How to Create Diverse Learning Environments in Higher Education through AV Technology in 2022

There’s no question that creating a diverse learning environment is the key to a successful higher education experience, not just for students but also for educators, staff, and administration. Catering to different learning styles and languages while being inclusive of students’ abilities to be on campus are priorities for diversity in learning environments — that’s well understood.

The question then is how to create a diverse learning environment in higher education. The answer lies in AV technology and its use as a strategic tool within colleges and universities. Let’s get into more detail on how AV technology can create diverse learning environments:

1. Catering to different learning styles through interactive content

Some students learn best by reading written material, others through videos and visuals, and others through active discussion. AV technology allows educators to cater to all learning styles within the same lesson.

For example, educators can provide written material and give lectures — and then take it one step further. Using video walls and video conferences, educators can include interactive content like polls and question boxes and allow for remote students to participate in a live discussion of the material.

2. Making translators and other resources available to students whenever they need them

An important part of a diverse learning environment is supporting students with the resources they need. Giving them remote access to translators, support staff, and assistance from their professors can be made more efficient via video conferencing. That way, students can access what they need to learn their best at the time and place where they need it.

3. Opening up classes to students in different physical locations

Hybrid and remote learning environments don’t just keep students and staff safe during pandemics; they make an institution available to those who are not in a physical location to attend in-person classes or have the financial means to relocate.

However, doing this successfully requires a near-perfect recreation of the in-person experience. Providing top-notch audio and video equipment for students and AV carts for educators can help achieve that environment.

4. Including those who cannot physically be able to attend class

Regardless of the reason, students should not be denied an ideal educational experience because they cannot physically attend class. In fact, making sure everyone can actively participate is how to create college programs that are the most beneficial and successful. AV technology allows for remote attendance that is just as effective as being live in the classroom, rather than having to make do with pre-recorded lectures and written material.

Creating an inclusive and diverse learning environment is one of the best ways to create engaging, successful educational programs. That will pique interest in potential students and give your institution more opportunities to further improve programs.

But to successfully implement the technology needed to accomplish this, higher education institutions need to plan strategically — with the help of a trusted AV integrator. IVCi has been helping colleges and universities adopt technology that inspires learning and collaboration.

We are ready to assist you with strategy, design, implementation, and support of the latest AV technology that can increase applicants, give students remote accessibility, prepare students for the modern workforce, and more. Contact us today to get started.

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Communication is Key: Improving Patient Success Rates with AV Technology

At the heart of healthcare is people — after all, it’s people that are being cared for and giving the care. That’s why communication is so essential when it comes to creating a positive patient experience.

Whether you’re aiming to create a more inclusive treatment environment, enhance patient education, or provide ways to relieve stress during medical visits, AV technology is changing the game for healthcare communication.

Optimizing the patient experience through communication-focused AV technology

AV technology is not only helping healthcare facilities significantly improve their communication; it’s transforming the overall patient experience. Here are a few ways we’ve seen this play out recently:

  • Replacing in-office visits with video conferencing visits for consultations, routine care, and mental health services (to name a few examples) became popular at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic because it limited exposure to people with illnesses. While that’s still valid, now healthcare providers are utilizing telehealth to be more inclusive of people’s physical locations, ability to travel, schedules, and even language. This allows providers to care for more patients with quick, clear communication that doesn’t forego the face-to-face experience.
  • On-demand translation services. Providing care in a patient’s preferred language is essential for creating the best outcome. However, having multiple translators on-site can be costly, inefficient, and difficult to schedule in emergency care settings. Being able to video conference in a translator is a realistic way to have patients be more comfortable discussing their medical needs and better understand care instructions.
  • Dynamic digital displays for check-ins. Dynamic digital displays with touch screens have made check-in processes simpler and less interactive, which saves time and protects healthcare staff from the spread of illness. It also allows patients to fill out forms and questionnaires that leave care providers better prepared for the appointment, streamlining the communication process at the very start.
  • Digital displays for education and entertainment. Patient education can be a challenge for healthcare facilities that treat people who speak different languages and have different learning styles. Digital displays solve both those challenges by providing language options and video/visual capabilities alongside written information to communicate care instructions paperlessly yet effectively. These also come into play for long-term care, especially with children — they can access games, fun videos, and other entertainment that makes their care less stressful.

