Learning spaces: what makes a classroom truly connected?
Teaching now spans devices, spaces and formats. A connected classroom needs to make all of that technology work together without getting in the way of the lesson. An educator might present from a room PC, switch to content from their own device, involve students joining remotely and move between teaching spaces throughout the day. Students need clear access to content and speech, while the technology stays simple enough to support the lesson.
A connected classroom brings devices, content, audio, control, display infrastructure and accessibility technology together into one learning environment.
A modern learning space relies on:
- Flexible classroom AV connectivity
- Clear speech capture for hybrid learning and lecture capture
- AV over IP distribution and classroom AV control
- Adaptable display infrastructure
- Assistive listening technology
- Scalable infrastructure for changing room and campus requirements
These are the Hidden Heroes supporting connected learning.
Connectivity must fit how people teach
Teaching moves between devices, sources and activities throughout the day. Educators may start from an installed PC, connect a laptop, share content or move between presentation and collaboration during the same session.
The Atlona Omega Series provides switching and connectivity for presentation and collaboration environments. OmniStream uses AV over IP to distribute audio and video across network infrastructure, giving integrators more flexibility when content needs to reach multiple teaching spaces or an education customer expands its AV estate. The Velocity Control System brings AV control, room scheduling and device management together.
For resellers and integrators, the key question is how educators move between devices, content and spaces without disrupting the lesson.
Discover Atlona technology for connected learning spaces.
Clear audio is fundamental to hybrid learning
Students in the room need to hear the educator, remote participants need access to the same conversation and lecture capture depends on speech entering the wider AV system clearly enough to record and share.
The Shure MXA925 provides ceiling-array speech capture for classrooms and teaching spaces. The MXA902 combines microphone, loudspeaker and audio processing within a single ceiling-mounted solution. Shure IntelliMix™ bundles offer a ready-made ecosystem bringing speech capture, processing and connectivity together as part of the wider room system. The ANIUSB-MATRIX connects networked audio with room computers and conferencing platforms.
Integrators need to consider where people will speak, how audio will be captured and where that audio needs to go next.
Explore Shure audio solutions for learning environments.
Display installation affects how the learning space can be used
Interactive displays can require height adjustment, mobility or a more integrated installation in shared learning and information spaces.
The Peerless PR565-ML3 motorised trolley allows interactive displays to be height adjusted at the touch of a button to suit different users and activities. The KIPC2555 integrates displays, media players and cabling neatly within shared learning spaces. For larger permanent displays, the ST680P provides secure mounting with adjustment for accurate positioning.
The specification therefore needs to account for more than screen size. Movement, height adjustment, cable management and ongoing access for maintenance can all affect the mounting choice.
Discover Peerless display infrastructure for education.
Accessibility belongs in the specification
Every learner needs access to clear speech and audio. Assistive listening technology makes spoken content more accessible across classrooms, lecture theatres and shared learning environments.
The Ampetronic C Series supports hearing loop systems across spaces with different coverage and system requirements. Auri™ Assistive Listening uses Auracast™ broadcast audio for assistive listening applications, while Auri™ transmitters bring broadcast audio into installed AV systems.
The right approach will depend on the room, the required coverage and how assistive listening needs to integrate with the wider AV system.
Explore Ampetronic assistive listening solutions.
A connected classroom works as one system
Educators and learners experience the room as a complete environment. They notice whether content appears where it should, whether remote participants can hear, whether changing devices interrupts the lesson, whether the display suits the space and whether everyone can access the audio.
For resellers and integrators, understanding how the space will be used can uncover requirements that individual product specifications miss. How many sources will educators use? Will teaching extend beyond the physical classroom? Does content need to move between multiple spaces? What needs to be recorded? How will the system be controlled? What accessibility provision is required?
Answering those questions early leads to a more complete connected learning environment.
FAQs
What technology is needed in a modern classroom?
Modern classroom technology can include displays, microphones and speakers, presentation connectivity, AV switching, control systems, conferencing technology, AV over IP, assistive listening and suitable mounting infrastructure. The exact combination depends on how educators and students use the room.
What is classroom AV?
Classroom AV is the audio-visual technology used to support teaching and learning, including displays, audio, cameras, microphones, presentation systems, connectivity, control and the infrastructure needed to connect and manage them.
What technology supports hybrid learning?
Hybrid learning uses cameras, microphones, speakers, displays, conferencing platforms and connectivity technology to connect in-room and remote participants. Together, these technologies help everyone see and hear the lesson, access shared content and take part in the same teaching session regardless of location.
What is lecture capture and how does it work?
Lecture capture records teaching sessions so content can be accessed afterwards. It can include an educator's voice, camera video, presentation material and other classroom content.
Why is AV over IP useful in education?
AV over IP distributes audio and video across IP network infrastructure, giving integrators more flexibility to route content between rooms and endpoints and expand larger AV systems as requirements change.
What is an assistive listening system?
An assistive listening system helps people with hearing needs access speech or programme audio more clearly. Technologies include hearing loop systems and Bluetooth broadcast audio technologies such as Auracast™.
What is the difference between a hearing loop and Auracast™?
A hearing loop uses an induction-loop system to deliver audio to compatible hearing devices. Auracast™ uses Bluetooth broadcast audio to transmit sound to compatible receiving devices.
How can AV make learning spaces more accessible?
AV can support accessibility through clear speech capture, suitable audio systems, assistive listening, adaptable display positioning and technology designed around different users' needs.
How can AV support students with SEND?
AV can help create more accessible learning environments for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Clear audio, assistive listening, adaptable displays, accessible content and flexible room technology can help remove barriers to seeing, hearing and participating in lessons. The right approach will depend on the individual needs of learners and the learning environment.
The Hidden Heroes behind connected learning spaces
Connected learning relies on each layer of technology working together. Atlona connects, distributes and controls classroom AV. Shure supports clear speech capture for teaching and hybrid learning. Peerless provides display infrastructure suited to different learning environments. Ampetronic supports accessible listening across education spaces.
Midwich brings these technologies together with specialist AV expertise, UK-held stock and Plus+ services to help resellers and integrators specify and deliver complete education projects.
Discover the Hidden Heroes for your next connected learning project on the Midwich Store.
