Hardware

Uses for Audiovisual Technology Beyond Remote Learning

Districts are using webcams, microphones and other devices to enhance modern learning environments and build the classrooms of the future.

Nick Young

Nick Young is a Certified Technology Specialist who joined CDW in 2018 as an audiovisual field solution architect supporting K–12 Education. He is part of the classroom modernization team, focused on helping schools outfit their learning environments with the right technology and flexible furniture to enhance the classroom experience.

K–12 school districts invested in many remote learning devices for teachers and students to ensure continued education during the pandemic. Districts rolled out one-to-one device programs and opted for peripherals that supported remote learning.

Of these, webcams and microphones were two of the most popular products. Frequently, districts purchased USB plug-and-play peripherals for learning, but they also made large investments in classroom technology such as pan-tilt-zoom cameras. Schools most often turned toward tech that supported Zoom, Google Meet and Cisco Webex videoconferencing.

These technologies served as a life raft during emergency remote learning. However, now that students are largely back in classrooms, some schools are struggling to find ways to use these audiovisual devices.

Such investments don’t need to gather dust. Schools can use them to promote content creation and build out the collaborative classroom spaces of the future.

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Create Content with High-Definition Cameras and Microphones

While districts can use the AV devices now on hand in the event of a sudden shift back to remote learning or student sick day, there are also more innovative uses for these tools.

Some classes are using their webcams and microphones to experiment with content creation.

Educators are finding these devices useful for recording lessons and creating content for asynchronous learning. This allows students to keep up, even when they are home sick. It also promotes more collaboration and discussion in classes.

Students can use the tools to create multimedia projects for classes and after-school sports and activities. Podcasts are emerging, led by student creators.

FIND OUT: Learn how to get started with asynchronous learning in your K–12 classroom.

Collaboration Drives AV Integration in K–12 Learning Environments

Educators are also using audiovisual devices to expand learning beyond the boundaries of the classroom. High-quality webcams and microphones, when paired with sufficient connectivity, allow students to collaborate with classes at other schools within the district and even in other states or different countries. From virtual group collaborations to digital presentations, these learning opportunities are made possible thanks to the AV tech schools invested in.

The future appears collaborative for K–12 learners. While the demand for webcams and microphones has decreased, schools are investing in other AV solutions for group instruction.

Because many students have devices, wireless casting is in high demand. Schools are additionally investing in interactive flat panels, large format displays and televisions.

A classroom might feature an interactive flat panel at the front of the room and various group seating areas, each with its own screen. Wireless casting lets students share their work with the class and frees educators to roam their classrooms.

KEEP READING: These networking essentials boost digital equity, school capacity and speed.

The uses for AV technology in the modern learning environment are many, from enabling content creation to driving the classroom of the future. Districts should plan to make continued investments in this technology and work to incorporate more AV solutions into their learning environments to fully support students’ education.

This article is part of the “ConnectIT: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Technology” series. Please join the discussion on Twitter by using the #ConnectIT hashtag.