Learning Spaces

University Connects 3 Sites with AV for Remote, Connected Learning

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 02/20/19

An Australian university seeking a way to connect students across three campuses has implemented a new AV system to achieve its goals. The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) has campuses in three communities, Toowoomba, Springfield and Ipswich, all about an hour apart.

To facilitate teaching, learning and meeting opportunities among those sites and among groups of students collaborating on-site in a single classroom, the university deployed a digital media distribution system that allows students and staff to connect from desktops, laptops and mobile devices and use a consolidated user interface to control any of the linked devices.

The institution tapped two integration companies, Pro AV Solutions and avt, to design the AV setup. Pro AV recommended AMX SVSI from Harman to deliver high-definition audio and video over the existing network infrastructure.

"We realized that we couldn't approach this project with a traditional AV technology platform due to the scope of the network," said Marc Braganza, a manager at Pro AV Queensland, in a statement. The university "wanted to bring content closer to students across three campuses. We needed a unique solution that could distribute massive amounts of audio and video over several devices using standard network cabling and IP technology."

"USQ is paving the way for the future of AV in the education sector," added Andrew Maxwell, a senior lecturer at the university in the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. "Our students love that they can send video feeds from anywhere they need to, which has allowed them to collaborate and work more effectively."