While doing research and collecting data to develop a collaboration product, the Sony team traveled to more than a dozen universities and corporate clients around the globe, some commons themes emerged. First and foremost, the product needed to have an easy-to-use UX, and it needed to be flexible and scalable.

“I went back to Japan and told everybody that there is a demand out there, and that we think this is going to be a very good solution for three use cases—interactive lecture, active learning, and conferencing,” says Mike Tada, Education Segment, Sony Professional Solutions Americas. “So that’s how we came up with Vision Exchange today.”

Rather than a hardwired video network and multiple AV devices, Sony Vision Exchange facilitates collaboration through one box over an IP network. The way the Vision Exchange works, says Tada, “is we have the main Vision Exchange unit, which is the hub of the whole system. It can be used as a stand-alone small switcher so that you can have various types of sources such as a document camera, laptop, or Blu-ray player coming in—hardwired sources plus wireless sources—and you have a very easy to use on-screen graphical user interface to switch it.”

• This approach was a perfect fit for the University of Manitoba, and the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), clients of Calgary-based integration firm, Matrix Video Communications. “Sony Vision Exchange can expand and mold to however you see fit,” says Kyle Berezowski, CTS, consultant, Equipment Services, ICT Client Services at U of S.

“We looked into Vision Exchange as well as a few other manufacturers that were claiming that they had active learning solutions.” Vision Exchange met U of S client needs and the criteria of the team. “The Sony solution is just very intuitive, very simple and straightforward.” The user interface was a key differentiator that sealed the deal in choosing Sony Vision Exchange, Berezowski says. “You get out there and start swiping, and very quickly a user of any skill level can get out there and start teaching in an active manner.”

Pure Engineering
“What I like about this story is that it’s not the product planner or the managers that brought in some product,” says Tada. “It was pure engineering doing development and figuring out how we can use a really big canvas and create a very simple user interface.” Whether the solution is used for interactive lecture, active learning, a conference room, or a huddle space, “we have one simple user interface that people can easily use,” says Tada.

The simplicity of the Vision Exchange product and execution helped solidify the active learning concept. “Learning the system was very simple, given that there’s one box, and it has the ability to move images from one display to another,” says Jerry Allaire, account manager at Matrix Video Communications’ Winnipeg branch. “The main feature is to be able to bring an image from any of the pods—any of the small working groups—up to the main screen so that the whole class can see it and discuss it.”

Through two case studies, learn more about how Matrix Video Communications’ two university clients chose and implemented Sony’s Vision Exchange.

This is the sixth in a six-part blog series in which I will focus in on the bleeding edge of active learning in higher ed today. Read my first post here: Just Make it Easy to Use!

• “Edwards 45 and 46 have a full slate of classes,” says Melissa Hildebrandt, PMP, project manager, Enterprise Project Management Office, Strategic Program Office of the University of Saskatchewan (U of S). “They are full, from 8:30 in the morning to 10 at night.”
• Hildebrandt and Kyle Berezowski, CTS, consultant, Equipment Services, ICT Client Services of U of S were approached by the Edwards School of Business to revamp Edwards 45 and 46 and replace the two-year-old active learning technology system which comprised several components.
• Although the AV team at U of S had a strong relationship with Sony and several products already installed, that wasn’t enough to take a leap of faith, so they set out to do research. “You’ve got to keep an open mind and see what else may be out there,” so Berezowski and another team member looked at solutions being shown at InfoComm 2017. “We looked into Sony Vision Exchange as well as a few other manufacturers with active learning solutions.” Vision Exchange met U of S client needs and the team’s criteria. “The Sony solution is very intuitive, very simple and straightforward.”

Room 45 has a Sony Vision Exchange connected via IP—over the network. “It was nice and easy to plan for,” says Berezowski. “We just had to make sure that we had adequate power and data at each of the monitor locations.” Two 80-inch interactive monitors are located at the front of the room. One is used as the master station and where the main Vision Exchange appliance is installed. It has four HDMI inputs. Seven 60-inch interactive monitors line the perimeter of the room, each as a student pod. In addition, two Sony IP cameras with USB connectivity connect to a dedicated PC at the master monitor for Web conferencing or lecture capture.

Using the Vision Exchange app, the instructor and students connect using various types of BYODs via Wi-Fi to mirror content to the monitors, annotate, download, and collaborate. The main unit and each pod are able to mirror up to six BYODs. A classroom can have up to 10 pods.