All of these tools enhance communication, which is at the core of improving patient experience.

Making a difference in patient and business outcomes with AV technology

To make this impact on patient experience, healthcare facilities need state-of-the-art AV/VC technology throughout their locations and devices. Without top-tier technology, effective communication is much more difficult.

It’s best to work with an AV integrator with experience in healthcare AV technology. That way, you can be sure you’re getting not only the best technology for your goals but meeting the security standards that are so important in healthcare.

IVCi has been assisting healthcare facilities take their technology setups to the next level for many years, so contact us with any questions or to get started with your organization.

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The Benefits of Building a Custom AV/VC Technology Plan for Your Business This Year

By now, your organization has probably come to rely on AV/VC technology for quite a bit of your essential business functions. Whether you operate remotely, have a hybrid remote workspace, or need to stay connected with different people and devices, AV and VC technology are likely responsible for your level of productivity and collaboration.

But just like no two businesses are exactly the same, no two AV technology plans should be the same either. Building a custom AV/VC technology plan for your business this year can ensure that you are meeting your specific needs while using budget efficiently — among many other benefits.

The future of AV/VC technology this year

To build an effective custom AV/VC technology plan, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of how technology is advancing and what to expect this year. Pair that with your business’ changing needs and goals, and your plan may end up looking different than you initially thought — and that may be a good thing.

Here are some ways we’re seeing AV/VC technology evolve and advance for this upcoming year:

  • The demand for touchless technology like motion sensor lights and power continues to skyrocket because of safety and convenience.
  • Dynamic digital displays are becoming the standard in communicating with, educating, and entertaining guests.
  • Video walls are up and coming for their ability to take projection screens to the next level
  • AV as a Service (AVaaS) is emerging as the future of AV/VC technology for organizations looking for simple to manage, full scope AV services.

Think about if these technologies could make your workplace more efficient, safer, and a better experience overall. If yes, they should be included in your AV/VC technology plan this year.

Benefits of building a custom AV/VC technology plan for your business

While out-of-the-box solutions might seem like the “easier” choice, they can be deceiving. Over time, you’ll have to spend more time and money tweaking, upgrading, and changing the solution after a period of trial and error.

Building a custom AV/VC technology plan is the more beneficial route, both long term, and short term. With a custom plan, you can:

  • Truly meet your business needs while catering to your current work arrangement
  • Stay flexible and agile for any future changes that may come up
  • Tailor a support plan that makes the most sense with how your organization will be using their technology
  • Ensure a more efficient use of budget than having to purchase unnecessary solutions that come with some packages

If you hesitate to build a custom technology plan because you’re not sure where to start or are not well suited for the strategy and design portion, don’t let that deter you. AV integrators can help you in every step of the process, starting with strategy and going through ongoing support.

You can also utilize an AV integrator who offers AVaaS to create a custom subscription service to meet your technology and support needs, while ensuring you have the best solution in place for your current (and future) situation.

IVCi is a full-service AV integrator who is experienced in helping organizations of all industries build custom AV/VC technology plans and AVaaS subscriptions. Learn more by contacting us today.

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New Year, New Workspace: Technology Design to Fit Your Hybrid Remote Workspace’s Needs

It’s that time of year again — time for resolutions and goals and creating plans to make them happen. As we approach a new year that will see many organizations embracing a hybrid remote workspace, it’s important to make sure their technology design is on par with their needs.

Technology design should be a part of your 2022 planning, and with the help of an AV integrator, it can take your hybrid remote workspace to the next level.

The hybrid remote workspace and its evolved technology requirements

Hybrid remote workspaces are referred to as “the future of work” — and for a good reason. They provide employees with the work-from-home flexibility they grew to enjoy during the pandemic while maintaining collaboration and productivity levels that help businesses maintain their bottom line.

But to strike that balance properly, the right technology design needs to be in place. So, while your current design can serve as a starting point, it’s essential to keep in mind that technology requirements are different in a hybrid remote workspace than in a traditional office setting.

For example, there needs to be a seamless way for team members to participate in meetings or working sessions whether they are in the office or remote. That means having cloud-based video conferencing solutions with hardware that’s easy to use in multiple settings. It also means rethinking overlays, flows, and roles/responsibilities due to the shift in staff scheduling and resource demands.

