teaching technology for education issue 13

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Teachingtechnology

How technology helps me teach...

Teaching Technology Issue 13 - 2015

Contents

Teaching Technology for Education Editor Linda S. Adams [email protected]

Editorial Contributions should be emailed to the editor at the above address. Every care is taken of materials sent for publication, however these are submitted at the senders risk. The views expressed within are of the contributors, and not necessarily Teaching Technologys views.

Published by Wedgwood AV Ltd., suppliers of audio visual equipment to education, government and local authorities in the UK. [email protected] www.wedgwood-group.com

On-line publication Teaching Technology for Education is published twice yearly in Spring and Autumn. Current and back issues are available for free download from www.teachingtechnology.co.uk without leaving your details. However, if you subscribe free you are automatically entered into monthly free prize draws. We do not spam. We do not pass on your details. We send you an email to notify you of prize winners and when a new issue is ready for downloading. [email protected]

Free prize draws Thank you to manufacturers for providing prizes for our free prize draws. Winners will be notified by telephone or email as soon as possible after the closing date. Entry to the prize draw is restricted to UK entrants only, one entry per person. unless otherwise speciified. Please enter online at www.teachingtechnology.co.uk The prize will be awarded to the educational or training establishment in the UK. The Editors decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Disclaimer All information is accurate to the best of our knowledge, at the time of writing and is intended as a guideline only. You are advised to consult individual manufacturers specification sheets on interested products.

Copyright Copyright 2011-2015 Wedgwood AV Ltd. All rights reserved. Corporate names and trademarks are the property of their respective companies. Specifications subject to change without notice.

04 Triumph Boards A Triumph for collaborative education

06 Sound reinforcement and PA Systems Sound options for voice and sound reinforcement and portable PA systems

08 PA Solutions for meeting rooms, leisure and education Amplifiers, mixers and loudspeakers for classrooms and school halls

10 Induction loops An overview of induction loops including portable and installed loop systems

12 Phased array induction loop system What is a 'phased-array' loop system and designing a system check list

13 Induction loop testers and Outreach plates Testers to ensure that an installed loop system is working properly

14 Case study: Oak Park School use Video Conferencing for CDP "Normally you have one opportunity as a teacher to attend a course throughout the year that's paid for. If you use Video Conference for such opportunities after school, as a teacher, you have much more variety"

15 Conferencing equipment AVer video conferencing systems, Unicol VC trolley and Turning Leaf lecterns

16 Digital signage at the centre of school life Sharing information and collaboration between students, administration staff and teachers, when digital signage is at the centre of the hub, can play a part in building and maintaining a school community

18 Digital signage players A look at different types of digital signage media players and Slot-in PC's

19 Did you know about these products New and innovative products for the education sector from brand manufacturers

20 Success story: Merryhill School proudly showcases school events with Repeat Signage Merryhill School in Roseville, California, wanted a way to communicate a variety of information to parents

WIN Repeat Signage digital signage software - 10 licences to be won

In this issue...

Cover image and above: Triumph Board interactive whiteboards and projectors

Free prize draw

02 Copyright 2015 Teaching Technology www.teachingtechnology.co.uk Wedgwood AV Ltd., UK audio visual suppliers 01754 769967 www.wedgwood-group.com 03

WedgwoodAV Limited

WedgwoodWedgwood

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Wedgwood AV Ltd is registered in England with registered number 3514877.

We hope you find Teaching Technology for Education - How technology helps me teach, a useful resource to keep you updated on the latest audio visual and ICT technology. Wedgwood AV Ltd., an ISO9001 UK company, who publish Teaching Technology, have updated their audio visual guides which can be downloaded FREE by clicking the links below. Projector and Presentation Equipment guide 2015 Interactive Whiteboard and Interactive Products guide 2015LCD Monitor and Touch Screen guide 2015Digital Signage guide 2015 Induction Loop, Sound Reinforcement and PA System guide 2015 In this issue we take a look at induction loops, especially 'phase array' loop amplifier, a phrase which is appearing on architects' specifications for new buildings. We also review a new brand of interactive whiteboards, projectors and large format displays from Triumph Board, which comes with software for use in education and business.

We welcome your feedback, especially with ideas as to the type of ICT products you'd like to see featured in future Teaching Technology for Education magazines. Kind regards, Linda Adams [email protected]

22 Staff development for learning and assessment Information and Learning Technology (ILT) is an important aspect of college life

26 Case study: Gyration suite helps Basingstoke College of Technology deliver ILT resources to students For any other provider thinking of using the Gyro suite in their own organisation, Adam Johns from BCOT makes recommendations

28 Education equipment Links to comparisons for manufacturers' brochures, specifications and UK prices. Opportunity for many leading brand manufacturers to visit you onsite in mainland UK for product demonstrations

30 Free prize draws Chance to win one of 10 Repeat Signage 2015 Standard Edition digital signage software licences in our prize draw. One entry per person, open to entrants worldwide.

Teaching Technology for Education - how technology helps me teach... You can download Teaching Technology for Education at www.teachingtechnology.co.uk However, if you subscribe free (and it will always be free) then you will automatically be entered into monthly prize draws. Worldwide entrants welcome.

Welcome

Available free from www.wedgwood-group.com

Linda S. Adams - Editor

Repeat Signage software showcases school events


Gyration suite of wireless radio mouse and keyboard

A Triumph for collaborative education

In the education sector, audio visual equipment makes a significant contribution to student learning by reinforcing the work of teachers, textbooks and practical exercises. With the rise of the internet, mobiles and touchscreen technology, schools, academies and colleges are tasked with finding new and innovative ways of engaging with their students.

With products that are innovative, easy to use and proven to enhance teaching and learning, TRIUMPH BOARD is changing the way students learn, think and communicate. The TRIUMPH BOARD education range meets evolving user needs to ensure education facilities, and their students, arent left behind.

A lesson in interactionFirst released in 1991, the interactive whiteboard is a must-have tool in schools and continues to replace traditional whiteboards and flipcharts. But its important they can stand up to the task of being used day in, day out. The TRIUMPH BOARD MULTI Touch (available in 78, 89 and 96 screen sizes) is a best-in-

class interactive whiteboard with a ceramic steel surface that is antibacterial and anti-vandal with cradle to cradle certification (materials and manufacturing practices of each product are assessed in five categories).

Connecting to a computer through a fast USB 2.0 interface or 2.4 GHz wireless radio technology, the MULTI Touch interactive whiteboard is literally just plug-and-play so is easy for the school and teachers to set up. Allowing four users to write, draw and move objects, or two users to resize and rotate two objects simultaneously, it makes the classroom more interactive and enhances efficiency. Ideal for use with TRIUMPH short throw (ST) or ultra short throw (UST)projectors.

