ROUND TABLE
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ow has the education sector evolved over the past decade? Samantha Potter Ten years ago, only extremely advanced or niche schools were offering hybrid classes. Fully online lessons were simple enough, but the blend of in person and virtual was just starting to come around. Of course, Covid-19 sped up that development, but I have many fond memories of trying out the latest and greatest technology to try and fit it into multi-campus, synchronous hybrid programmes in higher education. At the time, most of the technology was geared towards corporate meetings, not classrooms with 20+ people across two campuses and remote students. Now, if we look across the landscape with a post-Covid lens, it seems rather obvious to have that development. It was an inevitability, but now we just get to enjoy the spoils a bit sooner. As an aside, even though this is more commonplace now, I’m not completely sold that we have nailed the hybrid experience. We are much closer than we were a decade ago, but there’s always room for some improvement. And for those that have nailed it, the next goal is to make it more accessible overall. Paul Richards Over the past decade, the education sector has transformed significantly with a major shift towards technology-driven learning. Initially, the adoption of digital tools was gradual, with interactive whiteboards and digital projectors being the most advanced technologies used in classrooms. However, as bandwidth and internet accessibility improved, schools increasingly integrated online learning platforms, video conferencing and collaboration tools. Today, classrooms are equipped with incredibly high-quality audio-visual technology, creating engaging learning experiences that bring subjects to life. Many school districts have a one-to-one computer-to-student ratio, helping to bring collaboration and online connectivity to the forefront of learning. This evolution has also made education much more accessible and adaptable, supporting diverse learning needs and remote access – which has become particularly prevalent within today’s modern landscape.
Edgar Shane The events of the last four years have made it mandatory for educators to conduct classes remotely. This has resulted in the adoption of video conferencing software which utilises existing internet infrastructure, mainly based on two features: the cost of the equipment and ease of operation. Evolution in IP and video conferencing software has improved on an annual basis, increasing ease of operation and lowering the barrier to entry significantly. Some software solutions have been adopted by the public at large, where the users have familiarised themselves with the technology by joining online communities of users – providing an additional and valuable layer of product support and training. As video communication via the internet grows exponentially, IP remote production has become essential for institutions to connect with students, parents and alumni, while also serving as a curriculum for aspiring students. Sefi Aharon The education landscape was rapidly evolving to incorporate diverse teaching methods and maximise flexibility for students and teachers. New models like the Hyflex approach have come about – an evolution of hybrid learning that provides students with options to attend classes in person, online or a mix of both, adapting to their individual needs and preferences. This model, among others, enables greater accessibility, and thus offers a learning environment that caters to various learning styles.
dynamic tools that are redefining how students learn and interact with content. Software tools at the intersection of AI and collaboration are some of the most exciting, offering students immersive learning experiences. For example, students can explore historical sites or interact with 3D models in science classes. Remotely controllable PTZ cameras are allowing schools to affordably livestream school sports and events happening on campus, for example. These broadcasts are often student-run and provide online access to students, parents and alumni who connect over their passion for school sports. Additionally, these student-run broadcast clubs provide real-world experience in AV and broadcast to those interested in tech. Samantha Potter I’m loving what’s coming out of the screen space lately. It seems that developing LEDs and monitors has become incredibly affordable, so we’re seeing screens adopted in spaces that would’ve been hard to pull off in previous years. When you think about all the spaces you can put a screen now (where it makes sense), it opens up how we can communicate with people. In the classroom specifically, we can now more easily add the tiles of students along the back wall, allowing teachers to make eye contact with both in-person and virtual students without having to crane their neck, break eye contact or mentally make a switch over from remote to in person and back. Sefi Aharon The education market is experiencing a wave of advanced AV tools that are transforming learning. Among the most exciting are VR and AR platforms, which bring a gamified approach to education and therefore allow students to delve into complex subjects through immersive experiences, such as historical reconstructions and scientific simulations. Additionally, universities are embracing the ‘broadcast industry for all’ approach with dedicated podcast spaces. This is empowering students to create and share content. Such a shift toward self-created media is engaging and new, but it is also being used for teaching in a novel, incredibly exciting way.
hat are some of the most exciting tools available to the education market at present? Paul Richards The education market now has access to a wide range of
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