The workplace design also now relies on technology, whereas previously, it was a nice addition to the in-person collaboration the office offered. Many important business functions, like meetings, cannot happen without advanced technology in a hybrid setting. Some examples include:

  • Video conferencing platforms
  • Cameras and microphones
  • Document storage/management platforms
  • Digital signage that can be updated remotely

These (and others) need to be factored into your overall technology design from a new perspective once your organization goes hybrid. You must have a solid understanding of how different technologies integrate with each other, your software and platforms, and the people who will be managing and using them.

How IVCi can support your technology design and hybrid remote workspace

There’s more to a technology design than just selecting items. While products and platforms certainly are an important aspect, there are also flows, roles and responsibilities, and elevations and renderings to consider in order to iron out the details before implementing anything new.

As an AV service provider, IVCi can help with every stage of the technology process, including strategy, design, implementation, support, and more. With services like Managed Video and Cloud video, our areas of expertise play well into hybrid remote workspaces.

Maybe your organization is looking for even more assistance with their hybrid setup — that’s where Evolve AVaaS can be a great option. As a subscription-based service, Evolve offers flexible technology and term options for design, deployment, and support services so you can focus on achieving other business goals while the experts handle your technology needs.

Even though 2022 is here, it’s not too late to put together a technology design plan that will significantly impact this year. The team at IVCi is ready to help you get your project up and running quickly. Whether you’re looking for just design services, implementation and support, or even full service AVaaS, we’re here to help. Contact us today to get started.

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The Best Tools for Great Video Teleconferencing

If your organization had to make fast and drastic changes when COVID-19 hit, there’s a good chance you adopted the tools that were most readily available to you and fit your needs and budget on a basic level. After all, there was no way to know that the need for remote work would last years — forever for some companies.

Now that remote and hybrid work have become the norm for most, it’s important for companies to upgrade their teleconferencing tools to create a more efficient, effective, and secure long-term solution. It can help businesses and organizations hold team meetings, host webinars, provide demos, conduct interviews, stream lessons, provide telehealth visits, and so much more.

We’ve put together some guidance for the best tools for great video teleconferencing, broken down by category.

Software

There are a number of video conferencing software options on the market right now, as they are essential for teleconferencing. You’ll need not only a reliable connection, but security features and user-friendly functionalities. For example, calendar integrations and password protected meetings are standard practice for workplace teleconferences.

Displays and Screens

Having crystal-clear video quality most closely mimics an in-person experience, making for a better meeting or presentation. While many individuals will be using their laptops or desktop monitors, consider placing larger LCD or 4k displays in shared spaces like classrooms or huddle rooms.

Cameras and Microphones

Cameras and microphones are arguably the most essential tools for your organization’s communication strategy. While you may have been able to previously get by using the built-in features of your individual device, having additional equipment can drastically improve quality. This comes into play when hosting virtual events, conducting high-stakes business meetings, or in instances where you need to change locations and cannot rely on using built-in features as your device may change.

Speakers and Headsets

Similar to cameras and microphones, many people have been utilizing the built-in speakers on their devices. But for the best experience, users should consider using additional speakers or headsets. Headsets can be especially valuable for working in either a shared space or at home, as they block out environmental noise and allow the user to give the speaker his or her full attention — this is a component of in-person meetings that is hard to replicate in a remote setting.

Internet and Cloud Connectivity

An important part of great teleconferencing is the ability to do it anywhere, anytime, from any internet connected device. Having easy to use (preferably wireless) Internet connections readily available is important for facilitating fast and efficient meetings. Hosting meetings and supporting documentation in the cloud is also beneficial, especially if you have multiple locations or utilize a hybrid work arrangement, since teams can collaborate, view/edit documents, and start a new meeting from anywhere.

There are definitely a lot of components to consider for a great video teleconferencing strategy. Working with an AV integrator can help you not only develop a strategy for better video conferencing but take on the role of putting those systems in place and providing support every step of the way. Reach out to the team at IVCi to learn more about how an AV technology integrator can help you.

