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 classrooms on campus, 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 the Taif University, in Saudi Arabia, which has recently completed a major upgrade to its audio capabilities in partnership with integrator Smart Cities Technologies (SCT) and conferencing and collaboration solutions provider ClearOne.

“Regarding distance learning, Instructors use video conferencing in classrooms to collaborate with the undergraduate and graduate student population of Taif University's women's campus, he explains. Moath M. Yousef, AV presale & product manager de SCT-, although they faced many problems with audio, mainly echo and disconnection”.

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

In fact, These video collaboration classes often required the presence of dedicated supervisors to move microphones between participants to ensure the smooth development of the classes..

After evaluating the situation, Yousef introduced ClearOne to Anas AIQudsi, head of the university 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 Arrays 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 classroom supervisors dedicated to the transfer of microphones between students.

The Advantage of Beamforming Mic Array, ceiling plate with microphone array and beamforming, is its voice raising 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,” recalls Yousef.. “ClearOne’s reputation in the market and their 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 perfectly fit the needs of the university and allowed instructors to easily connect with students”, says AIQudsi.

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

Taif University continually invites professionals from all over the world to share their knowledge with students, and ClearOne's solution has facilitated this collaboration. From the aesthetics of the microphones and the 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.