Audio visual technologies have instigated a revolution in education. Interactive technologies are pushing education beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. At the centre of this change are new technologies like the interactive whiteboards, digital projectors and video conferencing suites.
Future Proof
Successive governments have highlighted the need for education and educationalists to include new technology in the classroom. Utilising ICT and audio video technology is a key component in enriching education which can lead to increased retention and achievement. Education policy moves at a fast pace. Any technologies installed in educational facilities need to be able to cope with this rapid evolution and allow for the flexible updating of technologies as new methods of teaching and interacting with students are developed.
Classroom
Modern teaching methods have evolved to utilise a wide range of audio visual elements. In particular, online video has empowered teachers like never before. The ability to go online in the middle of a class and show video from websites like ‘you tube’ has enabled teachers to hold the attention of a generation of students enthralled by online culture. In addition, a number of internet based educational tools have been developed that facilitate teacher’s interaction with students and enrich their understanding of the subject matter. Many teachers now use specially designed multimedia presentations or even video games specifically created to simultaneously teach and assess learning. All of these new approaches necessitate the installation of high quality equipment such as SMART-boards and high definition projectors and speakers. Luckily, companies such as Project Audio Visual exist and can design and implement these solutions.
Training Suites
In addition to classrooms, many modern educational environments such as technical colleges and universities offer their students training suites. Such spaces need to offer individual workstations that can be combined with integrated big screen projection. Interactive software applications now allow trainers to switch simultaneously between demonstrating technique ‘live’ on both a whiteboard and a trainees PC. Using the same software, they can also take remote control of a trainee’s individual computer when they need help, to demonstrate technique. In addition, the software facilitates the learner’s ability to demonstrate their understanding to their peers when working in groups via desktop sharing. Companies such as Project Audio Visual have vast experience in the design and installation of audio visual systems in training room environments. This can be a simple large screen display solution or an interactive system for more complex training methods.
When audio and visual techniques are employed in education it is important that they work properly. If a trainer, tutor or teacher can’t get their presentation to function the students will quickly lose interest and the opportunity for learning is lost. Technology must be easy to use and operate giving trainers the confidence to use new techniques. Using a company such as Project Audio Visual to design and implement your AV solution means that your equipment will be safely installed, correctly configured and operates efficiently. Project Audio Visual can also offer maintenance contracts to ensure that equipment is regularly checked and running correctly.
AUTHOR BIO
Idania is an ICT trainer and an educational consultant who writes for a series of online publications. He recommends Project Audio Visual to the schools and colleges he advises.