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Tips for Increasing Undergraduate Enrollment Through AV Integration

When it comes to increasing undergraduate enrollment, higher education institutions have stuck with largely the same tactics in recent years. They invest in advertising and high school outreach to attract students in the midst of deciding where they want to attend college.

However, there’s an underutilized recruitment tool that many colleges and universities are already investing in: AV technology. Through our experience integrating AV/VC technology in a number of educational institutions, we have learned some of the best tips for increasing undergraduate enrollment through AV.

1. Develop an eSports program to attract competitive gamers

eSports is increasing in popularity at an astounding pace. Having a robust eSports program attracts an entire new set of students with above-average critical thinking, teamwork, and technical skills. It’s also a welcomed addition for creating a well-rounded extracurricular program, as it combines the best of athletic teams and passion-based clubs. While eSports requires an intricate AV setup, its ability to attract students makes it a worthwhile investment.

2. Use remote or hybrid class formats to break down distance barriers

In the past, colleges and universities were limited by commuting distances and students’ willingness (or ability) to relocate. With a strong AV setup, schools can offer hybrid classes and even fully remote degree paths that mimic the in-person experience. This is a more attractive alternative to asynchronous remote learning since the student can interact with the class and engage with the instructor and classmates, creating a better experience than independent learning through pre-recorded videos.

3. Include the world’s finest educators and guest speakers

Just as AV technology opens your institution up to a broader range of students, it does the same for faculty and guest speakers. You can bring in professors and speakers from around the world, highlighting the best each field has to offer, without the impracticality of having them travel to your institution. Getting highly-regarded speakers and faculty into your classes — even to speak via video conference — boosts the desirability of your programs.

4. Provide more “hands-on” virtual experiences

While virtual experiences are nothing new in colleges and universities, you can utilize AV/VC technology to make yours stand out. For example, students pursuing medical fields can “attend” and “observe” appointments and procedures directly from the classroom. AV technology can also be easily integrated with VR and AR to further promote hands-on learning virtually.

5. Give students better access to the resources they need

Students aren’t attracted to schools solely for their academics. The student experience encapsulates their overall experience. AV technology gives students better access to resources like translators, academic support, mental health assistance, and more — everything they would need to have a great experience. If you are able to show prospective students that they will have access to everything they may need, they will be more interested in attending your institution.

Have you noticed the common factor here? All of these tips utilize AV technology to create an experience that prospective students can get excited to be a part of. If you’re ready to upgrade your institution’s AV/VC technology to increase enrollment, contact IVCi today.

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Healthcare Technology Trends to Watch Out For in 2022

The healthcare industry has undergone almost a complete transformation within just two years. While some changes were forced into action by the COVID-19 pandemic, the natural progression of technological advancement served as a catalyst for others.

Regardless of what sparked the changes and emerging trends, the future of healthcare would not be possible without advancing technology. In order to help healthcare facilities create a better patient experience and streamline their operations, we’re going to share some of the top healthcare technology trends to watch out for in 2022.

1. Virtual care will continue to rise in popularity

Telemedicine and virtual healthcare rose in popularity due to COVID-19 in 2020, but has remained a popular option for convenience and accessibility reasons. This requires healthcare facilities to have strong, cloud-based video conferencing systems that patients can access from the comfort of their home, most likely via a smartphone or tablet. Portals should be set up to accommodate large patient volumes while maintaining performance and strong connections.

2. Automation to combat staffing challenges

Many healthcare organizations are facing staffing challenges, especially in areas where COVID cases remain high. Automating tasks where possible can take the burden off of staff. For example, patients can leverage software to find doctors and set up appointments when they are in need of care. It can also automate the post-discharge outreach messages for follow-up care and to ensure patients understand their instructions.

3. Remote patient monitoring for better patient comfort

Technology is emerging that allows patients to spend more of their recovery time at home and less time in hospitals or care facilities. Not only does this make more beds available for critical patients, it helps keep patients comfortable and relaxed at home. With wireless digital devices connected to communication tools and databases, healthcare professionals can check in on their patients and monitor them to determine if further care is needed.

4. Wireless technology for a safer and more efficient workplace

Wireless devices are not only more convenient for healthcare facilities, they create a safer work environment. In a busy place like a hospital where devices need to travel from room to room quickly, wires create tripping hazards; plus, it can delay care when healthcare professionals need to spend time plugging devices in and connecting them with wires.

