"From Maverick AV we observe a strong shift towards the interactive panel in the classrooms", Pablo Doblado

BDM de Maverick AV Solutions, Pablo Doblado answers twelve questions about the education vertical, una de las áreas de negocio que más interés despierta en esta época del año para dotar tecnológicamente las aulas.

The education market and technological solutions that improve learning with the digitalization of classrooms to encourage collaboration between teachers and students is one of the most important business verticals for Maverick AV Solutions.

Pablo Doblado, BDM of this division specialized in AV and collaboration solutions of Tech Data, answers twelve questions to this effect.

1.- What is the reason for the interest of schools in technology??

Many can be the reasons, but mainly because technology helps capture the attention of students, as well as that it is necessary for the use of the book or digital content. Improving the so-called 'learning curve' is a clear objective of all schools.

2.-What are the main objectives that schools propose when implementing new technology??

The main objective is to define the technological solution that best suits your pedagogical model and adjust budgets to this technology, but also seek differentiation from other educational centers. Even if it doesn't seem like it, schools are in competition with each other, and attracting the largest number of students is a priority.

3.- What are the most demanded solutions in this regard??

In audiovisuals, the most demanded solution has been the interactive whiteboard (interactive whiteboard plus projector), but we are already strongly noticing the change to the interactive panel. Also the interactive projector is capturing more interest by those responsible for the centers for its versatility of installation. In the area of computer science, No doubt, devices for students, such as tablets and portable speakers.

4.- What percentage of classrooms are technologically equipped today?? What is usually the trend?: equip all at once or only a part of them?

Difficult to know the number of technologically equipped classrooms, each counseling gives its data. Most point to the percentage in more than the 60%; but what is clear is that very few centers equip their classrooms massively., and the main reason is the scarce budgets for technology.

5.- How has demand evolved in recent years??

Demand continues to rise. More and more, schools are clear about the advantages of using technology in the classroom; that is why we are facing a technological renewal, as many of the classrooms with interactive whiteboards are now being equipped with the interactive display, the latest trend in classrooms. Interactive panels offer a much more natural and versatile use compared to previous technology.

6.- Is there a differential in terms of technological equipment in the classrooms between public and private schools??

As far as technology endowment is concerned there is not so much difference, because the ministries have a strong commitment in this regard and have been betting for years on implementing technology in educational centers; but, No doubt, private schools are the ones that make massive endowments of their classrooms, as they have a much greater investment potential.

7.- What is usually the budget that schools invest in technology each year??

It depends on the type of center and how you break down your budgets. It is difficult to estimate the investment, but we could say that a public center can invest in technologically equipping ten classrooms in a staggered way over a year, while a private center, as I pointed out before, makes this same endowment at once.

8.- Are purchases usually recurring or is it easier for investments to be punctual or when previous technology has become obsolete??

Once they bet on the use of technology, purchases are usually recurring, but they will always be executed when the budgets arrive at the centers or when they have time to paralyze the classrooms during the installation. therefore, the education vertical is very active at this time of year: taking advantage of the summer break turns out to be a good opportunity to equip the classrooms without discomfort or inconvenience.

9.- From the proposal of Maverick AV Solutions, Which are the most demanded technology companies and why?

Manufacturers of projection and interactive monitors. In the case of the former, the most demanded manufacturers are Epson and Optoma, without forgetting BenQ. In the case of interactive displays, last year the most demanded were those of Promethean, that continues to lead this market, although BenQ's offer of interactive panels is finding a place in this market. At last, but no less important, the accessories part is crucial when it comes to offering a complete and outstanding solution. In this sense, our star manufacturer is Vision that, with its full product range, provides customers with everything they need, such as junction boxes and modules; Speakers; Stands; Cables; adapters and mini PC, among others, and is the preferred choice of our customers, since above all its portfolio offers a lifetime guarantee.

10.- How do resellers add value to the offer of technological solutions for the educational market??

With the knowledge of the use of technology, something very demanded and that needs a client that is not technological, and for a good installation and maintenance service. Let's not forget that when introducing technology in the centers, more and more they will need help to solve any incident in this regard.

11.- What differential does Maverick AV Solutions offer as a reference wholesaler in collaborative solutions?, including education?

The main one is that we have expert professionals who can advise clients and always offer the best solutions, also that 'optional' but very important services, as financing or renting. These last two points, concretely, can open new business opportunities, as they solve the most common problem in this environment: the budget. In addition, we are the preferred partners of all the main manufacturers of this vertical, who choose us for our knowledge of the market and for our capillarity in the Spanish territory.

12.- And as a division specialized in AV and collaboration solutions in Tech Data??

At last, as part of Tech Data, our logistics are exceptional and unrivalled, and that ensures our customers can meet the installation time without unforeseen events. In our warehouse there is a team that customizes the products on demand, and that allows you to add the logo of the institute on computers or install software in bulk, For example.

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