What Technologies Do I Need for a Blended Learning Environment?

Another option for collaboration is a wireless system. Systems such as the Kramer VIA Collage, Crestron AirMedia, AMX Enova, or Mersive Solstice allows each device to connect to a display wirelessly. These systems act like a basic switcher in that they can take multiple connections and deliver them to a single display. Check with each manufacturer to verify the maximum number of connections allowed as they vary depending on device.

As you go down the wireless option there are a few things to keep in mind. The firsts is bandwidth. Getting the IT department involved early on is key. The wireless system needs to be able to handle the traffic being sent. This can be accomplished one of two ways; either verifying the existing system or installing a separate wireless system dedicated to the presentation system. Another factor is the interface. “It needs to be easy to use, and intuitive,” says Malissa Dillman of Kramer Electronic, “the interface is key.” The application itself also needs to either be available via a locally hosted website on the device or simple to install once.

The Displays

The displays are the next consideration. The local workstation displays will most likely be some sort of monitor. These can be mounted on the table tops or embedded in the tops of the work areas so the students are working on top of the displays. The teachers display, or main classroom display, can take on a number of different looks. The traditional solution for this is the projection system. These have evolved over the years to the point where the lumens, or brightness, is sufficient for most classrooms. You are able to get a large projected image onto a projection screen in the front of the classroom so the entire class can consume the information being presented. Projectors have the drawback of being subject to ambient light. With a high enough lumens projector that issue can be typically overcome. They also have consumables in the lamps that require replacing after 3000 to 5000 hours of usage.

There are two exceptions to the lamp issue. One is LED or OLED projection. These devices are known as “lampless” projectors because they lack the consumable related to traditional projectors. The lighting elements in them tend to last 20,000 hours or more. Laser projection has also developed to the point where it is a valid solution for the classroom. Again, these lighting elements can last 20,000 hours or more.

If a projected image is not a solution worth considering then you can employ a monitor. Monitors have reached the point where you can install one up to 120-inches in the class. With projectors the higher the lumens the more expensive. With monitor displays the larger the monitor the higher the cost. The most cost effective are going to be in the 60 to 70 inch range. However these are not subject to ambient light as they produce the light from the monitor itself.

Both solutions have several models that allow for annotation and recording of content. These interactive systems have been referred to as “interactive white boards” in the past. That is not necessarily the case any longer. Projectors with IR receivers are available that allow the instructor to “write” on the projected image and it gives the same effect as a traditional interactive board. The same is true for interactive monitors. InFocus’ Mondopad and the upcoming Microsoft Surface Hub are two examples of these interactive monitors.

Set Your Budget

As you enter into the blended learning environment there are some things to watch out for.

“Technology is not free,” Isellis adds. This requires you to assess your design specifications and classroom needs and develop a budget early on. Security of the system is also a concern. Safeguarding the content the instructor is demonstrating and that of the student is both essential. Finally figuring out who will maintain the system as you are developing this solution will be key.

Blended learning is a great advance in the teaching system. Figure out exactly why you are considering it, what your ultimate goals are, and whether your institution can afford and support it. Talk with manufacturers about their various solutions. Some may even visit your campus to demonstrate their capabilities. As with most significant projects, begin with the end in mind.