5. Digital displays for patient education and entertainment

Dynamic digital displays are becoming more popular because of the profound effect they have on the patient experience. They can help educate patients during waiting periods or during the check-in process, providing information visually and in a variety of languages. They also can be used for games, puzzles, and videos to entertain patients during their stay, which is especially helpful in pediatric units.

6. Remote translation services

Many healthcare facilities are making an effort to serve patients in their preferred languages. Having an on-demand remote translator join the appointment via video conferencing creates better communication without the delays of having to bring in an on-site translator.

This list only scratches the surface of healthcare technology trends, as we expect to see more emerge and take shape over the next year. However, these five are a great place to start for healthcare organizations looking to improve their patient experience through AV/VC technology. For more information or a consultation of how these can apply to your specific organization, contact the team at IVCi today.

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AV/VC Technology Guide for 2022

If you haven’t already, it’s time to put your AV plans in place for 2022. Staying up to date on the technology and trends expected for next year will help your organization build out a strategy and utilize it successfully.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a 2022 AV/VC strategy, or for the right tools to put your existing plan into motion, check out this AV/VC technology guide for 2022.

1. Touchless Tech

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a demand for touchless and automated systems so users can conduct the tasks they need, while still taking steps to reduce virus transmission risk. Now, people have become accustomed to not only the safety these features provide, but the convenience too.

For example, motion sensors in shared workspaces and conference rooms can turn the lights on and power up the projector or video screen without the user having to do anything besides walk in the room. We can expect to see touchless technology incorporated in far more workplaces in 2022.

2. Video Walls

Video walls have started their rise in popularity, and we can expect to see that continue through next year. We’re seeing video walls replace projection screens in a lot of instances because they have higher resolutions and may not be as affected by poor lighting or other environmental conditions.

Video walls are great options for commercial spaces that need large displays or educational institutions who need to equip lecture halls with more efficient technology than a projector screen.

3. Dynamic Digital Displays

Dynamic digital displays are gaining popularity in part for the same reason as video walls, but they go a step further. They can be programmed to display information in an interactive way that users can use to complete an experience.

Some examples include:

  • Patients in healthcare facilities can have a paperless check-in process by completing their intake forms via a dynamic digital display
  • Companies at conferences and tradeshows can display their schedules, give attendees information, and capture leads via a dynamic digital display
  • Visitors to a business can access important information like maps, schedules, and FAQs that are continuously updated in real time

That’s just the beginning of what you can accomplish with a dynamic digital display in the upcoming year; the possibilities are truly endless.

4. AV as a Service

One of the best ways organizations can ensure they have the best technology available to them is to join the trend of AV as a Service (AVaaS). With AVaaS, a single monthly subscription can give you access to everything you need for the best possible AV/VC setup: technology upgrades, flexible lifecycle terms, on-demand support, KPI tracking, and so much more.

Learn more about how AVaaS is the future of AV here.

To implement any of these technologies with the best results, we recommend reaching out to an experienced AV integrator like IVCi. Our teams are ready to help you make your AV/VC visions for 2022 a reality, with expert guidance available every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.

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Improving Patient Visits through Innovative Technology in the New Year

As we wrap up this year and look towards 2022, it’s likely your organization is working on plans for how to make things better next year. This is especially true for healthcare organizations, which faced tremendous challenges in 2020 and 2021.

Thankfully, a sleuth of technological advances has not only eased the hardships they’ve faced but has set healthcare organizations up with opportunities to improve and enhance the patient experience from now on. There’s no denying the nature of patient visits has changed — but thanks to technology, that change can be for the better. Here’s how:

Creating culturally aware care

It’s more important than ever to create a visit that is not only aware of the patient’s cultural needs but embraces them. A small part of this includes offering visits in the patient’s preferred language, allowing them to explain their needs and receive care in the way they are most comfortable.

Video conferencing equipment gives healthcare providers an on-demand way to invite translators into the visit. With virtual medical translators, the burden of translating no longer falls on a patient’s family member. Not only does that improve patient privacy and ensure accuracy, but it also helps patients feel respected and cared for.

