Avocor displays were recently implemented across 112 classrooms by the Thomas Telford Multi Academy Trust (TTMAT), a group of five schools in the West Midlands, UK, including four secondary schools (Madeley Academy, Sandwell Academy, Walsall Academy, Thomas Telford UTC) and one primary school (Redhill Primary Academy).
The mixture of 65in and 75in displays, installed in September for the new school year, caters to classrooms of varying sizes, and plans are already underway to equip additional classrooms with the technology.
TTMAT provides the headteachers’ of each academy with autonomy, but the decision to revamp its classroom technology was a collective one. A traditional projector and whiteboard setup was the standard set up, but the projectors could cast glare on screens, and the reliance on lamps inflated costs and created downtime when replacements were required. In addition, this legacy setup could create a physical barrier between teachers and technology, hindering the desired dynamic learning experience.
The trust embarked on a vendor selection process to upgrade the AV. Longevity and future-proofing were critical factors. The trust also envisioned a technology solution that integrated well with existing workflows and sought a software-agnostic approach to empower teachers to utilise their preferred software and learning platforms without restriction.
Avocor’s interactive E Series displays emerged as the frontrunner, especially because of its gesture recognition technology. According to Avocor, this feature resonated with the vision of fostering a more interactive and engaging learning environment. Equally important was the integration with a teacher’s laptop or PC, transforming the displays into an extension of their existing tools. Finally, the elimination of lamp replacements significantly improved the total cost of ownership (TCO).
Daljeet Kangh, director of information technology services at Sandwell Academy Trust, said: “Our traditional AV setup was reliable, but limited. We envisioned a future-proof solution that would create a more engaging learning experience, but also improve the TCO of our AV systems. We’ve been delighted with the positive impact Avocor displays have had on our classrooms and look forward to equipping even more classrooms in the future.”
The implementation across 112 classrooms signified a commitment to providing teachers and students. While the transition from VGA to HDMI presented a minor technical hurdle, the trust’s IT team addressed it swiftly, ensuring a smooth integration.
