ClearOne streamlines TCNJ remote learning with its audio solutions

BMA and Converge Pro audio solutions 2 of ClearOne have been deployed throughout the North American campus The College of New Jersey, whose objective is to be a benchmark in accessibility in distance learning and training.

Located in the state of New Jersey, very close to the cities of New York and Philadelphia, the university TCNJ (The College of New Jersey) started in the year 2020 an ambitious project to offer the best remote access and training to your students in every classroom on your campus, which has now ended.

In this process, the Media and Technology Support Services Office (MTSS) of this university has been responsible for evaluating the best options to offer high quality audio capture in classrooms and conference rooms, and begin its deployment during the various phases that have configured this project.

How do you explain John Bannon, Director of Help Desk Services, “the pandemic made us realize the need and need to develop hybrid learning environments that would support the continued success of our staff and students”.

One of the priorities was to find a simple solution, accessible and reliable “or, otherwise, “We ran the risk of having interruptions and frustration in the daily schedules of educators”, subraya Bannan.

The system ClearOne Collaborate Versa Lite CT stood out as the solution chosen for its high performance, Compatibility with virtually any computer, mobile device or collaboration platform and its easy deployment in multi-use spaces that welcome different educators throughout the day.

The smallest classrooms on campus have the system BMA CT y Versa Hub, while larger spaces and conference rooms use BMA 360 and the mixer DSP Converge Pro 2.

The Collaborate Versa Lite CT System, featuring ClearOne BMA CT, It is a solution beamforming microphone that integrates into false ceilings to provide optimal audio pickup, while simplifying the connection of audiovisual peripherals and computers through the hub USB ClearOne Versa.

Besides, offers powerful features such as acoustic echo cancellation and adaptive steering, that intelligently switches between the unit's multiple directional microphones to optimize pickup based on the current location of the speaker or meeting host.

To date, MTSS has installed 53 Versa Lite CT systems in small and medium-sized classrooms, along with various camera solutions that offer automatic tracking to keep the presenter in the frame as they move around the room.

Combined with the adaptive steering capability of BMA CT, These systems provide educators with maximum flexibility and allow them to move away from the front of the room while always maintaining excellent audio and video quality for remote learners.. Most spaces also include a projection system, while some have a digital screen.

“Three years after we started this project, we would find it difficult to find a student, priest or educator who expects something less: Now it is essentially a requirement - says Bannan -. In the competitive university landscape, Staying ahead of technology trends is vital to meeting enrollment goals and providing all students with equitable access”.

For this person in charge, ““Using the same solutions across campus has increased staff technology confidence and offers a simple, intuitive setup that even guest speakers or event hosts can handle with ease.”.

After seeing the widespread success of Versa Lite CT solutions, MTSS focused its attention on university classrooms. In order to offer the same simplicity and quality for your larger classes, the technical team developed a ceiling microphone with a Converge Pro mixer 2 DSP, again along with a variety of trail cameras.

This solution guarantees a Complete coverage for the largest rooms, while allowing the connection of up to twelve additional lapel microphones or other types of microphones commonly used for round tables and multi-speaker stages. BMA 360 Simplifies system design by allowing up to three remote units to be daisy-chained via P-Link, which only requires a single connection cable to the DSP.

“When we started implementing new audio capture solutions, “We worked collaboratively with ClearOne representatives to ensure each space ran smoothly and offered a consistent experience for everyone,” adds Bannan.. The high level of support we received was a determining factor in our product selection, and has given us the security that any problem can be solved quickly”.

Deployment is in progress, and each year's budget provides additional funds to integrate more classrooms and spaces, including the president's conference room, which was the first to be updated and has BMA systems 360 and BMA CT that effectively solve the difficult acoustic environment of this space, which includes many hard surfaces.

This conference room also uses technology BMA 360 Voice Lift, providing equalized sound reinforcement to all areas of the space, so that no attendee has to strain to hear the speaker.

“The College of New Jersey moved skillfully to provide all stakeholders with the latest solutions for distance learning and hybrid classrooms, and their efforts to standardize campus technology are already paying off for staff and guests.”, points out Jason DiCampello, ClearOne Regional Sales Director, who worked directly with Bannan.

For this person in charge, “The need for reliable, high-quality audio and video solutions in education is only going to grow.”, and we look forward to continuing to work with TCNJ to provide lasting solutions that support staff and help the university meet its goals.”.