Making the right care more accessible

Gone are the days where healthcare options are determined by physical proximity to a facility or doctor — thankfully. This outdated practice created a lot of stress for those in rural areas, those with mobility limitations, or those who need specific and specialized care.

Telehealth through audio-video conferencing gives patients the power to choose their care based on what’s best for them, not on proximity or how easy it is for them to get to the office. This not only makes care much more effective but truly puts the patient in the driver’s seat which is key for a positive visit experience.

Fitting busy lives as we return to “normal”

While the COVID-19 pandemic certainly isn’t over yet, there are parts of our lives that are starting to resemble pre-pandemic times — schools are open for in-person learning, people are working in their offices (at least part-time), and extracurricular activities are meeting again.

This once again renders parents and caretakers extremely busy, which can make finding appointment times for themselves and family members difficult. Video visits and AI-powered help centers can assist people in finding the care that works for them on their schedule.

Connecting with health wearables and integrated medical devices

Health wearables are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. They can help gather and track a variety of health data like glucose, heart rate, physical activity, and sleep. Integrating that technology with healthcare visits can give doctors a better understanding of a patient’s overall health and uncover issues that a patient may not even be aware of.

Doctors can even encourage patients to use wearable devices and give them parameters for certain metrics and instructions for what to do if they exceed those parameters. Wearables not only improve the effectiveness of the visits themselves but enable quality care to continue at home.

Improving patient comfort and control

A patient’s visit experience starts the moment they enter the building, not when they see the doctor. Wait times can cause a lot of frustration and anxiety for patients, especially in a hospital or pediatric setting.

Interactive dynamic digital displays not only provide patients with helpful information they may need about their visits as well as entertainment that eases anxiety and passes the time. This helps create a better overall visit experience, even when the doctor is not with the patient!

If your healthcare organization needs assistance implementing the technology needed to improve patient visits in 2022, contact the team at IVCi today for a consultation.

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How Audio Visual Will Shape the Future of Education

Educational institutions have dealt with significant change and disruption in the past few years, largely brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. While most of it has been challenging, one positive lesson we can take from it is that with the right technology, schools are extremely adaptable and can transform the way people learn and teach.

Following this trajectory, we can expect the future of education to be spearheaded by technology — mainly AV technology. Not only did audiovisual provide solutions for remote learning, but it also completely reshaped education as we know it. Let’s take a look at how.

A shift to collaborative learning.

AV technology gives students a new way to interact with classroom content, even if they are distance learning. Regardless of physical location, students can respond to polls, speak with their teacher and classmates, and share files for the class to see and work on in real-time. Teachers can use visuals, videos, forms, and more to make learning a collaborative experience.

Using virtual reality to create immersive experiences.

Virtual Reality (VR) is made possible in the classroom thanks to AV technology — and it can totally reshape the future of education. Studies have proven that students learn best through experience, and VR can recreate in-person experiences. This can range from an elementary school student feeling like they’re standing next to the Egyptian pyramids to a medical student getting to observe a “real” surgery.

Appealing to all learning styles.

In previous years, classrooms typically were only able to cater to one learning style. AV technology allows educators to appeal to multiple learning styles without duplicating efforts. For example, by streaming lessons via video with supporting content, teachers can cater to both visual and auditory learners. Plus, students learn at different paces, so having the option to view lessons in real-time and asynchronously through recordings will help them absorb the lesson at their own speed.

Making education accessible to more people regardless of physical location.

Previously, educational decisions had to be made based on physical proximity to the institution. The COVID-19 pandemic showed that it’s more than possible to deliver a quality education without having to be physically present at a school, opening up worldwide possibilities for those seeking the best possible education. This is especially impactful in rural areas or for those who are seeking a specialized course of study that is not widely available.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies will increase.

With more content being hosted on cloud-based programs, students can use the devices they are familiar and comfortable with without sacrificing any capabilities. This is especially applicable to higher education institutions where it’s more customary for students to use their personal devices.

Schools and universities should get ahead of these emerging trends in order to deliver an elevated educational experience. The first step in doing so is finding the right AV integrator to help you design and implement the right technology for your teachers and students. IVCi has worked with K-12 and higher education institutions of all sizes and is available to help — contact us today to speak with an AV expert and learn more.

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