From left to right: Lauren Turin, director; Todd Hughes, AV project manager; Andy Beasom, senior classroom technologist; Brendan Kepple, classroom technologist (Image credit: Duquesne University)
AV/IT TEAM: Lauren Turin, director; Todd HughesAV project manager; Andy Beasom, senior classroom technologist; Brendan Keppleclassroom technologist
(Image credit: Duquesne University)
GOALS: The allocation of space within Bayer Hall was for the creation of two instructional spaces for the newly established Duquesne University College of Osteopathic Medicine. The renovation included three major facets: improving an existing lecture hall, transforming four classrooms into a single breakout room that can accommodate 180 students, and, in accordance with university standards, maintaining uniformity in AV technology throughout the learning spaces.
(Image credit: Duquesne University)
CHALLENGES: During the project we were able to overcome a number of challenges. We created a shared breakout area for 180 students in a flat space by layering the tables so that every two rows are the same height to facilitate student collaboration.
We ensured that the content screens were visible from all parts of the breakout room by adding two large projection screens to the front of the room and replacing the two initially specified 50-inch flat panels in the center of the room with 75-inch flat panels. panels. We were also able to economically equip both the breakout area and the lecture hall (theatre seats) with microphones at each seat by adding audience microphones and the Catchbox throwable microphone instead of individual gooseneck microphones.
We optimized the viewing comfort of the projection screen for students sitting in the front rows of the lecture hall by attaching a 65-inch flat panel to the front of the lab table/podium setup. In addition, we’ve enabled content annotation visible to all participants by adding a writable monitor and a document camera to address different teaching styles, and we’ve included Mediasite recording of lectures with instructor control when recording schedules are pre-programmed by introducing pause button functionality on the Mediasite in the room recording device.
And finally, working with Mediasite, we were able to enable live hybrid learning by incorporating the standard University Zoom setup: a webcam mounted on a movable microphone stand and a Nureva microphone.
(Image credit: Duquesne University)
FINAL INSTALLATION/USER BENEFITS: Consistent technology and intuitive push-button classroom control systems ensure ease of use for all instructors. Epson laser projectors deliver sharp images. JBL array speakers provide exceptional audio quality, especially when used with the Catchbox Clip Mic. The integrated pause button for Mediasite recordings gives teachers control over their lecture recordings. The Nureva microphone captures both Zoom and Mediasite audio streams. The implementation of the throwable Catchbox microphone promotes student engagement. The tiered seating provides an unobstructed line of sight for both students and instructors, and the breakout area offers the added benefit of a height-adjustable stage. Additionally, because the technology is aligned with university standards, the AV team can monitor classroom equipment remotely through Extron’s GVE solution.