COLLABORATION: A Triumph for collaborative education 2015 Teaching Technology

TRIUMPH BOARD MULTI Touch interactive whiteboards with ceramic steel surface


Interactive projectors, when used with standard dry-erase whiteboards, are an an ideal way to improve the interactivity in lessons and make dry-erase whiteboards interactive. TRIUMPH UST DLP interactive projectors are designed for use with their dry-erase ULTRA Touch Interactive Whiteboard range, combining bright images and sound for almost any educational environment.

The magic touchInteractive touchscreens provide an effective presentations tool for showing images, data, presentations and ideas. With student interaction such a crucial element in modern education, teachers can easily include their audience in the lesson with direct computer control through an LED LCD MULTI Touch.

Gaining increasing popularity in the education sector are FULL HD resolution LCD LED large format displays, both for use in the classroom and for digital signage applications in reception, library and college restaurants. The advantages of these display screens is that, unlike projectors, there is no on-going cost of replacement bulbs, no shadow caused when the teacher stands in front of the display screen and being LED, are energy saving. The TRIUMPH BOARD MULTI Touch LED LCD

Officially distributed in the UK and Ireland by The Change Organisation, with nationwide specialist partner suppliers including Independent Products Ltd and Wedgwood AV Ltd., TRIUMPH BOARD offer a range of audio visual solutions for the education and business sectors. TRIUMPH Board comparisons

COLLABORATION: A Triumph for collaborative education 2015 Teaching Technology

TRIUMPH BOARD UST interactive projector

Android Series offers all the benefits of traditional interactive touchscreens as well as new features including ULTRA HD (4K) and FULL HD resolution, an embedded Android board and integration with TRIUMPH CLOUD software. Optional mini PC's are available for Windows based software applications.

For any audio visual system to be effective, it will be reliant on high quality

Easily fitting into a childs hand, the 8 Tablet is extremely lightweight, user-friendly and can meet the needs of students of any age. Specifically tailored to meet the needs of the education market, it also delivers all of the most important technological advantages to support effective learning. With 5000 mAh battery life, this allows additional time for learning without needing to be regularly recharged.

TRIUMPH BOARD MULTI Touch LED LCD Android Series of HD and 4K panelsTRIUMPH BOARD 8" Tablets

software that is easy to understand and operate. In order to run a series of interactive whiteboards, tablets, projectors and more, TRIUMPH Cloud is an online annotation software that can be used at any place with all the major operating systems. Hands-on learningIn recent years interactive learning has become even more flexible and portable with the rise of handheld tablets. Acting as interactive textbooks that create endless learning possibilities, tablets like the MULTI Touch 8 from TRIUMPH BOARD are just as popular with teachers as they are with students.


Sound reinforcement and PA systems

There are so many terms to describe sound systems that it can become quite confusing. Here we look at sound and voice reinforcement systems, soundfield and portable PA systems. PA systems mean different things to different people. Ask a supermarket customer services manager what a PA system is and youll no doubt be informed it is the public address system they use, where the ALL button (to broadcast across all zones) is pressed and you speak into the microphone and ask the manager to come to customer services.

Ask an airport announcer what a PA system is and you will probably be told similar with perhaps added info that there is a choice of zones that can be paged, perhaps to alert people in the shopping zone of todays promotional offer, or to ask certain passengers in the departure lounge to hurry to a gate as the plane is due to leave in five minutes.

School sports day may see the sports teacher using a weather resistant, portable PA system in the school field, to make announcements about the next race or to give instructions to pupils and announce the winners, so that pupils, teachers and parents can hear what is going on.

PA stands for public address and simply means you want to announce something, be it at a school sports day or a College open day with a 1,000+ crowd.

Portable PA systems are those that are, as the name implies, designed to be moved from one place to another. Aerobics or dance teachers are likely to use a portable PA system, comprising of the combined speaker and amplifier with either a lapel or headset microphone or handheld microphone, wired or wireless, as shown opposite. Small hand-held portable PA systems can also be used for a primary school field trip on the school playing field, so that all students can hear the teacher clearly. Voice reinforcement is raising the volume of the natural speaking voice so that anyone in the room can hear clearly what is being said, without the teacher or presenter having to raise their voice or shout.

For example, the teacher talks naturally to the class, whilst his or her wireless lapel microphone picks up the sound of their natural voice, which is

Chiayo range of portable PA systems

AUDIO: Sound reinforcement and PA systems 2015 Teaching Technology


AUDIO: Sound reinforcement and PA systems 2015 Teaching Technology

amplified and comes out through the loudspeakers into the room. Voice reinforcement systems may be referred to as PA systems, and often comprise loudspeakers, amplifier, or powered speakers with in-built amp, and a wireless microphone, either hand-held, collar, headset or lapel mic. Sound reinforcement is the use of amplifiers, mixers, loudspeakers, microphones and signal processors that makes the sound louder, be that of a live band, orchestra, etc., and distributes the amplified sound to a much larger or more distant audience. Some people use the term sound reinforcement to mean complex sound systems, such as might be used in a large arena, for example, in the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Other people use the term sound reinforcement to mean a portable PA system comprising a microphone which is connected to an amplified loudspeaker. Soundfield is a term normally associated with educational establishments. In the US for example, schools and colleges have long had PA systems around the campus for school announcements.

A survey was undertaken in the US which proved that pupils grades increased by up to 45% when the teachers voice could be heard clearly, especially by pupils who sat towards the back of the classroom and also those who had some form of hearing difficulty. Even having a bad cold can cause some temporary hearing loss. Also, teachers benefited from being able to use their normal voice, which was amplified within the classroom or school hall, without having to raise their voice or shout.

I can only assume here, that the term soundfield was derived to mean a field of sound around a classroom and to distinguish it from the PA systems which are already in use. When the school receptionist wanted to remind pupils throughout the school about an after-school activity or to inform parents to make their way to the school hall for the PTA meeting, then the PA system would be used, and this would be different from the loudspeakers, amplifier and microphone used in each classroom by individual teachers. However the term soundfield came about, legislation was introduced in the UK as a result of Health & Safety

concerns over teachers voice fatigue and children under performing, as a result of not hearing teachers clearly, especially those pupils sitting at the back of the class.

The legislation in the UK requires specific levels of acoustic performance. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is via sound reinforcement. However, acoustic performance can also be improved through passive conditioning such as non-reflective materials, for example, carpets, or acoustic ceiling tiles, or even double/triple glazing to reduce external ambient noise.

Voice reinforcement system must be provided in all new school buildings, and I quote:

Government Specification of Acoustic Performance in Schools: Section 1 of Building Bulletin 93, the Governments Specification of Acoustic Performance sets the standards for the acoustics of new buildings and explains the requirements and solutions to... provide acoustic conditions in schools that facilitate clear communications of speech between teachers and students. The key aim of a (speech reinforcement) system is to increase the loudness of the direct sound, particularly for more distant listeners, whilst keeping sound as natural as possible. The distribution of loudspeakers and their directional characteristics is a key issue in achieving high speech intelligibility. For large teaching rooms and lecture theatres, loudspeakers can be distributed in the ceiling... To recap, all new school buildings, in the UK, MUST include acoustic conditioning to provide high performance voice clarity. So what actually constitutes a speech (voice) reinforcement system? This seems to me to be a rather ambiguous area.

