Ocean View Hills SchoolThe Need:
Southland Technology was presented the opportunity to design and integrate Smart Classroom Technology for forty (40) classrooms at a brand new K-8 school in San Diego, CA. Each room was to have a standard compliment of multimedia presentation technology and a standardized platform of control. Remote monitoring and control capabilities were also requirements of the system for centralized access to the status of each room's technology.
The Technology:
The goal of the Smart Classroom was to develop an interactive learning environment that could be used in each classroom regardless of the grade level and level of instructor comfort with technology. The equipment for each room needed to be identical so that once users familiarized themselves with the system controls, that they would be applicable in any room. To accomplish these system design goals, technology from industry leading companies such as Proxima, Extron, Smart Technology, and Sony were deployed.
Each classroom features a front-projection display system with an interactive electronic whiteboard as the main projection surface. Computer interfacing is available for both permanent in-room PCs and portable laptop computers. Users also have the ability to show VHS and DVD materials as well as high-resolution video document camera. Audio reinforcement is handled by four recessed ceiling mounted speakers in each classroom. Each instructor also has a wireless lavaliere microphone which can be used to amplify their voice for presentations along with the other program material.
System Control in each room is achieved through a wall mounted keypad controller. Each room has a keypad that allows for system on/off controls, selection of the desired video sources for display on screen, and room volume control. Users can also apply a video mute to black out images on screen at any time. In addition, each of the wall mounted controllers uses an IP connection to provide centralized control and monitoring over each of the classroom presentation systems. Each system is configured to provide specific alerts to trigger emails for service, maintenance and security purposes.
The Aesthetics:
The multimedia technology for each of the classrooms is on display and in use almost all day during school hours. The video projectors are suspended from the ceiling and visible in the classrooms at all times. The front projection Smart Board surfaces are located in custom millwork at the front of each room. A small equipment rack also located in the custom millwork at the front of each room holds all of the switching and core system technology for each classroom.
All of the system interfacing is achieved through custom wall plates located in accordance with standard building mounting heights to coordinate with other services such as electrical and IT. The wall mounted system controllers were located in direct coordination with the end users to ensure that they were placed optimally in each environment.
The Results:
The result of this project is a brand new school with the latest in presentation technology that is setting a high benchmark for all of the other schools in the state. Southland’s solution provided a cost-effective way of making technology available to each classroom with an easy-to-use common interface in each location. Advanced system control technology reduces the complexities of managing the large number of systems deployed, making the experience positive for the end-users and support staff alike. Southland Technology is proud to design and build technology solutions customized to meet the needs of our unique customers. To learn more about this project or how Southland can help you design and build your next audio visual system please contact one of our Sales Professionals.
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