment to education

Our goal is to boost student and educator potential and enhance the way schools deliver education.

We are relentless in our pursuit of tools that make a true difference, and it’s this passion that drives us every day to design products that create transformational and accessible experiences for students, educators, administrators, and schools.

We seek to enable educators and students to express ideas, engage with and create compelling content, and collaborate whilst building stronger communication and connection.

We design to inspire curious minds

Serving students

We design our solutions with student input throughout the entire process, enabling better support for focus and stamina, boosted creativity, and increased engagement.

Enabling educators

We help educators teach seamlessly with technology in more inclusive and engaging ways so they can deliver more measurable and positive outcomes using solutions designed for student-centered learning.

Supporting schools

We support the development of vibrant educational environments while meeting the practical needs of school curriculum and budgets with durable solutions that are easy to deploy, manage, and use.

For over 40 years, Logitech has been developing tools that deliver new levels of productivity, convenience, and comfort.

Designed for Learning, Built for Schools

By Logitech

Logitech delivers solutions that offer the compatibility, ease of deployment and use, high performance, and rugged durability schools need to set their IT teams, educators, administrative staff, and students up for success.

Out of the box compatibility

Logitech solutions are ready to go no matter which platforms or providers a schools uses, including leading learning apps, platforms and devices, extending the value of existing technology investments.

Learning apps

• Compatible with learning and classroom apps including Google Classroom, DuoLingo, Microsoft Whiteboard and more

Video + Audio

• Designed to work seamlessly with leading platforms including Microsoft Teams, Google and Zoom

Hardware + Devices

• Ready for any ecosystem from Mac and PC to Chromebook™ and iPad®

Easy to deploy, use + sync

Logitech products are reliable and easy to use and deploy. They help reduce learning downtime, training requirements, and troubleshooting – which ultimately alleviates the IT burden.

For extra peace of mind, each product comes with:

• A dedicated Education Customer Care team

• A 3-year warranty on most products

• Education-friendly packaging to expedite and simplify deployment

Budget friendly

Logitech’s education solutions are priced to align with today’s district budgets and designed to maximize total cost of ownership while complementing existing investments.

Rally Bar Mini + Tap

With a dual-camera system and RightSight 2 auto-framing technology, Rally Bar Mini helps bring the classroom to remote students. Educators can choose Speaker View to highlight the active speaker, Group View to capture every student in the room, or combine the two for an immersive virtual learning experience.

Rally Plus

For large classrooms, Rally Plus offers cinema-quality video, outstanding color, and exceptional optical accuracy that helps keep students engaged and focused. Using AI, human perception, and automated PTZ, Rally keeps the camera on the action, so every student feels part of the lesson.

Logitech Scribe

Logitech Scribe’s builtin AI and custom lens allow educators to bring the familiar whiteboard into video classrooms, empowering in-person and remote students to actively engage in learning exercises.

Learn More About Logitech Education Solutions

Listen to Learn, Hear to Enjoy

By Electro-Voice

High-performance audio, low-key looks

Our installation-dedicated loudspeakers are acoustically and aesthetically matched, so whatever combination of products you select, your system looks as good as it sounds – blending into the architecture while filling the room with superior audio quality.

Flexible options to suit your space and budget

We offer one of the industry’s largest portfolios of product options, a range of choices to precisely address spaces of every size and shape with uncompromising performance – from ceiling speakers to line arrays.

Get your message across clearly

Achieve a clean, natural-sounding mix for voices and music, with the highest intelligibility and even coverage across every seat.

Easy operation included

Teachers, pupils and even parents have placed growing demands on any school event in recent years, and expectations are high. Our solutions achieve the ideal balance of sophisticated performance and simple operation, via intuitive software control interfaces.

School halls + auditoriums

SCHOOL HALLS & AUDITORIUMS

EXAMPLE FOR 300 TO 600 SEATS

System overview

System Overview

TS400 array speakers combined with EVC subwoofers serve as mains to cover the room. Time-delayed and volume adjusted TS200/100 ensure even sound distribution to every corner. PolarChoice and RE3 wireless microphones complement the performance.

TS400 array speakers combined with EVC subwoofers serve as mains to cover the room. Time-delayed and volume adjusted TS200/100 ensure even sound distribution to every corner. PolarChoice and RE3 wireless microphones complement the performance.