For further information on audio products with comparisons and manufacturer brochures, please see links below: Portable PA Systems Amplifiers Mixers Loudspeakers Microphones Music source School amps School speakers

According to the extract: key aim of a speech reinforcement system is to increase the loudness of the direct sound, seems to indicate the teacher would need some form of microphone to speak into, an amplifier and loudspeaker. It also says that for large teaching rooms and lecture theatres, loudspeakers can be distributed in the ceiling. We recommend that you check out regulations for yourself as this is intended to be a guide only.

Soundfield System including IRX2 Rec/Amp, 4 wall mount speakers, IR microphone

Chiayo portable PA 16-channel UHF USB player and wired handheld mic. Wireless mic option.


PA solutions for meeting rooms, leisure and education

Amplifiers and mixers are available as separate units, however, you can also purchase mixer amps which are ideal with a pair of loudspeakers, for basic PA or background music for rooms catering for up to 30 people. For room sizes of 50 people and above, then most installations include a mixer and an amplifier or mixer and pre-amplifier. A pre-amp is the signalling part of an amplifier and lets you plug in sources such as a tuner and CD player, as well as allowing you to change volume, treble and bass settings. The power amp is the section of the amplifier that drives the loudspeakers. Here we give you ideas for PA solutions based on audience sizes. There are numerous manufacturers of audio equipment and Wedgwood AV are able to obtain most makes and models to suit your individual needs. For larger installations, businesses may employ the services of an audio consultant, sometimes costing several thousands of pounds. Wedgwood AV have built up relationships with most of the leading brand audio equipment manufacturers and their distributors, and thus are able to offer no-obligation audio consultation and quotations as part of our customer service, offering solutions as to what is available without being tied to any specific brand. Please contact us.

InterM 4-channel amplifier

For comparisons please visit: www.wedgwood-group.com Portable PA Systems

Audio products


AUDIO: PA solutions for meeting rooms, leisure and education 2015 Teaching Technology

PA solution for up to 15 people

Mixer amplifier 60 Watt compact, 3 inputs, 100v line and low impedance switchable, optional rack mount kit. Pair wall mounted loudspeakers One pair of 2-way wall mounted loudspeakers in black or white, includes mounting brackets. Suitable indoor or sheltered outdoor, for example on a pub cafe patio. Lavalier (lapel) UHF microphone kit Includes beltpack and lapel mic. UHF radio frequency. Handheld or headset options available.

PA solution for up to 30 peopleMixer amplifier 120 Watt, 6 inputs, 5-zone speaker selection, telephone input, priority telephone, mic 1, mic 2, chime and siren, optional rack mount kit. 2 x Pair wall mounted loudspeakers Two pairs of 2-way wall mounted loudspeakers in black or white, includes mounting brackets. Suitable indoor or sheltered outdoor. Lavalier (lapel) UHF microphone kit Includes beltpack and lapel mic. UHF radio frequency. Handheld or headset options available.


2-channel amplifier 2 x150 Watt stereo (2-channel), low impedance amplifier. Ideal for silent PA systems in recording studios, broadcast, AV and live performances. Pre-amplifier/mixer Two output pre-amplifier mixer allows any of the 10 input signals to be routed to Output 1, Output 2 or both. Ideal for dual zone public address or audio visual installed applications such as factories, leisure centres and hotels. 2 x Single loudspeakers 120 Watt, low impedance cabinet speaker in black or white, can be wall or stand mounted, ideal for portable or permanent installations in audio visual, presentation or educational applications. 2 x speaker brackets Lavalier (lapel) UHF microphone kit Includes beltpack and lapel mic. UHF radio frequency. Handheld or headset options available.


4-channel amplifier 4 x120 Watt 4-channel amplifier, low impedance, 2U high for rack mounting. Pre-amplifier/mixer As per PA solution for 50 people. 4x Single loudspeakers and 4 x speaker brackets 120 Watt, as per PA solution for 50 people. Lavalier (lapel) UHF microphone kit As per solution for 50 people.


AUDIO: PA solutions for meeting rooms, leisure and education 2015 Teaching Technology

Induction loopsAlthough fitting an induction loop system isn't UK law, making provision so the hearing impaired aren't disadvantaged is...Legalities aside, it shows you care when you ensure that your establishment is helping staff, students and visitors with special needs to use your facilities and educational programmes.

A person in a wheelchair will find it easier to enter a building when there is a ramp. For the hard of hearing, a portable induction loop or a room loop kit, enables them to participate more fully in activities.

According to Action on Hearing Loss (formerly the Royal National Institute for the Deaf), over 10 million people (one in six of the UK population) are deaf or hard of hearing. An estimated 2 million of these people have hearing aids.

Lobbying by such organisations has led to increased awareness of the difficulties faced by hearing impaired people and, as such, numerous UK Standards, Acts and Schemes make recommendations for the provision of auxiliary aids such as induction loop systems for the hard of hearing.

SigNET, a manufacturer of induction loop systems, has a free AFILS guide on its website:SigNETs free AFILS guide http://signet-ac.co.uk Wedgwood AV's Induction Loop, Sound Reinforcement and PA System guide 2015 is available free from: www.wedgwood-group.com

In the UK, the installation of induction loop systems is governed by BS7594 (The Code of Practice for Audio-Frequency Induction Loop Systems) and EN60118-4 (Magnetic field strength in audio frequency induction loop systems for hearing aid purposes), copies of which are available from the British Standards Institute, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL. Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9000. Web: www.bsigroup.com

Audio-frequency induction loop systems (AFILS) allow hearing impaired people to hear more clearly. Most hearing aids have a T or MT switch that allows them to pick up the electromagnetic field generated by an induction loop system. The hearing aid converts this signal to a sound suited to the users specific hearing requirements.

Any person with a hearing aid positioned within or near the loop can hear the loop signal by switching their hearing aid to the correct position, allowing them to participate more effectively in general conversation, take part in lessons, listen to music and videos, etc.

SigNET's portable induction loop kit

AUDIO: Induction loop systems 2015 Teaching Technology

Although you will have seen the ear symbol with the letter T, on stickers in restaurants, bank counters and other public areas, you may not have been aware of any legal requirements

Portable induction loopsThe simplest and most cost effective way to provide a service for the hearing impaired, especially on a one to one basis is to use a portable loop, which is placed between the two people speaking. Portable induction loops


AUDIO: Induction loop systems 2015 Teaching Technology

For information on Induction loops including manufacturers' brochures please click the links: www.wedgwood-group.com Portable induction loops Counter induction loops Induction loop kits and loop amplifiers


Counter loop kits These are also available on the marketand you may have seen these installed in banks and railway and bus station ticket offices, where the customer services person sits behind a glass counter. Counter induction loops Induction loop system An induction loop system comprises the following main elements:

Audio source - typically a microphone, television or other audio input (sometimes more than one)

Induction loop amplifier The loop - typically one or two

turns of wire usually run around the perimeter of the room or a special counter loop fixed to the underside of a table or desk

Receiver(s) - any hearing aid with a T or MT switch or a specially designed loop listening device.

