When choosing AV equipment for the classroom, the goal is to create an engaging, accessible and easy-to-use environment that supports both teaching and learning—whether classes meet in-person, remotely or hybrid-style.
In our quest to become one of the best Columbus companies for classroom AV, we ask a lot of questions when designing solutions for education clients. These questions address
- their educational goals and teaching style:
- Are you supporting lectures, group work, hybrid learning, flipped classrooms and/or interactive activities?
- What’s your comfort level with technology?
- Are your students expected to collaborate or present using their own devices?
- the display technology they are considering:
- Size and resolution: We ensure the screen size and resolution (1080p or 4K) are appropriate for room size and student distance.
- Type:
- Interactive flat panels (e.g., SMART Boards, Promethean) for K–12 or hands-on teaching
- Projectors with short-throw lenses for larger rooms or flexible configurations
- Brightness: We recommend at least 3,500–5,000 lumens for well-lit spaces
- Do they need speakers that reach the back of the room clearly?
- Microphones options:
- Lavalier or headset mics for instructors
- Ceiling or boundary mics for hybrid learning or student participation
- their camera needs for hybrid learning or recording:
- PTZ cameras (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) are good for flexibility
- Auto-tracking cameras can follow the instructor
- USB-based or networked cameras offer easy integration with Zoom, Teams, etc.
- their control options:
- A simple touch panel or button system allows instructors to:
- Turn on/off AV gear
- Switch inputs (e.g., laptop, document camera)
- Start a recording or video call
- We recommend avoiding complex remotes or multi-step processes
- A simple touch panel or button system allows instructors to:
- their connectivity and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) options:
- Do they need multiple input options?
- Do they want a wireless presentation system?
- Do they need compatibility with Mac, Windows and/or Chromebooks?
Other considerations
- Network and integration
- Durability and maintenance
- Scalability and support
- Accessibility and inclusion
The client’s budget is an important part of the equipment selection process, as are the total cost of ownership, reliability, supportability and lifespan.
Your answers lead to the right equipment
While it takes time, we feel this effort helps us provide the best possible AV support to educational clients. Once we fully understand a school’s needs, we can recommend equipment that fits their facility–and their budget–perfectly.
Call Midwest any time to learn how we can upgrade your learning environment.