The University of Greenwich has strategically partnered with Sennheiser and AVer to elevate its hybrid learning experience.
The higher education institution leveraged AVer’s cameras and Sennheiser’s audio products and services, namely its TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2) microphone, to create an innovative “HyFlex” solution.
During the pandemic, the University transitioned to remote learning via Microsoft Teams reasonably successfully but found new challenges, including fatigue and decreased concentration levels. Mark Affection, Head of Digital AV Solutions at the University of Greenwich, and his AV team designed HyFlex to create a cohesive and equitable learning experience for both on-campus and remote participants.
“The HyFlex configuration required a lecture podium, computers, visualisers, and a whiteboard – typical classroom elements,” Affection told Sennheiser. “Additionally, a crucial requirement identified during lockdown was the requirement for a second monitor for the lecturer, facilitating presentation display on one side and participant viewing on the other.”
How HyFlex Was Assembled
The second monitor also had to be mirrored on a large display monitor on the wall facing the podium to ensure remote students were visually part of both the remainder of the remote audience and the speaker, aiming to “foster inclusivity,” as Affection described.
To add that inclusivity, Affection and his team researched Auto Tracking Cameras, which led them to invest in AVer’s cameras because of their AI functionality in detecting, recognising and switching video dynamically between different speakers and different areas.
The next step was identifying what hardware would work with the cameras and reasoned that fixed and handheld microphones wouldn’t work well, eventually deciding on centrally placed, ceiling-mounted acoustic panel microphones. Sennheiser’s TCC 2 mic was chosen as the optimal product and could offer integration with AVer cameras through the PTZ Link software bridge so the camera and microphone could detect and track the active speaker.
“Feedback from non-remote rooms indicates that the HyFlex configuration is the new normal,” Affection explained. “‘We want the cameras; we want the microphones and dual screens’, they say. Our aim is to continue working in this manner.”
Initially deployed in 24 classrooms, four larger lecture theatres, and IT labs, the TCC 2 microphone was later complemented in four smaller classrooms with the TeamConnect Ceiling Medium model. The University is also piloting Sennheiser’s WiFi-enabled MobileConnect app-based accessibility solution for possible facility-wide integration into assistive hearing technology.
“Our collaboration with the University of Greenwich has highlighted the significance of teamwork and shared expertise in shaping the learning environment,” added Inesh Patel, Business Development Manager at Sennheiser. “Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling microphones have been instrumental, ensuring a seamless educational experience by intelligently integrating with AVer cameras.”
What Has Sennheiser Been Up To in 2024?
Last week, Sennheiser and Q-SYS’s combined solution — their audio, video, and control (AV&C) Platform — was certified for Cisco Collaboration Devices.
This certification confirms the seamless integration of Cisco’s Collaboration Devices with Sennheiser’s TCC 2 and the Q-SYS Core Nano processor, enhancing audio connectivity and control functionalities in modern meeting and learning spaces. Cisco Collaboration Devices serve as the video conferencing service, enabling diverse collaboration scenarios.
In meeting rooms or collaboration spaces, users of Cisco’s conferencing solutions enjoy superior audio quality and automatic beamforming features provided by the TCC 2, overseen by Q-SYS and Sennheiser.
from UC Today https://ift.tt/DCnGRq8
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