System Benefits

System benefits

Excellent speech and music quality with reliable performance through the combination of vertical array speakers, C series amps with FIR presets and highquality microphones.

Example for 300-600 seats

Excellent speech and music quality with reliable performance through the combination of vertical array speakers, C series amps with FIR presets and high-quality microphones. Overload protection using patented protection circuits in the C series amplifiers. Simple operation via stored presets for each type of event.

Overload protection using patented protection circuits in the C series amplifiers.

Simple operation via stored presets for each type of event.

AMPLIFIER

2x C1800 FDI (front / delay-lines)

1x C2800 (subwoofer)

LOUDSPEAKER COMPONENTS

2 x TS400w (front)

2 x TS200w (delay line #1)

2 x TS100w (delay line #2)

Amplifier

2 x EVC-1181S-B (subwoofer)

1 x PolarChoice 18 XLR (lectern)

2x C1800 FDI (front/delay-lines)

1x C2800 (subwoofer)

1 x MXE5 (matrix controller)

2 x RE3-ND86 (wireless microphone system)

Loudspeaker components

2x TS400w (front)

2x TS200w (delay line #1

2x TS100w (delay line #2)

2x EVC-1181S-B (subwoofer)

1x PolarChoice 1B XLR (lectern)

1x MXE5 (matrix controller)

2x RE3-ND86 (wireless microphone system)

If you need it, we‘ve got it!

The vertical array and EV Innovation loudspeaker families

technolgy and architecture in schools, auditoriums, gyms

The models in each series can be mixed and matched to With our PolarChoice and RE3 wireless microphones as well as the CMS mixing consoles and the MXE5 matrix requirements.

The demands of speech intelligibility, sound and visual appearance are more than fulfilled. A convincing system that delivers the best quality and matches the budget.

– Matthias Kontny, Projektleiter, Wyrwas

How Higher Education Institutions Are Leveraging Smart and Collaborative Technology to Create Diverse Learning Environments

By Victoria Sanville, LG Business Solutions USA

As colleges and universities across the country emerge from the COVID-induced issues posed over the last two years, there is a new understanding of, and appreciation for, how the learning experiences of higher education students can be impacted by external forces. With more online classrooms than ever before, it has become increasingly important that students and educators are given the technological resources needed to form meaningful relationships and maintain consistent learning experiences, no matter the circumstance.

Educators have a unique opportunity to ensure that these shifting learning experiences are resoundingly positive, with an increased presence of technology in the classroom to follow-through on new approaches to learning pedagogies that leverage innovative technologies and deliver better student engagement. Technology companies are stepping up to meet the modern needs of education institutions by offering products and services that stimulate learning and develop engaging education environments.

Importantly, the increased use of technology and the emphasis on digital literacy in the classroom will have lasting impacts on students. More than ever, businesses operate in a world that is largely online, so exposing students to digital technologies early on makes their learning more applicable to real-world career needs and can increase their competitiveness in the workforce. For this reason, proactively integrating advanced technology into learning environments is increasingly relevant.

Forming a strong link between higher education institutions and digital technology creates the types of unique and proactive learning experiences that will enhance

student capabilities and improve learning outcomes. As such, manufacturers that have the resources and technology to do so are making sustained efforts to contribute to initiatives that promote modern learning.

In addition to student benefits, the ease of technology use is especially important for instructors in today’s blended learning environment. It has become particularly essential to allow educators’ data to follow them wherever they go, drastically increasing flexibility and streamlining operations across the entire staff. Technology and digital displays also play a vital role in on-campus recruitment, student life, and community messaging in addition to in-class instruction.

Finally, manufacturers are finding that digital displays are helping universities turn small, previously unusable rooms into labs or collaboration spaces. Institutions are increasingly looking to repurpose underutilized spaces to create areas such as computer and gaming labs for STEM pursuits including coding, telehealth training and more. Potential students are increasingly demanding these types of spaces, making them an equally beneficial addition for schools, educators, students and manufacturers.

