Futureproofing the classroom: how the right streaming tools can maximise engagement
The hybrid classroom is already a reality. Investing in the right technology will go a long way in providing high-quality blended learning experiences for students
More than four years after classrooms across the world were forced to transition to digital formats, this new mode of education remains popular. A 2024 survey by Delhi University revealed that over 46 per cent of students find online learning more convenient due to the flexibility and time-saving benefits it offers.
The study’s findings highlight that students still value face-to-face interaction, which is why institutions are eager to embrace the hybrid model, using technology to amplify creativity and increase efficiency without losing the benefits of in-person learning.
Technology for communication and connection
In 2022, the World Heart Beat Music Academy – a London-based charity offering affordable music education for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged youth – expanded into its second site. The charity had planned to develop a world-leading blend of performance, recording and teaching facilities at the new venue. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic extended the timescale and the World Heart Beat team had to shift its focus to optimising all aspects of the development using technology.
With the second site, the academy wanted to boost its capacity to support remote learning and attract virtual audiences to its regular live performances. “We were definitely seeking to achieve a significant increase in our streaming capabilities,” says James Gero, CEO of World Heart Beat, adding that the organisation is keen to connect with young people who do not live in London and cannot easily attend on-campus sessions.
To improve the virtual experience, the academy chose a TriCaster Mini 4K compact video production system and TriCaster Mini Control Panel as part of its setup. The TriCaster Mini 4K is being used in conjunction with multiple 4K video cameras located in different parts of the auditorium to capture and stream live performances, recitals and remote learning sessions.
The TriCaster is being deployed to support a busy programme of online tutoring as well as performances by emerging and established artists from the world of music. Hosting events and showcasing students’ talents at the new site allows World Heart Beat to gain a better return on investment compared to renting a space and hiring third-party production teams.
Adapting to a new setup
A futureproof live production system caters to the learning preferences of all students and enables institutions to connect with the world outside of the campus. A key element in making a live production setup efficient is to make it adaptable and accessible to people with various levels of technical skill, which is at the core of the TriCaster system.
“It’s exciting when you get a new piece of equipment and realise that you can get to grips with it very quickly. That’s definitely the case with TriCaster,” Gero says. “But it is also clear it can do a lot more than is apparent on the surface. So it’s an ongoing process of learning and finding out about different features.”
Tech that grows with you
As a complete live production solution, TriCaster has put an entire suite of media production capabilities at creators’ fingertips, enabling them to stream their stories and expand their storytelling possibilities.
As a technology provider, TriCaster is committed to improving the user experience beyond the purchase and installation. It offers comprehensive support plans and tools that enable users to grow as creators. Its most recent flagship product, the TriCaster Vizion, was conceptualised and built using feedback from its community of users. With new and roadmap production tools, TriCaster Vizion allows users to choose from five hardware configurations to suit any production requirement and budget.