The Hub
“Sony’s Vision Exchange is the hub—it is the key component in the classroom,” says Andrew Buttress, Product Manager at Sony. “Then you integrate the rest of the classroom with projectors, flat-panels and other equipment such as cameras, DVD players and document cameras.”

Vision Exchange is compatible with any manufacturer displays, cameras, or other connected devices. But naturally Sony’s products are an easy match. An IR Touch overlay turns Sony Pro BRAVIA into an interactive multi-touch display. “They work well with many input devices such as finger/stylus and support up to 10 points of contact,” says Buttress. With plug and play simplicity with superb image quality Sony's 3LCD laser light source projectors incorporate a true laser light engine and achieve up to 7,000 lumens of color light output. The recently announced USB 3.0 UVC video compatible PTZ camera joins Sony's SRG PTZ high-definition remotely operated camera line-up. The full HD camera is designed to interface easily with a dedicated computer system using the same USB technology found on most computers.

Through two case studies, learn how the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Manitoba implemented active learning classroom technology solutions.

Just Make it Easy to Use

This is the fifth in a six-part blog series in which I will focus in on the bleeding edge of active learning in higher ed today. Read my first post here: Just Make it Easy to Use!

That’s a simple enough request, right?

• We’ve all heard stories or experienced the reality of an installed technology not being used because it required one click too many, and simply wasn’t intuitive. Expensive equipment goes to waste, AV and IT departments are blamed for “broken” systems, and future AV/IT budget requests are challenged.

Before arriving at their current solution, the staff responsible for installing and integrating active learning classroom (ALC) technologies at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) experienced a steep learning curve. Two years ago, an ALC technology solution was installed on campus. “We built it out of discrete components,” says Melissa Hildebrandt, PMP, project manager, Enterprise Project Management Office, Strategic Program Office of the U of S. “There was nothing wrong with the way that it was put together—it’s just that instructors had a hard time understanding how to use it.” As a result, the team was not certain the system was being used to its full capabilities. “We had BYOD wireless connectivity boxes behind monitors around the perimeter of the room, but these all tied into a central video switcher and the controls are a bit cumbersome for an average user,” she says.

In 2016, Hildebrandt and Kyle Berezowski, CTS, consultant, Equipment Services, ICT Client Services of the U of S began the search for a new ALC technology solution. “The user interface was a critical component,” Hildebrandt says. “The others didn’t have an easy way to run the system.”

Engineers and project managers from Sony Professional Solutions of America and teams from Japan spent more than two years traveling the world, listening to AV and IT departments and educators so they could understand exactly what they needed in active learning classroom and meeting room collaboration systems. They visited five different universities in the United States, as well as others in Europe, China, and Japan. “The number-one request from all of the people we met—whether it was the integrator, the AV manager, or faculty—was that ‘it has to be really easy to use,’” says Mike Tada, Education Marketing Manager, Sony Professional Solutions of America. “No one wants to use an intimidating, overwhelming user interface.”

Learn more from Hildebrandt and Berezowski about their mission to integrate an intuitive, easy-to-use active learning classroom technology solution at the U of S, how they trained staff, and see photos. Plus, hear first-hand accounts about the solution the University of Manitoba installed, and how it’s using its new ALC technology solutions, here.

This paper will discuss new technologies, all of which are easy to use and deploy, that have been developed to help support and enhance the Active Learning Classroom (ALC) experience. Two case studies will demonstrate how barriers to entry can be overcome and how staff training can be a breeze. You will learn the information you need to make a decision about incorporating ALC technologies in your classrooms.

Click here to download the full white paper.

This paper provides you with the background you need to use the correct language with your customers and to help them understand new technology solutions that are available to help enhance ALC pedagogies. Through interviews with two integrators and their end user customers, learn how easy it is to add this new technology category to your portfolio.

Click here to download the full white paper.

OK, we all know that teaching the teachers how to use classroom technologies is not the easiest task. Most are too busy, some are set in their ways, and some fear they’ll look stupid if the technology fails during a class. And if it doesn’t work the first time for those who do embrace change—you’ve lost them.