With modern technology and the right support, schools meet the needs of students and professors alike. Classrooms have the ability to easily transition between in-person and virtual, educators are able to boost learning potential and classroom creativity, and students are offered a multitude of resources to address educational needs. Working together, higher education institutions and technology companies are able to generate productive learning environments.

PAVIRO Public Address and Voice Evacuation System with Professional Sound Quality

By Bosch

For small to medium-size applications

PAVIRO is a unique, high-quality Public Address and EN54-certified Voice Evacuation System that also delivers professional quality sound, thanks to its premium 24-bit digital processor, superior digital-to-analog converters, and outstanding Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). Its highly adaptable system architecture makes it ideal for small- to medium-sized schools.

Best-in-class

Thanks to its powerful range of features, PAVIRO not only answers an extremely wide variety of application requirements, it also delivers best-in-class performance in quality, ease of installation, and versatility. At the same time, it minimizes operational costs thanks to low energy consumption and fewer batteries.

Commercial audio solution

Education solution

Each school has unique requirements, but the PAVIRO Public Address System and a broad portfolio of loudspeakers from Bosch can meet the specific needs of buildings across a district. Delivering superior audio quality at every price point, Bosch keeps equipment costs low with smart system design. Bosch PAVIRO is an ideal paging system for education environments and is highly adaptable to enable the school’s clock system to trigger chimes and announcements, the fire panel to trigger emergency announcements, and more. IRIS-Net Supervision software also enables control of the system and modification of automated announcements from a central location.

Sample System Design Based on Paviro

Application highlights:

▶ Up to 984 independent zones

▶ Flexible configuration via IRIS-Net remote control

▶ Complete system supervision to ensure reliability

▶ PRS-1AIP1 provides zone paging over IP using SIP protocol

8 LB2 model Cabinet loudspeaker*

9 PVA-1WEOL End-of-line supervision module

Simple Hybrid Classroom

By Kramer

This room will allow the teacher to easily switch between various sources or to allow wireless presentation using the simple control panel. Remote students will be able to view the video content being displayed on the main projector through the HDMI to USB device connected to the conferencing PC.

Simple Hybrid Classroom

This room will allow the teacher to easily switch between various sources or to allow wireless presentation using the simple control panel. Remote students will be able to view the video content being displayed on the main projector through the HDMI to USB device connected to the conferencing PC.

Hybrid classroom design

Hybrid classroom components

VP-440X

IBG 4K presentation switcher/ scaler with HDBaseT and HDMI simultaneous outlets

RC-74DL

12-button ethernet and KNET™ control keypad with knob and displays (US)

K-CamHD

1080p pro PTZ camera with 12x optical zoom

VIA GO2

Compact and secure 4K wireless presentation device

Tavor 5-0 (1pr)

sources or to allow wireless presentation using the simple control panel. Remote students

through the HDMI to USB device connected to the conferencing PC.

TP-580R

4K60 4:2:0 HDMI HDCP 2.2 receiver with RS-232 and IR over long-reach HDBaseT

C-HM/HM-6

Premium high speed HDMI cable

C-UNIKAT-xx

5.25” on-wall 2-way powered speakers

CAT6A U/FTP video and LAN cable assembly

GO2

Case study: United States Military Academy at West Point

By Crestron

Crestron technology is currently deployed in approximately 500 classrooms, 20 meeting spaces, and seven auditoriums across USMA.

Within USMA’s Department of Law and Department of Mathematics meeting spaces, the Crestron Flex Wall Mount Small Room Video Conference System for Microsoft Teams® Rooms was added for its high-performance soundbar and camera. The Crestron Flex system offers an intelligent communications platform, supporting a single video display with a Crestron touch screen. Crestron Flex Desk Phones were also implemented to deliver a consistent user experience at every desk with superior voice

calling and hands-free conferencing. There are currently more than 50 units deployed across campus.

Crestron room scheduling panels were deployed in the auditoriums and math classrooms to display signage to the faculty and cadets. As USMA continues to update the AV across campus, digital signage will play a role in showing room occupancy and availability. Since USMA can be challenging to navigate, especially for someone new to campus, wayfinding systems are critical to help with locating rooms throughout the building.

“Crestron’s solutions have transformed our academy into a tech-forward education setting for cadets and faculty. The advancements of technology today will serve them as military officers in the future.”