In addition to the many benefits for hearing aid users, induction loop systems can also be used for other limited area broadcasting applications such as museum walk through guided tours and surveillance talkback systems. Some induction loop systems may require additional audio sources such as multiple microphone or line level inputs. To facilitate this, for example, many of SigNETs PDA range amplifiers include a patented Outreach socket which allows the connection of multiple inputs via a range of specially designed single gang audio connector plates.

Installed induction loop room kits There are various types of induction loops available; portable induction loops; counter loop systems; audio bridge system with loop facility and installed induction loop kits such as: Meeting room kit Place of worship kit Health & Fitness club kit Waiting room kit TV or music lounge kit Small room kit with plated mic Small room kit with tie desk mic

SigNET's loop amplifiers

Microphones The most common microphones used in induction loop systems are electret lectern, handheld, boundary and lavalier microphones as they have the highest tolerance of magnetic feedback. Best practice (though not always possible) is to place the microphone(s) as close as possible to the speaker. Dynamic microphones should not be used as they contain moving coil magnets which can be affected by the magnetic field generated by the loop. Microphones

Phased-array induction loop system

SigNET's DLR Dual induction loop amplifier kits for Phased Array loops

What is a phased-array induction loop system? A phased-array induction loop system works by producing two AFILS signals that are 90 out of phase with each other. These signals are connected to two induction loops laid out in a special overlapping pattern. The resultant magnetic field is evenly spread within the covered area and the field strength falls off very quickly outside the loop. This solution is ideal for sites where minimal overspill and consistent coverage, i.e. no dead spots, is essential.

SigNET's DLR Dual induction loop amplifier kits are designed to simplify the installation of a phased-array induction loop system. Suitable for areas up to 200m2, 500m2 or 1000m2 (depending on the model), each pre-wired DLR kit features two PDA Pro-Range induction loop amplifiers, an APPS Phase Shifter and two outreach plates providing one XLR mic and one dual phono input, all in a 4U height enclosure. Ideal for use in high-profile professional AFILS applications where minimal overspill and consistent loop coverage is essential.

Comparisons, UK pricing and manufacturers' brochures: Portable induction loops Counter induction loops Induction loop kits and phased-array loop kits

Before designing a system you may like to answer the following questions which may help you in finding the correct solution...

What is the area used for (reception, meeting room, lecture theatre, etc)?

Do you require an audio input from a TV/video? Do you require an input from an existing PA system? Do you require fixed or mobile microphones? Do any rooms next or close to the area require a

separate system? What are the dimensions of the area - length, width

and height? Where can the loop cable be installed - ceiling / floor

void, in floor screed, under floor covering or wall? What is the ceiling height and how is it constructed? Is there any steel or other metals around the building? Does it need to be a secure system with little

overspill? If you would like a PDF copy of SigNET's AFILS guide which features a variety of induction loop solutions, please contact us

AUDIO: Phased-array induction loop systems 2015 Teaching Technology


Induction loop testers

SigNET's FoSmeter induction loop test kit

Induction loop testers are available that allow you to test that a loop is working properly. Locating the loop at ear height can cause an uncomfortably strong signal for the user when they are too close to the loop cable.

Loop cable is normally run round the perimeter of a room, either at ceiling height, ideally 2.5 3m from the floor, or can be run under the carpet. It all depends on the room, acoustics and application. The loop doesnt have to cover the whole room, just an area, as in a church or a bowling alley. Where there are doors or windows, try to run the loop cable at one level above or below the obstruction and if this is not possible ensure the amplifier has sufficient coverage to compensate

Magnetic field strength meter

Outreach platesWall mounted, ceiling or desk mountable single gang audio input plates are specifically designed to increase the audio input capability of an induction loop system. Covering most of the common variants of audio

connector, they work by mixing the signals from various input sources into one balanced line level input which can be fed into the line input of a compatible amplifier.

SigNET's induction loop receiver

for wasted power. A competent loop installer will advise on the best way to install your loop kit and test it after installation. SigNET's FoSmeter Pro induction loop test kit, which includes a signal generator complete with pre-loaded test tones and a set of headphones, simplifies the setup of an induction loop system to the latest BS EN 60118-4 (Magnetic field strength in audio-frequency induction loops for hearing aid purposes).As well as checking the magnetic field strength of an induction loop system, it also measures background noise, frequency response, metal compensation and allows you to listen to the loop signal. Powered from a 9V PP3 battery, it is supplied with a protective canvas carrying case.

Mountable on 25mm back boxes, each Outreach plate features a built-in mixer, pre-amp, input level control and balanced output. As they can be installed at the most convenient point on an installation, it overcomes the need for long and potentially hazardous microphone or audio leads. Typically, any mix of up to 10 Outreach plates can be daisy chained to one balanced line level input with cable lengths of up to 100m easily achievable using standard two-pair audio cable with no recognisable degradation of audio signal quality.

Wedgwood AV supply induction loops and testers to education, healthcare, hotels, churches, retail, leisure and hospitality venues and businesses in the UK. For details please visit: www.wedgwood-group.com

Outreach plates

AUDIO: Phased-array induction loop systems 2015 Teaching Technology


Oak Park High School use Video

Oaks Park High School (OPHS) in the London Borough of Redbridge have been using video conferencing to support professional development opportunities for their Geography Department by connecting directly via secure, interoperable video link to the Geographical Association (GA) based in Sheffield to learn about progression and assessment at KS3 in the new Geography curriculum.

Faizaan Ahmed, Head of Geography OPHS, Using video conferencing (VC) works for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) because its a cheaper option; easy for more people to attend instead of only one person who then needs to feedback and we would certainly like to get involved and do more. Compared to any face to face CPD event you still get the same response especially since we were emailed all the materials beforehand and you can see the shared screen as a group so it is even more effective.

The Yorkshire Humberside Grid for Learning (YHGfL) and the Geographical Association have had a close relationship for many

CASE STUDY: Oak Park High School use Video Conferencing for CDP 2015 Teaching Technology

Conferencing for Continuing Professional Development

years in the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) and mapping technologies in the Yorkshire and Humber regions schools.

As YHGfL have been delivering on-line CPD for some years they have started working with the GA to help them do the same. It was decided as more schools were taking on VC and the availability of the no cost to school JANET Desktop system that they would deliver CPD via VC. This would give them the opportunity of a talking heads connection with the ability to deliver content like images, slideshows and videos. As they would be using the JISC (v-scene) system it would also give them the ability to connect to more than one school at a time, crucial for inter school discussions and the ability to record any sessions for future use.