• There’s nothing like putting technology to the test in front of VIPs. Gulp. During the grand opening event at the Allsopp Learning Lab, located in the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), on September 7, 2017, “There was a faculty member who jumped right in and actually gave a demo of the system in front of our university’s president and other media, and she did well,” says Melissa Hildebrandt, PMP, project manager, Enterprise Project Management Office, Strategic Program Office of the U of S. “I think that speaks volumes to how the system can be learned and used quite easily and relatively quickly with a savvy and interested instructor or user.”
• Choosing an easy-to-use technology solution for its active learning classrooms was critical for Hildebrandt and Kyle Berezowski, CTS, consultant, Equipment Services, ICT Client Services of the U of S. “We looked into Sony Vision Exchange as well as a few other manufacturers with active learning solutions.” Vision Exchange met U of S client needs and the team’s criteria. “The Sony solution is very intuitive, very simple and straightforward.” This was a key differentiator when it came to choosing Sony Vision Exchange, Berezowski says. “You start swiping, and very quickly a user of any skill level can get start teaching in an active manner.”

There was little time for formal training between the time the system was installed and the date classes began in the fall. “Sony was on-site just before classes began in the space, and provided training to faculty who were available, and to some embedded IT support staff,” Hildebrandt explains. “But the reality is that this product is very easy to understand once it’s there and installed and ready to use.”

Since classes began, Hildebrandt notes, conversations with faculty and the associate dean have been positive. “The students are really excited about it,” she says. “They seem to take naturally to it and it elevates their educational experience to have such a fantastic learning experience.”

Learn more from Hildebrandt and Berezowski about their mission to integrate an intuitive, easy-to-use active learning classroom technology solution at the U of S, how they trained staff, and see photos. Plus, hear first-hand accounts about the solution the University of Manitoba installed, and how it’s using its new ALC technology solutions, here.

It’s not too often that either an end user or an integrator talks about an “easy sale.”

Collaboration technologies have been a hot topic during the past few years, and there’s a plethora of solutions available. We’ve all heard the stories of meeting rooms and classroom technologies going unused because they weren’t easy to use or intuitive. One perceived problem by the user is the kiss of death for the technology investment. There it will sit until the building gets remodeled. This isn’t good for your client or for the reputation of a technology consultant or integration firm.

Sea Change

At InfoComm 2017, Sony introduced the Vision Exchange active learning classroom solution. They also provided training for sellers who would be carrying the solution. Jerry Allaire, account manager at Matrix Video Communications’ Winnipeg branch, attended the training. “Once active learning was explained to me,” he says, “it’s a pretty basic understanding; it’s a new way of doing some teaching rather than your standard lecture theater.” The simplicity of the Vision Exchange product and execution helped solidify the active learning concept. “Learning the system was very simple, given that there’s one box, and it has the ability to move images from one display to another. The main feature is to be able to bring an image from any of the pods—any of the small working groups—up to the main screen so that the whole class can see it and discuss it.”

Not that a sale is ever easy, but Robert Legal, supervisor, Learning Technology Solutions, Infrastructure Development, Technology Services at the University of Manitoba (UM) called Matrix Video’s Allaire when he sought the right ALC solution for their renovation of the Albert D. Cohen Management Library.

“He had looked into a couple of other solutions, so he knew the different components that were required. When I told him that Sony had one, he was very interested in learning about it,” says Allaire. Legal attended InfoComm 2017 and viewed an operational demo of Vision Exchange. “Shortly after that is when I got the purchase order,” says Allaire.

Sales Tips Q&A

Q: Which end user is Vision Exchange targeted towards?

A: Vision Exchange is a collaboration tool that has been designed for higher education active learning environments and corporate customers.

Q: Can it be sold to corporate customers?
A: Yes, but it’s important to understand that it was designed with educators in mind. Some corporations have training facilities where this technology may fit. The main unit will fit into a conference room or a boardroom to serve as:

· A powerful switcher to accommodate both physical HDMI sources and mirrored BYOD sources

· A collaboration tool (annotation, whiteboard, and sticky notes)

· A tool for traditional video conferencing or Skype for Business (V1.1 or later).

The Pod PC can be useful in a huddle space for collaboration with Skype for Business capability. The streaming option could be used to record corporate meetings.

Q: What about other education levels? High schools? Private schools?
A: Demonstrations for these institutions have resulted in very positive reactions to the product. Typically, the issue at high schools is funding. In some cases, schools still share projectors. Private schools can be a different story if they have the enrollment base and the funding. There has been more than just passing interest at these institutions.

Q: Who is the best person to approach at a university or college?

A: The AV department, learning spaces manager, faculty and dean, media services, center of education, procurement team, IT department, and library services.

