University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio

The University of Cincinnati's College of Business was faced with the challenge many universities face worldwide. How can they modernize an outdated facility to provide a connected, innovative learning environment? The 21st century learning environment must deliver digital content into everyday classes while allowing the University to future proof their investment with a robust infrastructure. The University decision makers were faced with the challenge of weighing how budget funds are spent, deciding what emerging technologies show the most promise, and determining how best to support these technological advances while avoiding the ever-present risk of obsolescence. The University of Cincinnati not only met this challenge, but exceeded it by implementing a state of the art learning facility which connects over 2,500 students per week through blended courses and satellite campuses located in France, Chile, China and Belgium.

"The new auditorium will enhance the overall learning experience in the COB by turning an average classroom into a place students will look forward to attending."

The AMX Solution

The University of Cincinnati College of Business' decision makers had to carefully decide what emerging technologies showed the most promise; and determine how they would support these technological advances while avoiding the ever-present risk of obsolescence of the solutions.

Under pressure to keep spending down but also keep pace with rapid technology changes, the University of Cincinnati turned to AMX ® . The University has witnessed the longevity and ROI in future proofing their investments with AMX solutions as it has fully functional AMX equipment within the business school dating back over 10 years. AMX implemented a solution that created a next-generation learning environment for students and a captivating teaching atmosphere for instructors.

Upon entering the Robert and Rose Fealy Auditorium, a true educational showplace emerges. Above the multi-tiered seating, ten ceiling-mounted flat panel monitors are strategically suspended so that no matter where a student is seated, a great view is assured. In the front of the room, behind the instructor, is a large theater-style screen. Cameras positioned throughout the room capture the instructor's every movement and gesture.

With instructors being responsible for classroom technology management such as AV devices, IT equipment and lighting, a quick and simple solution was needed to minimize distractions. The AMX Modero ® Touch Panels were selected to streamline the room's technology. In addition, the instructor can initiate live video streaming and video conferencing to include students located at satellite campuses in France, Chile, China and Belgium.

Serving as the brain of the various technologies in the auditorium is the AMX NI-4100 NetLinx ® Integrated Controller. It provides the flexibility to integrate a broad range of devices including projectors, lighting, cameras, DVD players, thermostats and other electronic equipment. With the scalability of the NI-4100, future device and control expansion are possible.

"This state-of-the-art renovation is critical to our undergraduate students, as the Fealy Auditorium will be the most heavily used classroom in Lindner Hall. The exceptional technology – from projectors and screens at the front and back of the room to laptop plugs at each seat – will allow both professors and students to utilize multi-media that will enhance the learning environment."

To distribute the video feed of the instructor, multimedia and other content to the video displays and projection screen, an AMX Epica ® DGX 32 Customizable Matrix Switcher was deployed. The DGX solves the complexity of managing the number of varying signal types in source devices and varying input types of displays. It does this through its ability to transcode audio and video, from analog to digital or digital to analog. It can deliver any combination of DVI, RGBHV, audio and one-way RS-232 control signals up to 3,000 feet. And, with SmartScale™, a revolutionary technology in Epica DGX Fiber Receivers, every video display performs at its optimal resolution. Accustomed to utilizing digital technologies, the new facility offers students connectivity to their mobile device during instruction through three wireless access points and AC outlets at each seat. Additionally, students can access lectures as a review tool for anytime learning since the AMX solution allows every session in the new auditorium to be captured through the fiber-optic system.

Remote access is another key benefit of the AMX solution. When needed, staff can manage the auditorium's system from another facility with Apple's iPad and the TPControl application.

With technology playing an ever increasing role in the lives of students, the new auditorium engages them through a wireless, interactive smart classroom. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has encouraged universities to implement and utilize digital technologies delivering digital content into the traditional classroom and implement more blended and distance learning courses.

"The Fealy Auditorium will enhance our learning experience with a clean, bright, more collaborative and technology-forward environment."

The AMX solution installed in the Robert and Rose Fealy Auditorium and throughout the College of Business provides an innovative learning environment that is inviting to both students and instructors. It allows University administrators the opportunity to deliver blended courses that will allow expansion of classrooms and increased enrollment, which in turn will generate increased revenue and a greater return on investment. Further, the AMX solution used in the College of Business simplifies how the University interacts with technology, providing staff intuitive operation with little training.

The once aging auditorium has been transformed into a next-generation learning environment and now serves as a valuable asset and source of pride for the University of Cincinnati.