Gary Albaugh

Deputy, Chief Information Officer/ G6

United States Military Academy at West Point

Crestron Flex Wall Mount Small Room Video Conference System for Microsoft Teams® Rooms

Crestron room scheduling panel

Microsoft Teams and AirMedia — Hybrid Collaboration with Just One Touch

By Crestron

The AirMedia Connect Adaptor looks pretty simple — but that belies its capabilities. The dongle appears a bit like an oversized hockey puck with a short, sturdy USB-C cable and an indicator light that lines the perimeter of the disc. While the dongle works with a variety of platforms, the coming rollout of the Microsoft-specific model has been especially buzzy news. There’s magic in that “puck.”

While AirMedia® wireless presentation and conferencing technology has been around for roughly a year now, this latest offering from Crestron is especially timely in the current state of “hybrid permanence” — most businesses have a blend of in-person and remote workers attending meetings large and small at any given moment. The same’s

true for the classroom, too — hybrid learning is another example of that blend of inperson and remote collaboration.

Now that hybrid work is the new normal, different types of meeting spaces are appearing. People are looking for ways to meet and collaborate outside of the four walls of a meeting room. Areas like lounges or casual sitting areas are now commonly used as meeting points. BYOD can bring the meeting to those spaces where dedicated conferencing solutions aren’t always feasible. Solutions like AirMedia technology are especially handy for retrofitting traditional offices for the modern hybrid workforce, and it’s an incredibly rapid way to bring Microsoft Teams functionality to those spaces.

Keep Students and Staff Safe and Informed with Mass Notification

By Advanced Network Devices

In an emergency situation, the timely informing and directing of all to safety is critical. A mass notification system should be designed to reach everyone, in multiple ways at multiple places, as quickly and reliably as possible. IP endpoints from Advanced

Network Devices can deliver messages in numerous audio and visual formats thus assuring that all occupants, whether inside or outside a facility, can both see and hear critical messaging, in a timely manner.

Messaging

Take full advantage of the capabilities of HD IP Displays from Advanced Network Devices. Effectively reach a large group using multicolor text and graphics when sending noncritical and critical messaging and alerts. Get their attention with color-coded flashers and corresponding messaging.

Customize announcements, engage with photos, use maps to guide people through the facility, or most importantly, provide timely, detailed instructions to occupants in the event of an emergency. If multi-language messaging is required, our IP displays support special foreign language characters.

Outbound Emergency Calls

Improve emergency response times through the use of a Call Button or Smart IP Button from Advanced

Network Devices. With a simple button press, place a call and send a pre-recorded audio message to 911, through your VoIP/SIP provider. Play the message on repeat until the 911 dispatcher ends the call.

Severe Weather Alerting

As severe weather approaches, it often becomes a race against time to alert facility occupants on where and how

to seek shelter. Our devices can display local Weather Service RSS feeds and issue an appropriate alert and corresponding instruction, based on a received CAP message. We help to provide people ample time to take appropriate safety measures, during a severe weather emergency.

Building Lockdown

The reason to initiate a facility lockdown may range from precautionary to imminent danger. A lockdown procedure should complete safely and efficiently with clear

informational and directive communications provided to all. Education, healthcare, and government facilities are leveraging Advanced Network Devices’ SIP-enabled Smart IP Button to initiate lockdown through the press of a button. This action locks doors, places a call with a pre-recorded audio message to first responders, and initiates communications through our IP displays and speakers.

Critical Event Alerting

It’s a must for facilities to maintain safety and security protocols that include how to inform during a critical event or emergency. A mass notification system, equipped with IP endpoint devices from Advanced Network Devices, allows for tailored informational and directive communications to the various points of a facility. We help alert and inform in a timely, efficient manner.

New Built-In GUNSHOT DETECTION Technology

Vigilar GSD is a cloud-based, smart technology that enables Advanced Network Devices (ANetD) IP speakers and displays to detect gunshots. Use your ANetD mass notification system as an array of sensors around your building for both detection and localization of shooters.

NOTIFY DETECT VERIFY

Within seconds of gunfire, the device detects the discharge and sends a notification to security personnel with gunshot event analytics, including audio and location.

Gunshot event analytics allow for timely verification by designated security personnel prior to taking a safety action.