The help from YHGfL came first in the form of demonstration and training followed by discussion with GA staff about starter pilots. The GA resources, normally delivered face to face need adjusting slightly to enable delivery over VC. YHGfL then organised a

demonstration system of AVer Class HD to be loaned from AVer and advised and tested the infrastructure at the GA headquarters to support the VC links.

When installed, a number of training sessions was organised with the GA staff and the registration of the system on JANETs video conferencing booking system. Working with the GA they are now setting up more sessions with the regions schools.

YHGfL feel most CPD suppliers will benefit greatly from the use of VC, schools are finding it harder to release teachers for face to face meetings, both in time and cost and totally wipes away those travel and venue costs. VC CPD can be delivered to a single or multiple site. As some content may need to be paid for, it gives schools the ability to split the cost. Through the booking system all links can be scheduled with all participants receiving an email which helps to manage the link up, the booking system also has the ability to set up recurring bookings and record any sessions. VC also allows those


CASE STUDY: Oak Park High School use Video Conferencing for CDP 2015 Teaching Technology

ad-hock sessions, where a session can be started immediately maybe to discuss a problem or look at a change.

Andrew Lickley, E-learning manager, YHGfL quotes: "Through using AVer Class HD and the JANET booking service both video and content can be delivered bringing a near face to face experience to the participants. The Janet VC Services (JVCS) also allows participants to connect via a number of technologies from full H323 video conferencing, Janet desktop, and Phone. Because its connected to the education network it will give a safe and secure connection to schools, other systems may not be able to connect to schools in the same way."

Jessica Pugh, Humanities teacher, OPHS, .normally you have one opportunity as a teacher to attend a course throughout the year thats paid for. If you use VC for such opportunities after school, as a teacher, you have much more variety. What OPHS did to connect to the GAThe school wanted to video conference using a secure, interoperable, high quality video link, one that they could use regularly and reliably to connect with content providers to bring professional development opportunities from experts into classrooms. The solution had to offer high quality audio and video for speaking and listening.

1. They used an affordable VC codec (for the cost of only 3 iPads) the AVer ClassHD2. With installation support from AVer and their Schools IT unit, the school installed the hardware onto their network.3. With support from (Video conferencing for Learning) VCfL the school registered with Janet VC Services and booked conferences to local schools via JVCS booking system.4. OPHS contacted the GA through Janet content providers and the YHGfL.

What your school needs to connect securely to experts for CPD via video conference1. VC hardware - affordable, secure and providing a high quality, reliable connection - see - AVer ClassHD from VCfL.2. A broadband connection that supports VC - see DfE guidelines3. Registration on JISC v-scene

Conferencing Equipment


For information on video conferencing systems with manufacturers' brochures please click the links: www.wedgwood-group.com Video conferencing systems AVer video conferencing Conferencing equipment

AVer video conferencing multi-point

AVer video conferencing point-to-point

Turning Leaf lecterns

Unicol Axia trolley with VC shelf

Digital signage at the centre of school life

Sharing information and collaboration between students, administration staff and teachers, when digital signage is at the centre of the hub, can play a part in building and maintaining a school community that involves everyone and gives a sense of belonging to 'our school' Looking back at my teacher days I remember one of the biggest staff room moans was lack of communication. Staff absences, replacement teachers, last minute changes to timetables, cancelled sport events due to inclement weather, all and more of these played a part in causing little annoyances - and that's before the school day had even started!

Nowadays, the buzzword is 'collaboration' with more emphasis on sharing information and looking at ways of working together, be that staff to staff, teachers and students and teachers to parents and visitors. I attended a morning staff assembly recently at a local academy where the headteacher not only gave out notices of what was happening that week but also congratulated specific staff members on their achievements and school activities. That was great but how much better if there was a large LCD LED screen in the assembly hall displaying all the relevant daily notices and upcoming events using digital signage software. Take this a stage further, and have display screens around the campus and not only do you keep the staff involved in the assembly meeting informed, but the whole school community. I'm sure the dinner ladies would have loved to know a little more about school life too! With display screens showing same content in some areas and different content in others, for example, staff notices only in the staff room, you keep control of displayed information.

Let's assume that schools and colleges think it's a great idea to have digital signage presentations not only in the reception area, which many schools have, but also around the campus, in the staff room, the adminstration office, college restaurants and student areas including the library and sports centre. This then raises the question as to who is going to take ownership for creating the content. After all, isn't digital signage software just another piece of software to learn! And many teachers are busy already. Then why not make it a whole school project and generate income from it as well. Most schools have PowerPoint presentations and digital signage software such as Repeat Signage, has a PowerPoint scheduler control that will allow existing PowerPoint presentations to be displayed in the signage presentation.

However, Repeat Signage can do so much more - displaying visitor welcome messages, alerting attention to fire drill practice, wayfinding and information for visitors, scheduling

DIGITAL SIGNAGE: Digital signage at the centre of school life 2015 Teaching Technology


Repeat Signage displays staff information

DIGITAL SIGNAGE: Digital signage at the centre of school life 2015 Teaching Technology

reminders to parents of times and dates of after-school clubs and PTA events, showcasing achievements be that of staff or students and happy birthday announcements. Videos can be displayed of past events, such as sports day or open days. Schools and colleges can also generate revenue by advertising, for example, local fitness instructor using the school hall for aerobics; piano teachers offering lessons; local educational book supplier, etc. Repeat Signage digital signage software includes advert templates and makes it easy to insert pictures, add text (even over the picture itself) and save as a Repeat picture. Then all you do is bring all the Repeat pictures into a presentation play list and leave it to play out on a display screen. You can schedule your playlists of presentations to be displayed at different times of the day or week, useful when you want to plan ahead.

