With a history spanning more than 125 years, the University of Greenwich is regarded as one of the world’s top universities, and offers more than 200 courses across its Greenwich, Avery Hill and Medway campuses in the UK.
Recently, the university forged partnerships with Sennheiser and video collaboration solutions provider AVer to bridge the gap between in-person and remote education.
In the wake of the challenges posed by the global pandemic, the university found itself at a crossroads. The shift to remote teaching via Microsoft Teams had proved successful, but presented challenges in engaging students effectively. To address this, Head of Digital AV Solutions Mark Affection and his team spearheaded the initiative to create a ‘HyFlex’ solution.
This innovation aimed to provide a seamless and inclusive learning environment for both on-campus and remote participants, ensuring that no student was left behind due to physical constraints. HyFlex also had to comply with building regulations, given that the university’s Greenwich campus is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Old Royal Naval College. Moreover, the historic Queen Anne Building on the Greenwich campus is a listed building, necessitating dialogue with Historic England before work could proceed.
‘The HyFlex configuration required a lecture podium, computers, visualisers and a whiteboard – typical classroom elements,’ Affection says. ‘Additionally, a crucial requirement identified during lockdown was the requirement for a second monitor for the lecturer, facilitating presentation display on one side and participant viewing on the other.’
He notes that the second screen needed to be replicated on a large display monitor on the wall facing the podium to ensure remote students can be seen by the rest of the remote audience and the speaker. ‘We hoped that this would help foster a sense of inclusivity,’ he explains.
Building on this sense of inclusivity, the team investigated what benefits Auto Tracking Cameras could bring, with AVer’s camera solution being chosen for its AI functionality in detecting, recognising and switching video automatically between different speakers and different zones.
A key requirement for the cameras was the ability to integrate with other hardware. Affection and his colleague, Senior Digital AV Technician Ben Sleeman, did not regard a fixed microphone on the lecturer’s podium adequate for group discussion, as the sound levels were mixed. A handheld microphone would be too cumbersome to pass round the audience, so the team looked to install centrally placed, ceiling mounted acoustic panel microphones.
After extensive evaluation, Sennheiser was chosen for its ‘well-regarded and trusted pedigree’, with Affection emphasising the need for high-quality, reliable and adaptable technology. ‘Sennheiser’s reputation was a driving factor in our decision-making process,’ he says.
Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2) microphone emerged as the most effective option. The microphone also has the option to be integrated with the AVer cameras using the PTZ Link software bridge, allowing both the camera and microphone to intelligently detect and follow the active speaker.
‘Given our extensive use of Sennheiser audio solutions, like the Evolution Series and SpeechLine, we were confident in the quality technology offered for our classrooms and lecture halls,’ says Affection. ‘Upon testing the TCC2 solution with Sennheiser’s Inesh Patel [Business Development Manager – Business Communication] and Joe Mahoney [Customer Development & Application Engineer], who visited our facilities to set up the microphones in a classroom environment, we were thrilled with its performance. It captured voices from various positions, while allowing prioritisation. And that’s when we realised the potential of this technology and thought it could really work for us.’
Following successful classroom testing, the team extended the evaluation to a lecture theatre, testing the TCC 2 microphone with TrueVoicelift technology. Once again, the test was a success. ‘We were astonished by the performance,’ Affection says. ‘This reinforced our confidence in the product’s suitability, both for teaching in classrooms and voice reinforcement in lecture theatres.’
While the TCC 2 was initially deployed in 24 classrooms, four larger lecture theatres, and IT labs across the campuses, the team later equipped four additional smaller classrooms with the new TeamConnect Ceiling Medium ceiling microphone. The university is also currently piloting Sennheiser’s WiFi enabled MobileConnect, a scalable, app-based accessibility solution, with the aim of incorporating it into the university’s assistive hearing technology facility-wide.
After the initial installation in 2021, where the university collaborated with A/V consultants Hewshott and integrator Strive AV, subsequent work ensued the following year, involving the same acoustics consulting service and integrator GVAV. Finally, 2023 marked the collaboration between the university and A/V consultant DramaByDesign alongside GVAV, with both university teaching staff and students quickly adapting. From an instructional standpoint, the A/V solution unlocked new possibilities, especially in scientific and technical courses, enabling even more sophisticated deployments. Remote participants noted a more engaging experience, resulting in increased attendance and heightened student satisfaction.
The A/V configuration achieved its objective of ensuring course continuity and improving the learning experience for all stakeholders. This was especially valuable for international students, some of whom still could not travel to the UK, but could participate in the learning discussions remotely.
The technology aligns with the university’s target of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2030. Affection observed a reduction in staff travel between campuses since the implementation, with online meetings becoming the norm. ‘The natural audio experience and auto-tracking don’t hinder or stifle conversation.
‘Out of a dreadful situation like Covid-19, positive and intriguing developments have emerged in how people engage with these technologies, which I don’t see us reverting from,’ he adds. ‘Necessity forced this change, and people have embraced and become accustomed to these technologies.
‘Feedback from non-remote rooms indicates that the HyFlex configuration is the new normal. “We want the cameras; we want the microphones and dual screens”, they say. Our aim is to continue working in this manner.’
‘Our collaboration with the University of Greenwich has highlighted the significance of teamwork and shared expertise in shaping the learning environment,’ concludes Patel. ‘Sennheiser’s TeamConnect Ceiling microphones have been instrumental, ensuring a seamless educational experience by intelligently integrating with AVer cameras. Our joint efforts underscore the importance of innovative solutions in advancing education, and we’re excited about its continuing impact on the future of learning.’
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