- By incorporating high-tech distance learning capabilities in the classroom, many colleges are beginning to recognize the value and necessity of enhancing the education environment through complete audio/video integration, automation and control. Students no longer consider in-class multimedia features a bonus. Today's tech-savvy generation of students demands them.
"It's upgradeable without the forklift," added Grandstaff. "That's the future with a control system from AMX. We can manage 150 to 200 rooms without extra staff. When you don't have the people to do all the work necessary, you have to think of ways to get the job done."
- Just ask the student body and faculty at North Central Michigan College (NCMC), located in Petosky, Mich. In a special collaboration spearheaded by audio/video design firm Innovative Communications Inc. (ICI), MiCTA and AMX®, this small community college employs the AMX NetLinx® Control System for bringing long distance learning, ITV interactive video courses and the Internet directly into the traditional classroom. "They really stepped forward and put in countless hours," said Eric Grandstaff, Director of Library and Technology Services at NCMC.
Technology Advantage
- With approximately 2,300 students, NCMC finds itself in a statewide competition to increase yearly enrollment figures. The latest technology and integrated classrooms prove to be successful in attracting students. "It's a marketing point for many universities," explained Grandstaff. "Ultimately, it's not a numbers issue. It's an issue that if you don't use technology, the students will go somewhere else that does."
- At NCMC, students flock to Room 32, the centerpiece of four "smart rooms" installed in cooperation by ICI, MiCTA and AMX. Here, NetLinx control provides educators the ability to compliment traditional teaching methods with an easy-to-use, easy-to-understand one-touch solution. Here's what that means. The professor experiences complete control and automation of the classroom. He or she can instantly log onto the Internet, record lectures, download computer presentations, cue video, and more. As multimedia resources are brought into the room, the educator's lesson plan immediately turns interactive.
What's In Room 32?
- A combination of high-end electronics working together provides total integration, automation and control.
- AMX NetLinx Control System
- AMX 15-inch Touch Panel
- Sony Pan/Tilt Cameras
- RCA 61-inch Monitor
- JVC 32-inch Monitors
- JVC VCR Players
- Crown Desktop Microphone
- Crown Ceiling Mounted Microphones
- JBL Loudspeakers
- Visitec 61-inch Smart Board
- With the easy-to-read AMX 15-inch Touch Panel in a podium at the head of the room, the instructor can effortlessly "power on" and control any of the equipment integrated by NetLinx. The touch panel is also password protected, so only authorized faculty members can take control of the room.
- Through NetLinx, all it takes is a touch of a button to activate one function at a time or a sequence of events. Display preset camera angles, survey the audience and zoom in. Monitor audio levels to increase, decrease or mute speaker volumes. Activate microphones. Select the appropriate monitor and command standard VCR functions, such as play, pause and stop.
Special Preference
- Since the completion of Room 32, NCMC has seen a significant influx of students registering for courses that take place in this technology-enhanced classroom. "This generation of students views the technology like the previous generation of adults looks at TV," said Grandstaff. "The students want these rooms. They prefer to take advantage of multimedia. Plus, this exposes them to different learning formats. The more formats you can expose them to, the more they will learn. Begin with a lecture, follow up with text, and then hit them again with multimedia, like the Internet, to reinforce the facilitation of the content."
This is Not a Test
- A multifaceted approach to education affords faculty and staff the opportunity use the latest technology available, with minimal training hours and worry-free, proactive maintenance and repair. ICI and MiCTA employed NetLinx because it manages everything - controlling networked electronic devices and relaying the status of each piece of equipment. The instructor can effectively run the class using an easy-to-navigate touch panel. Meanwhile, the technical staff can efficiently track when something breaks down or needs attention. NetLinx knows when to generate email alerts directly to a main PC that communicates with the control system. The result is a truly seamless and fully operational learning environment. "We wanted to be able to manage Room 32 in such a way as to anticipate any problems," said Randy Jensen, ICI Operations Manager. "We wanted to serve the faculty and staff in the best way possible. NetLinx allows for that."
Making the Upgrade
- As the college continues to grow, the number of integrated classrooms can easily be increased and upgraded through NetLinx, which is built with a modular design for greater customizations and expandability. In other words, it is powerful enough to integrate additional equipment, program more commands, and manage a plethora of devices. "It's upgradeable without the forklift," added Grandstaff. "That's the future with a control system from AMX. We can manage 150 to 200 rooms without extra staff. When you don't have the people to do all the work necessary, you have to think of ways to get the job done. In lieu of fewer personnel, you have to work smarter. NetLinx is the key piece."
- It's also the common denominator for today's tech-savvy students and those who are becoming tomorrow's tech-savvy teachers. "We're going to see new instructors, the ones who grew up on video television and video games, who can readily use the technology," Grandstaff explained. "They will roll right into the classrooms and take control."