Upon verification, security personnel may trigger an immediate lockdown and notification of first responders via Singlewire InformaCast or ClockWise Campus.

Virtual Reality for Schools

ClassVR - Virtual Reality designed just for Education

ClassVR brings affordable, innovative Virtual Reality lessons and experiences to students of all ages. It comes complete with hardware, software, curriculumlinked activities and lesson plans, equipping teachers with everything they need to introduce this cutting edge technology straight into the classroom.

St. John’s University Partners with Jabra to Unify In-Person and Online Classroom Experiences

By Jabra

The project at a glance

St. John’s University is partnering with Jabra to equip classrooms across three campuses with Jabra PanaCast for a more immersive virtual learning experience.

Solution: Jabra PanaCast

• Crystal-clear Panoramic4K resolution

• 180-degree view of any classroom space

• Easy, plug-and-play functionality

• Compatible with all leading Unified Communications platforms Benefits

• Fast and seamless set up for IT teams and teachers

• Expansive field of view across any classroom shape or size

• Delivers an engaging learning experience – no matter where students are located

The landscape of learning has changed

When the pandemic first forced classes online, remote learning became just a highly simplified, digitized learning experience. In the hustle to get students up and running online, schools rushed implementations and the virtual learning

experience suffered as a result. In fact, 44% of students said that poor audio and video was affecting their learning, in an April 2020 survey from Jabra.

For many teachers around the world, flexibility is the key to delivering effective learning experiences under these unusual circumstances. With many schools around the world currently unable to operate in the usual way, the traditional classroom set-up is being redefined, as tried-and-trusted teaching methods become much more difficult, especially when teachers have to stay seated at their desks to operate their virtual classroom. Now, with new insights on best practices, schools can design better experiences that maximize virtual learning and transform into a full extension of the classroom.

Across campuses worldwide, colleges and universities have had to adapt to fully

remote and hybrid learning models by implementing creative solutions that allow both teachers and students to excel. While some institutions are fully remote, conducting 100% of their classes online, many are opting for a hybrid model. Regardless of the model, the landscape of learning has changed, and technology now plays a bigger role in education than ever before. While video solutions were once a “nice-to-have” in classrooms, the global pandemic and the shift to hybrid learning models have made them a “need-to-have.”

Reinventing the classroom for hybrid learning

Grappling with how to best accommodate its students, St. John’s University in Queens, New York opted for a hybrid learning model for the fall semester. In this model, the professor teaches from the classroom with some students taking class in-person and some

44% of students say that poor audio and video is affecting their distance learning.

Source: Jabra Customer Database Survey, April 2020

joining classes online. While this model gives the flexibility needed during the pandemic, it creates a unique set of challenges in how to best accommodate the students, so the class stays together and learns at the same pace, regardless of where they are located.

“COVID-19 forced an entire transformation of our business model,” said Anne Pacione, Chief Information Officer at St. John’s University. “We needed to quickly figure out how we could operate in this hybrid format. When the pandemic forced classes online in the spring, we began formulating plans to improve operations for the fall semester to ensure the success of the hybrid learning model. We knew video capabilities would be a critical component of bringing the classroom

online.”

With three campuses and over 20,000 students, St. John’s University needed to figure out the best way to accommodate all students whether they would be taking their classes online or in person. Regardless of where students are located, the university wanted to make sure they have the best possible learning experience. Making sure students are staying engaged and focused in class can be challenging even in normal times, and in order for virtual learning to be effective, it’s even more important to have the tools and solutions that minimize distractions and keep students involved.

When the university first made the shift to remote learning, many teachers were using their laptops’ built-in video capabilities

or using web cameras with a limited field of view, therefore restricting their flexibility and ultimately detracting from the lesson’s effectiveness. Looking to add value through enhanced video capabilities, St. John’s University set out to identify video solutions that captured the entire classroom in their field of view, were easy to use, could be deployed quickly and unified the learning experience for students and teachers.

Enhancing the learning experience with video

St. John’s University deployed Jabra PanaCast cameras to enhance its hybrid learning model, help students and teachers connect more meaningfully and ensure no student is hindered because of their location. Covering every part of the classroom, with no visual distortion, the

Jabra PanaCast ensures that teachers can interact with all students, in person and online, and provide students at home with a consistent experience.