Repeat Signage 2015 Standard and Professional editions include database support which allows content to be collected and displayed from a database, opening up many opportunities, such as displaying country flags for a school geographic project. Repeat Signage Isn't digital signage software expensive? Repeat Signage software licence is a one-off fee, per PC playing a presentation. For a primary school, for example, who just want to display presentations in the reception area and update content from a shared network drive, then Repeat Signage Standalone, with basic features, is ideal and costs 145+VAT, with no on-going costs. Repeat Signage Standard edition has full features and is all-in-one software in that you design, schedule and play your presentations onto a display screen. Licence is per PC playing the presentations and costs 245+VAT. In addition, you can easily create RSS feeds, update your presentations remotely over the Internet and access 3,000+ images to use in your presentations at www.repeatserver.com which is a free online portal. Repeat Signage Professional is designed for up to 4-screen video

walls and has the same features as the Standard edition. Licence is per PC attached to 4-screen video wall, at a one-off cost of 345+VAT. All editions have touch screen support and trial edition download is available. Can students create digital signage content? When Repeat Signage was launched in 2009, they threw open a challenge to primary school children to design a presentation in 15 minutes. It was tested by 10 year old Stephanie, who followed the simple 2 minute video and created a basic presentation in minutes. Then left with a few images and her imagination, she designed her own presentation, only asking how to make the clock pink! All Saints' Primary School in Thurlestone, then took up the challenge for their pupils to design a new display for their foyer. They wanted something that would be dynamic which they could personalise and eye-catching for parents. Their IT teacher, Richard Haysom, commented: "It was fun and easy to use, online videos helped. It worked on our standard school laptops and PCs, looks professional, has many great tools. The team liked the clocks, analogue for the little ones in the school, backed up by a digital clock, we also liked the date being built in too. We shall extend the use of Repeat Signage software to Year 5 and Year 6 in the next school year and know it willl serve the school well. It was a good, fun task in a busy week with a good outcome." See full story

All Saints' Primary School, Thurlestone


Repeat Signage 2015 edition includes database support

Building communities with digital signage Too often, one or two teachers are tasked with the responsibility to create digital signage presentations and what happens when they leave? By creating a whole school or whole campus community with everyone contributing to the content by taking photos and videos and creating presentations, either as part of the school curriculum or project, this all adds up to greater sense of feeling involved in school life and collaborative working. Repeat Signage, developed in the UK by Repeat Software, and used in 27 countries, offers outstanding support, including free email support, free online training videos and help menu. Plus free online portal at www.repeatserver.com for easy RSS newsfeed creation and remote updating of presentations from anywhere in the world. Repeat Signage trial download Credit account available for schools, academies and colleges in the UK.

Digital signage media playersNot everyone wants Cloud based SaaS (Software as a Service) for their digital signage solutions, so here we look at some options... Cloud based SaaS solutions There are digital signage software publishers offering cloud based Software as a Service (SaaS). The software is licenced on subscription, normally payable monthly or annually, with content being centrally created, scheduled and published to your display screens, over the Internet. OPS Slot-in PC's Large format displays are available with OPS (Open Pluggable Specification) expansion slot for a Slot-in PC, which eliminates the need for an external PC and its cabling and power supply. NEC Display Solutions's large format displays (LFD) V-Series, P-Series and X-Series include an expansion slot for separately purchased Slot-in PC. Stand alone signage players Digital signage software can be installed onto a media player (mini PC) or Android player, depending on compatibility with your display screen and signage software chosen. Some players include pre-installed digital signage software. The player connects to your display screen to play your digital signage presentations. Digital signage software licences vary, depending on brand. Media players are available for use with single or multiple display screens. All-in-one solution Samsung MagicInfo is an intuitive content creation and management solution with an embedded player built into Samsung's Display Solutions Large Format Displays (LFD). The embedded software enables you to schedule and play media files, which can be stored on the screen's internal hard drive, a remote server, a set-back box, or a USB, depending on your requirements.

DIGITAL SIGNAGE: Digital signage media players 2015 Teaching Technology

For comparisons please visit: www.wedgwood-group.com Digital signage players Digital signage software

Large format display screens

AOPEN DE3250

NEC Slot-in PC is a complete PC solution, compatible with NEC Large Format Displays (LFD) featuring the OPS slot and also NEC PX and PH Series installation projectors.

NEC P-Series Professional LFD

AOPEN specialises in ultra-small form factor computing and digital signage hardware, software and services.

Spinetex HMP-130

SpinetiX high-end media players, non-PC based, therefore no moving parts nor maintenance. Comes with Fusion software.

Edis AV mini PC player

Edis AV manufacture media players (mini PC) and comes stand alone or preloaded with Repeat Signage digital signage software.

Nexcom B323 digital signage player

Nexcom, a global company, manufacture players for industrial use, transporation and for digital signage applications. Compact and fanless design, the players are almost silent. The Nexcom NDiS B842 supports 4 independent HDMI displays.


DIGITAL SIGNAGE: Digital signage media players 2015 Teaching Technology


Did you know about these products...

Elo Touch Solutions Elo Touch Solutions specialise in touch screens with choice of touch technologies to suit specific applications. Their Large Format Display Interactive Digital Signage Touchscreen (IDS) range in sizes 32" to 70" from 2-point touch

Poster board signs and concierge desks? A thing of the past Replace drab notice boards and desks with Peerless-AV's sleek digital signage kiosks. Designed to best support an ultra-thin display, this kiosk is sure to make an impact with your reception visitors. Whether you're advertising, displaying a digital directory, or way finding, this solution offers a versatile, up to date option.

Leisure meets learning Sony's 60" BRAVIA professional Full HD LED display offers students the ideal combination between a learning and leisure tool. Plentiful connections and on-board WiFi networking mean students have easy access to a wide variety of online tools, plus, the U-Touch overlays turn this screen into an engaging 6-point interactive display.

to 10-point touch. Compatible with Intel Open Pluggable Specification with optional adapter kit. Ideal for education and meeting rooms.

Service innovation at your fingertips Toshiba WILLPOS A20 is a 15" Point of Sales (POS) display for those looking to serve student needs. The powerful, low energy processor gives Point of Sale peformance whilst reducing running costs and CO2 emissions.

Click the images for more details

Unicol Rhobus Huddle for collaborative working Huddle together for group learning and team meetings. Various shapes, corporate colours with single or multiple screen mountings.

Merryhill School proudly showcases school events with Repeat SignageMerryhill School, in Roseville, California, is part of the Nobel Learning Communities, Inc., a network of more than 180 private schools with a commitment to outstanding preschools, elementary and middle schools. Our schools around the country are all supported by the Nobel Learning Communities Education Department, a team of highly skilled experts in curriculum design, instruction and assessment.

SUCCESS STORY: Repeat Signage digital signage software 2015 Teaching Technology


We wanted a way to communicate with our parents a variety of information. We are a small school and we wanted to be able to provide information on our various events and at the same time have the ability to show images and videos of events passed. We have a great close community feel on campus and Repeat Signage is a powerful tool to help us show how great our community is.

The decision to move to digital signage from PowerPoint was easy. We wanted something that would be dynamic, customization and eye catching for our parents. We wanted more flexibility when it came to how to display content and what types of content we wanted to display.

With Repeat Signage digital signage software we are able to display vital information for our parents such as upcoming events, student information and information about our school community. Digital signage gives us the ability to display current events using an RSS feed from our schools online calendar, display a ticker of information for quick notices to parents, a way to recognize our students birthdays each month and a slide show of our students at various events. The flexibility of the software makes it easy to create screens that can be themed for holidays or to show our school colors. The ability to add music playlists allows us to play festive music for our holidays without having to manage an audio player. Being a small school we wanted something that was easy to use, fit in our budget and could be implemented with ease. For us this was simply hooking up a television to a PC and running the software on that PC. The setup was pretty easy and the results have been extremely positive. Our parents are amazed and love being able to come in and see what is going on in our school community."

