Taif University installs ClearOne Beamforming to improve distance learning

The integrator Smart Cities Technologies and the Taif University have designed a collaboration solution, for twenty-seven campus classrooms, based on Converge Pro DSP mixers 2 and in Beamforming Mic Array combinations 2 of ClearOne.

Distance learning has become an increasingly important pillar in higher education institutions around the world., including Taif University, in Saudi Arabia, which has recently completed a major update to its audio capabilities in partnership with the integrator Smart Cities Technologies (SCT) and the conferencing and collaboration solutions provider ClearOne.

"As far as distance learning is concerned,, instructors use classroom video conferencing to collaborate with the undergraduate and graduate student population of Taif University's female campus. Moath M. Yousef, Presales AV & SCT product manager-, although they faced many problems with audio, mainly of echo and disconnection".

In addition, in classes with many students it was very difficult to constantly move the microphone between the participants so that the far end of the room could clearly hear the questions and debates..

In fact, these video collaboration classes often required the presence of supervisors dedicated to moving the microphones between the participants to ensure the smooth running of the microphones..

After assessing the situation, Yousef introduced ClearOne to Anas AIQudsi, head of the university's infrastructure department, and together they built the design of a complete collaboration solution with DSP mixers ClearOne Converge Pro 2 and combinations of Beamforming Mic Array 2 in twenty-seven classrooms on campus.

When working with two Beamforming Mic Array connected to each Converge Pro mixer 2, combined with new materials that absorb audio in classrooms, AIQudsi assures that there would be no need in the future for supervisors in classrooms dedicated to the transfer of microphones between students.

The Advantage of Beamforming Mic Array, ceiling plate with microphone arrangement and beamforming, is its voice elevation function, allowing audio to be amplified locally and heard in all classrooms, large conference and meeting rooms.

The entire installation was completed in less than a month and without any problems. "Taif University and SCT chose ClearOne solutions based on the company's track record in the audio sector and the quality and reliability of its solutions," Yousef said.. ClearOne's reputation in the marketplace and extended warranty cemented our decision to partner with them.".

Smart Cities Technology has a team of expert engineers in the field of professional audio and video solutions, home automation, lighting and technologies for conference rooms. "The final solution was perfectly suited to the needs of the university and allowed instructors to easily connect with students", says AIQudsi.

Instructors use the new ClearOne solution on a daily basis, and often connect to two or three classes simultaneously, since many students study the same subjects. Solutions are used about twelve hours a day.

Taif University continuously invites professionals from around the world to share their knowledge with students, and clearOne's solution has facilitated this collaboration. From microphone aesthetics and easy control with the Converge Pro platform 2, the network is quite easy to manage for the IT team and therefore it is planned to expand the solutions to more classrooms.

Other articles on ClearOne, Smart Cities Technologies-SCT, Taif University