AV essentials for schools
Appropriate audio-visual equipment in schools can help foster collaboration, interactivity, communication, and creativity.
A broad suite of AV equipment is available to schools, including audio systems, recording and streaming equipment, audio systems, AV control systems, as well as touchscreens, interactive projectors and whiteboards. Not all of these items will be necessary for every school, though some key items would prove useful.
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Learning in the classroom
In the classroom, audio visual aids are important tools for the learning process. Not everyone absorbs and processes information in the same way, so presenting information differently will help more students to understand and retain it. Visual aids such as PowerPoint slides and video clips can bring ideas to life and help students see things for themselves without leaving the classroom.
Conventional ‘writing on the whiteboard’ style of lessons can become more engaging with AV equipment. Interactive whiteboards and projectors make it easy to imbed links for students to explore videos or articles about the topic under investigation. Including graphics like graphs, tables and images provides visual aids which will help some students more easily grasp concepts.
For students with different learning needs, AV equipment can help accommodate their learning. Sound amplification, large font, soothing sounds and gamified learning can all make accessing classroom activities easier.
Multimedia approaches to classroom projects and assessment are becoming increasingly common. Students are often encouraged to incorporate a range of media into their work, including video, images, and music, as well as a written script. Having a suite of audio-visual equipment available to students will ensure they have the necessary tools to produce an effective multimedia project. Microphones, video cameras and audio recorders can all help students create professional quality projects. Equipment should be easy to use and easily transportable so it can be used by different students in a range of spaces around the school.
Recording equipment is also useful for capturing student work for later review, or to be shared with other classes or the student’s family. Software solutions are available to help with editing and distributing recorded content.
Collaboration
For teachers, collaboration is becoming increasingly common. Sharing lesson plans and developing these as a team can help ease the workload for individual teachers, and ensure cohesion of learning activities across a cohort. Audio visual equipment can also help teachers meet virtually. Cameras and audio equipment make meeting from different parts of the campus, or while at home, possible, allowing for greater flexibility around meeting times.
AV equipment can also allow guest presenters and speakers to virtually visit classrooms. A guest could address a class, year level or entire school via video link. Students could watch this all together, or at different times in smaller groups. Having the necessary equipment to record and distribute this content at the school will make this process simple.
Communication and creativity
Exciting opportunities with audio visual equipment may include student produced podcasts and video news
bulletins, and professional quality support at school performances. For students hoping to pursue a career in the media, familiarity with producing, editing and distributing content could prove particularly useful.
The ability to livestream events, or record and then distribute later means families can enjoy these events without having to be there in person. Having the necessary equipment to facilitate this onsite can be a substantial cost saving for schools, as external providers will not need to be hired to record the event.
From an industry insider
“A good AV system provides the right tools and resources for teachers to intelligibly communicate, teach, and prepare students for the technologically advanced world outside the classroom,” said Jands Retail Applications Specialist, Blake Moussa.
Moussa believes student engagement can be boosted through the strategic employment of AV tools. He champions the selection of suitable AV equipment as critical for fostering a more interactive and engaging learning environment.
Tailoring the choice of essential lighting, audio, streaming, and video equipment to the needs and financial capacity of each educational institution is crucial. Stage lighting is advised for performances and other events to enhance the atmosphere.
Microphones can be used in a wide range of applications, from podcasting, content creation, music performances, or presentations. In this sense, Moussa recommends considering “whether they need to be wired or wireless, handheld, lapel, headset, or gooseneck depending on presentation preference and performance requirements.” He also highlights the significance of audio clarity and professionalism, especially for video conferencing and remote learning.
Portable Audio Loudspeakers are also a versatile addition to a school’s AV setup, praised for their ease of use across various events, presentations, and educational activities.
For schools aiming to broaden their AV horizons, Moussa suggests exploring studio monitors and DJ consoles. For streaming school events, lectures, performances, or content creation, a projector or screen, cameras, and video streaming mixer can allow for fluid switching between different sources.
And although many AV devices are user-friendly, Moussa reassures that assistance is within reach when needed. “Training can come from those who initially installed the equipment, distributors of the products, or dedicated online courses,” he explained, noting that schools often have teachers adept at guiding students and staff in using the technology.