"Repeat Signage not only met our needs it has given us other options to think about that we did not know were possible. We had originally planned on just using a PowerPoint presentation, but Repeat Signage has expanded our abilities and has us looking into other content that we could use to showcase our school. Aaron Kinz, Technology Teacher, Merryhill School, Roseville, CA.

Easy to use digital signage software Repeat Signage is easy to use digital signage software for Windows. You can create, edit and play a simple presentation in minutes. View our 2 minute video to see how easy it is. www.repeatsoftware.com/Training.aspx Repeat Signage 2015 released and free upgrade for existing customers. Now includes database support. Download a trial edition of Repeat Signage www.repeatsoftware.com

SUCCESS STORY: Repeat Signage digital signage software 2015 Teaching Technology



How technology helps me teach...

Information and Learning Technology (ILT) is an important aspect of college life. 'Digital native' students use technology as a matter of course with smart phones and tablets fast becoming the norm, making it even more important for staff development and training to keep up-to-date with technology and incorporate it into teaching, learning and assessment.

Staff development for learning and assessment

Optoma projectors

Unicol AV lectern

The days of classrooms, where the teacher stands at the front of the class, are all but gone, as technology changes the way you teach.

I'm sure you'll agree it's important for teachers to keep abreast of new technology, especially in higher education - you only have to look at the technology students are using, from smart phones and tablets and now the latest trend of wearable technology which includes gadgets for tracking information for health and fitness to smart watches.

Interactive whiteboardsAlthough you may have an interactive whiteboard at the front of the classroom, there is no need for you to stay in one place, nor your students. Teachers can, depending on their interactive whiteboard, use their tablet to annotate and change what is on the whiteboard from anywhere in the room. Multi-touch boards now mean that 2, 3, 4 or more students can come to the board and interact simultaneously, promoting collaboration and team work, whilst helping to build student confidence.

SMART Board has dual touch and multi-touch interactive whiteboards for both education and corporate sectors

and also SMART Board systems comprising a SMART Board with short throw (ST) or ultra short throw (UST) projector on a fixed or height adjustable wall frame. The SMART LightRaise interactive projector is especially designed for use with dry-erase whiteboards.

SMART Board system with UST projector


Digital flip charts and dry-erase whiteboards SMART kapp have reinvented the traditional dry-erase whiteboard by combining a sleek, modern version of a dry-erase board with a powerful app that lets you save and share content as it unfolds. You could replace your flip chart with the 42" portrait model or your dry-erase whiteboard with the 84" landscape model.

SMART Board interactive whiteboard

Promethean ActivBoard range of interactive whiteboards, available in sizes 78", 87" and 95" diagonal, includes ActivInspire software. ActivBoard6 Touch is both a dry-erase and 6 user touch whiteboard so you have the functionality of both traditional whiteboard and interactive touch. Promethean has an extensive range of ActivBoard systems with choice of projector and fixed or height adjustable wall mount. Interactive whiteboards

Interactive tablesIn primary schools, rather than children sitting at traditional tables, they can seat themselves in small groups around interactive tables. It was interesting, at an exhibition, observing both teachers and visitors having great fun trying out an interactive table, playing educational games using pinch and zoom gestures, so familiar with smart phones these days. Promethean ActivTable, for primary education, has 12 point touch for up to 6 children to use at once to access a wealth of ready-to-use educational activities, tools and resources. Interactive tables For primary education, the SMART Table encourages small groups of children to collaboration, encouraging them to work together as they access educational activities and resources.

Turn dry-erase whiteboards interactive with portable devices Even traditional dry-erase whiteboards

Promethean ActivTable

can be given a new lease of life by adding an eBeam or mimio device, which when affixed to the board or even a plain wall, turns a large area interactive. eBeam Edge, for example, is a small straight device, and along with a laptop and micro size LED projector, gives a complete interactive solution for peripatetic teachers. Portable interactive solutions

SMART kapp provides the same walk-up and use experience, writing on the board with a dry-erase board marker, yet it has the built-in capacity to save and share content. Up to 250 people can be invited to share information using the premium app (subscription), or 5 with the regular app.

Taking this idea a stage further, SMART kapp iQ is a multi-way, interactive display that combines the

simplicity of a traditional whiteboard with the power of a 4K display. It lets everyone, whether in a meeting room or classroom, see what is written in real time. Anyone can contribute from their device, and when they do, whatever they write appears not only on the kapp iQ, but is seen by everyone instantly on their own device and work can be saved at any time to a storage service.

You can host live sessions between multiple SMART kapp iQ boards across remote locations. Anything written or shared on the SMART kapp iQ is viewable on connected boards, and participants are able to share right back. Connect any Android or iOS device to the SMART kapp iQ and you can share and save in real time to any connected laptop, tablet, smart phone or other SMART kapp iQ boards connected to a web browser. Available in sizes 55" and 65". Dry-erase whiteboards


Unicol and Loxit have both designed trolleys to fit the SMART kapp 42-inch portrait digital flipchart. Kapp trolleys Touch screen tablets and charging solutions You have only to look around a college or university campus to see all the tablets in use by students and teachers, many of whom bring their own devices into class. It then raises the question of charging tablets and perhaps offering a tablet loan service to students. Tablets belonging to the establishment need to be stored and recharged overnight. There are many leading brand manufacturers offering tablet and laptop storage and charging trolleys, including AVer, Loxit, TOP-TEC and Unicol, whilst ErgoMounts and TOP-TEC offer laptop desk and wall mounting solutions.

TECHNOLOGY: Staff development for learning and assessment 2015 Teaching Technology

Giant touch screen tabletsLarge interactive touch screens, such as the InFocus Mondopad series, in sizes 57", 70" and 80" diagonal, are effectively giant tablets enabling you to present, annotate and collaborate with students in the room and around the world. You can share, view and control from your notebook, tablet or smart phone. Includes a full version of Microsoft Office and has built-in Windows PC. Also in the InFocus range is the Big Touch Series, a giant touch screen PC with Windows 8 to combine the fun of a tablet with the productivity of a PC. JTouch interactive displays are

Unicol SMART kapp trolley

InFocus BigTouch

AVer TabSync tablet sync and charging cart

Loxit TabStand

Loxit Tabstore desk rack

just touch in high definition (HD), whilst for smaller working areas, the Q Tablet with its 10.1" touch screen has long battery life up to 8 hours, to easily get students through the school day. The Q Tablets also work seamlessly with InFocus displays and projectors.