Q: What’s the best way to start the conversation?

A: Start the discussion around AV solutions and mention that you’d like to discuss technology for an active learning solution that has been designed for education. It’s a collaborative teaching tool that would engage the students in learning, transform how they learn, and help them to retain more.

NOTE: “Active learning” is the key phrase!

Q: OK, now that we have their interest, what comes next?
A: Contact your Sony account manager to arrange for them to be on-site with you with a Vision Exchange Kit to provide a full demonstration of the product to the customer.

This is the second in a six-part blog series in which I will focus in on the bleeding edge of active learning in higher ed today. Read my first post here: Do Your Homework! A Cheat Sheet to the ABCs of Active Learning.

Did you know that the Active Learning Classroom (ALC) was the overall top technology in 2017, according to the EDUCAUSE Center for Analysis and Research report, “Higher Education’s Top 10 Strategic Technologies for 2017”?

This infographic details the top 10 benefits of new active learning classroom technologies and why these attributes encourage colleges and universities to add them to their future plans.

Click here to download.

If you approach a corporate customer with a new collaboration technology solution that’s sure to save time and money, improve meeting and collaboration experiences, and increase productivity, they’ll be all ears.

However, your customers within institutions of higher education are likely to be sensitive when it comes to the quality of education they already provide. Before you call your college or university customer to pitch a technology that will improve student outcomes and change the way instructors teach, slow down. It’s important to understand that pedagogy is paramount, and technology only supports different teaching styles, not the other way around—ever.

The editors of AV Technology Magazine have been down this path for you. We’ve interviewed many university instructional technologists and AV/IT managers, and we’ve provided some background and terms below that will helpful to read before you make the call. It’s important to do some homework before approaching these customers.

Sage on the Stage

The practice of active learning has been around for nearly twenty years—long before current technology entered the picture. All of your higher education customers will be aware of active learning pedagogies. Since the mid-1990s, foundational research from North Carolina State University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and other institutions for higher education has been showing that active learning classrooms (ALCs) help increase student engagement and lead to positive outcomes.

See: 10 Key Elements of an Active Learning Classroom

These active learning pedagogies are rapidly replacing the traditional teaching styles that are sometimes referred to as “sage on the stage.” This can be accomplished simply by rearranging the classroom furniture from the lecture-style format and setting up a series of collaborative group tables.

In recent years, new technologies have been developed to help support and enhance the learning experience, connecting instructors and students and enabling them to engage at an even deeper level through sharing and collaborating on content across multiple classrooms. And very recently, active learning technology solutions that are easy to install, configure, and support, and that also provide training, have appeared.

Terms and Resource Cheat Sheet

Active Learning Classrooms (ALCs) are defined as “student-centered, interactive, integrated, flexible, active learning spaces” (University of Minnesota, 2009). These spaces can take many forms, but typical ALCs include:

• Movable chairs and tables or tables configured into groupings (often referred to as pods)
• Multiple projection/viewing systems
• Multiple whiteboards/writing surfaces.

The furniture and technology are designed to enable students to work in small groups and to enable instructors to work more interactively with students during class activities.

FLEXspace.org(the FLEXspace Flexible Learning Environments eXchange) is a vast searchable online repository of learning space designs, images, data, and best practices contributed by institutions. FLEXspace has a worldwide community of over 2,700 users from over 1,200 institutions in 40 countries.

Flipped Learning is a pedagogical approach in which direct instruction moves from the group learning space to the individual learning space, and the resulting group space is transformed into a dynamic, interactive learning environment where the educator guides students as they apply concepts and engage creatively in the subject matter.

Pedagogy (ped·a·go·gy) is defined as the art, science, or profession of teaching. It is the method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept. This is an important term to know, as it’s often used in education when talking about different styles of teaching. The pedagogy is first and foremost in education, and technology only supports pedagogy. Don’t make the mistake of saying the technology will improve pedagogy!

TEAL (Technology Enabled Active Learning) is a pedagogical innovation established in a technology-enhanced multimedia studio that emphasizes constructivist-oriented teaching and learning developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

SCALE-UP (Student-Centered Active Learning Environment for Undergraduate Programs) is an initiative based at North Carolina State University. SCALE-UP has inspired active learning development at scores of universities.

STEM: Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

This is the first in a six part blog series wherein I will focus in on the bleeding edge of active learning in higher ed today. Read my next post here: The Easiest Sale.