As the world’s first Panoramic-4K plug-andplay video solution, the Jabra PanaCast offers a full 180-degree view and automatically includes everyone in the conversation – even if students are more spread out in the room to maintain social distancing – with its Intelligent Zoom function. The camera automatically zooms to the individual speaking, bringing remote and in-person students closer together and making sure all students feel involved.

“With so much going on in the world, it is important for educators to have the ability to meaningfully connect with their students, especially when they cannot be in the same room,” said Aurangzeb Khan, senior vice president at Jabra. “With Jabra PanaCast, everyone in the classroom – remote or inperson – is given a front row seat to the lesson.”

Creating a full 180-degree wall-to-wall view of the classroom, the Jabra

PanaCast gives teachers the flexibility to get up from their desks and allows them to walk around, write on the whiteboard and use their learning aids. The plug and play nature of the Jabra PanaCast also makes video-based teaching easy and collaboration simple. With one click, teachers can start the class, using their preferred conferencing platform, activate unparalleled video quality,

spent on IT issues, the more time spent teaching.”

Education from anywhere

The Jabra PanaCast has given professors the capability to turn any online class into an immersive learning experience and unite students no matter where they are located. Since roll out over the summer, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The success with this set-up has

and collaborate seamlessly with students regardless of their location.

“Our goal is to take care of the technology, so professors can focus on what really matters,” Pacione said. “The Jabra PanaCast requires no learning curve; faculty can simply press start and begin their class. That’s a win-win for both the IT team and our professors – the less time

proven instrumental during this unprecedented time and reaffirms the value of video capabilities in the classroom. As the university looks to refresh its AV portfolio, the success with the Jabra PanaCast over the last few months has made St. John’s University’s decision easy and it is now looking to change its standard classroom setup to feature the cameras.

“We knew that video capabilities would be a critical component of bringing the classroom to life online.”

- Anne Pacione Chief Information Officer at St. John’s University

Supporting Business Continuity with IP-Enabled Power Management

By Jeff Mackey, Senior Sales Engineer at SurgeX

Clean, reliable power quality is integral to business continuity, and comprehensive power management systems are the key to achieving it. By evaluating power needs at set-up, integrators can spec the right solutions to safeguard clients’ ecosystems from common electrical problems such as voltage sags, surges, and harmonic distortions.

However, even the best practices aren’t foolproof: The unpredictable nature of power quality can threaten the longevity of solutions. New or unexpected power events can cause downtime, damage, and degradation of your customers’ technology investments. Luckily, integrators can thwart emerging power risks by implementing IP-enabled power management and monitoring solutions. Here’s why you should consider it for your next project.

First-Time Right Assurance

It’s impossible to anticipate whether a power event will occur, let alone be on-site to resolve a problem in real-time when it does. And, without data, identifying the cause is an exhaustive process: Heavy grid dependence, large-draw appliances, local electrical noise, weather, and more can disrupt power performance. IP-enabled monitoring and diagnostic solutions provide actionable insights and observable trends to guide integrators as they identify and remediate power problems. This alleviates the risk of misdiagnosis and ensures interruptions are precisely and swiftly resolved in real-time.

Proactive Power Event Prevention

IP-based power quality monitoring allows integrators to address problems before they cause interruptions and analyze

performance data over time for longterm power quality decisions. These monitoring systems track power events, measuring metrics like crest factor, power factor, neutral-to-ground voltage, and line frequency to guide decision-making and prompt restoration. Modern software also offers resolution automation, allowing immediate problem detection and instant resolution without the need for user or integrator intervention.

Time and Cost Savings

IP-enabled power management mutually benefits clients and integrators alike: Reducing the need for truck rolls, blind troubleshooting, and equipment replacements saves customers time and money, while integrators can save on labor costs, reduce client wait times, and enhance their reputation. Clients can continue their operations without interruption, while integrators save time on travel and maintenance. This frees up technicians to focus on high-ROI projects and can even help integrators include power management in their existing managed service portfolios without significant resource spend.

Thanks to a wide range of third-party integrations and new innovations in fleet management, integrators can remotely monitor and manage any clients’ power environment – no matter the scale and scope of the project.

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