Sharp's Big Pad, in sizes 60" and 70", with Full HD resolution (1920x1080), uses infrared (IR) technology with 10 point touch for up to 4 people to use the touch screen at any one time. Sharp's 80" Big Pad has integrated touch screen with easy to use pen software, a module slot system and streamlined communications via MFP connection. Touchscreens


TECHNOLOGY: Staff development for learning and assessment 2015 Teaching Technology

Wireless radio miceWireless radio mice gives teachers the freedom to wander around and control their laptop or computer. Gyration have a suite of solutions including radio mice and/or radio mice and keyboards. Radio mice

VisualisersVisualisers, or document cameras as they are also referred to, allow images of documents and small 3D objects to be captured and saved to either an internal memory or SD card for distribution by email or insertion into documents. Ideal for use both in the classroom and library, in lessons such as Science, some models have the ability to record experiments. AVer Tabcam has a video capture and streaming solution for tablets, allowing teachers to stream, present, annotate, record and share live images via an iPad, Android Windows 8 tablet, or PC/Mac. The wireless TabCam camera and TabCam app form a mobile teaching and learning solution, again a useful piece of equipment for peripatetic teachers. Also, recorded information can be shared via the Internet, so lessons are available anytime, especially useful for absent students to catch up or for revision. Visualisers

HD camerasLumens, who also manufacturer visualisers for the education and business sectors, have high definition (HD) pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) cameras in their range. The VC-G50, for example, has high frame rate supporting 60 frames a second, with up to 128 user-defined preset modes to allow ease of use. Compatible with major video recording and lecture capture codec. HD Cameras

Video conferencing systemsI visited an academy to discover how a French teacher was teaching A-Level French to a small number of students in both her own classroom and classrooms in other schools within the education county, via video conferencing (VC). Equipment used was a large format display screen on a Unicol stand with a shelf to place the VC camera and codec (the part that connects the call to other locations). The other locations could be seen on a picture-in-picture on the display screen, however a second display screen on a twin-screen trolley would have allowed her to view her other students 'as though they were in the room'.

to connect to a PC, Mac and iPad ensuring no conferences are missed.

The EVC900 connects up to 10 sites. This opens up many possibilities for teachers and students to collaboration with other establishments anywhere in the world. Video conferencing

Large format displaysLarge format displays (LFD) in the classroom, such as NEC's E-Series or V-Series, designed for commercial use, are Full HD with LED backlight for energy efficiency. The E-Series, in sizes 32", 42", 46", 55" and 65" diagonal, are designed for 12/7 usage, whilst the V-Series, in the same sizes but with an additional 80" display, are designed for 16/7 usage and has an OPS slot for optional Slot-in PC. The NEC P-Series of professional displays are designed

for 24/7 usage and ideal in video walls, as are the X-Series, the latter having ultra-slim bezels especially designed for video walls. Samsung has a wide range of large format display screens for displaying information around the campus and includes MagicInfo Lite, basic HTML5 browser digital signage software.

Large format displays over 30"

Digital signageTo encourage collaboration and sharing of information, both in the classroom and around the school campus, of forthcoming school activities with videos of past events, student's course work, fire drill and emergency messages, 'happy birthday' messages, real-time clocks and date and play lists of pictures and other media can be displayed on large format displays (LFD) and desktop monitors in the classroom, reception, restaurant and library using digital signage software.

Some signage software, such as Repeat Signage, allow you to insert existing PowerPoint presentations, collect and display information from a database, and supports touch screens. Repeat Signage offers free access to online training videos, help menu, sample presentations and email support. Trial download RepeatServer.com is a free service that allows you to create and host RSS feeds online, free of charge. This online portal provides a way for Repeat Signage digital signage software on display screens to be updated from anywhere in the world. Digital signage

The French teacher told me she was pleased with this technology as it allowed the schools to share teacher resources and money saved on extra staffing paid for the video conferencing equipment.

AVer have two HD video conferencing solutions, especially for the education market, the EVC300 for small to medium size organisations for connecting up to 4 sites and their Open Client-AV software allows you

AVer TabCam visualiser

Lumens HD camera

Gyration suite helps Basingstoke College of Technology deliver ILT resources to students


For any other provider thinking of using the Gyro Suite in their own organisation, Adam Johns makes the following recommendations:

Roll out the Gyration Air Mouse Suite with training

Demonstrate Gyration Air Mouse Suite with suitable software and learning objects to illustrate its strengths (2Connect and Interactive PowerPoint slide shows are ideal) and supply staff with ready-to-use templates

Get some suitable bags for transport and storage

Create your own user documentation, particularly instructions for setting up and connection

Encourage tutors to start with small teaching groups. Use the Gyration Air Mouse Suite selectively (in the right place it will really add interest)

CASE STUDY: Gyration suite helps BCOT deliver ILT resources to students 2015 Teaching Technology


Basingstoke College of Technology (BCOT) needed to find a cost-effective way of ensuring its significant investment in ILT resources was made available to its students whilst continuing to operate in an aging site before the much anticipated move to its new build. In discovering and implementing the Gyro Suite, the College found much more than just a low-cost alternative to the interactive whiteboard. About Basingstoke College of Technology (BCOT)BCOT is a general further education (FE) college in the North Hampshire Borough of Basingstoke and Deane. BCOT is largely based on a single campus close to centre of Basingstoke. In addition, it has one IT Community Learning Centre at Chineham, an Engineering Centre (BETA) on the outskirts of the town centre and a lease on an industrial unit which is the centre for brickwork and painting and decorating provision. The College offers courses in 14 sector subject areas (based within eight curriculum departments, plus Adult Education) at all tiers from entry level to higher education programmes. The vastmajority of the Colleges courses are employment related. BCOT is also a key provider of work-based learning (WBL) which is organised through the Apprenticeship Department. The College employs approximately 668 staff of whom 338 are permanent. The challenge BCOT has ploughed a huge amount of effort and resources into the development of its ILT infrastructure, as evidenced by: the installation of one projector and whiteboard in every classroom; the addition of at least one interactive whiteboard within each curriculum area (making a total of 20 throughout the College); the appointment of an ILT Coordinator; and the creation of its dedicated ILT resource centre. However, because the site is quite old and many future plans have to be structured around the new build (now completed), many classrooms only have one PC. The burning issue was how to make all the Colleges extensive ILT resources available to its students before the move to the new build? For Adam

CASE STUDY: Gyration suite helps BCOT deliver ILT resources to students 2015 Teaching Technology

Gyration Air Mouse suite

Johns, IT/ILT Manager and Lesley Beasant, ILT Coordinator, the answer was the Gyration Air Mouse Compact Suite, a wireless mouse and keyboard combination allowing remote interface to a PC up to a distance of 9m. The activity the College purchased 20 Air Mouse Suites as a direct result of a demonstration givenby the JISC RSC South Easts Accessibility Advisor, Artie VoselNewman, during an ILT Health Check at the beginning of the year. After a brief trial carried out in the ILT Resources Area, Johns andBeasant were impressed with what they perceived was robust,simple yet effective technology.

The Gyration's wireless RF Keyboard has a 30m range and, unlike infrared models, has no line-of-sight limitations

teaching technology for education issue 13

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