AMID the global pandemic, public and private education institutions are racing to adapt, upgrade and even replace existing solutions to support a new, hybrid (at home and in-class) learning and teaching model.
Locally, this need is made more urgent as schools and institutions of higher learning are required to remain close in full movement control order (FMCO), especially in Phase 2 starting from June 15.
The rapid uptake of remote learning has necessitated a rethink about the type of AV capability needed to maximise investments in software video conferencing platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams that are keeping students engaged in learning.
There is no doubt that high-quality audio makes a positive impact on remote learning and collaboration.
Thus, higher education institutions are now looking to integrate these platforms with effective, networked technology that can capture high-quality audio.
“Research published in the Science Communication journal by USC and the Australian National University shows that not only does audio quality influence what people hear, it has a direct impact on engagement and productivity levels, while boosting the credibility of the presenter,” Shure South Asia Ltd marketing communications manager Kevin Koh said.
Meanwhile, Research and Markets has forecast the global online education market to grow to US$350 bil (RM1.44 tril) by 2025. This figure is expected to rise further following the COVID-19 pandemic.
In tandem, the global video conferencing market size is expected to reach US$10.92 bil (RM45.26 bil) by 2027, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% during the forecast period, according to Fortune Business Insights.
“As the education sector in Malaysia continues to trend towards virtual learning, we believe that education institutions look towards providing long-term solutions over a short-term ‘fix’,” opined Koh.
“It is now more critical than ever for administrators of both public and private schools, colleges and universities to understand and strategise the technology infrastructure for virtual and hybrid learning that meets the needs of the school and its students.”
As such, Koh stressed that investing in the right conferencing equipment and solutions is important to ensure a seamless education experience for students while enabling the school to be competitive and future-proof.
In an effort to highlight the latest trends and technology in virtual and hybrid learning, Shure is spearheading a virtual forum called Education Trends and Challenges in the New Normal: Importance of Seamless Learning through Quality Tech & Audio on June 24 at 2.30pm.
Discussions will be centered on virtual learning systems in schools and specially tailored for all school administrators as well as school IT systems committee or coordinators.
The forum is also in tandem with the recent launch of Shure Microflex® Advance™ MXA710 Linear Array, Microflex™ MXN5-C Networked Loudspeaker, and MXA Network Mute Button – to offer the complete audio signal chain, from microphone to DSP (digital signal processing) to loudspeaker as part of the Shure Microflex Ecosystem for Audio Conferencing – that were recently launched in late 2020.
Details and registration are available at https://www.conceptaudio.com.my/ecosystem-webinar or visit www.conceptaudio.com.my. – June 22, 2021
