Summary
Smart classrooms will enable students to attend online interactive lectures from anywhere in the world in a simulated classroom environment
Use of audio tracking cameras enabled by smart array microphones will ensure instructor’s freedom of movement in a virtual classroom
NorthCap University (NCU) in Gurugram, Haryana has launched state-of-the-art smart classrooms fully equipped with digital technology to optimise the learning experience of students who are struggling with online education owing to the pandemic.
These smart classrooms will replicate a physical classroom in a virtual model, thus enabling students to attend virtual interactive lectures from anywhere in the world in a simulated classroom environment. It also enables the faculty to deliver lectures in hybrid mode in a classroom-like ambience.
Speaking at the launch of the smart classrooms on November 6, NPU vice-chancellor Nupur Prakash said, “We are immensely proud to launch the state-of-the-art, smart classrooms at the NorthCap University. We are diligently working towards fulfilling the National Education Policy 2020 mandate towards implementing a technology-enabled teaching-learning process in higher education. We are confident that the smart classrooms will benefit NCU students by empowering them with an enhanced learning experience using innovative learning models, and must-have digital skills.”
The classrooms are equipped with smart audiovisual technology like ceiling array microphones that enable camera tracking; smart ceiling speakers that can be programmed; pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera for speaker tracking; interactive digital podium; 85-inch 4K displays for students; and 55-inch 4K displays for the instructor to facilitate an interactive teaching-learning environment.
The use of audio tracking cameras enabled by smart array microphones will ensure the instructor’s freedom of movement in a virtual classroom. The university made sure to introduce simple-to-use technology, which provides for a multi-modal delivery that is adaptable and responsive for an engaging teaching environment.
To make the learning sessions more interesting, the smart classrooms will also offer intuitive, easy, attractive and visually engaging content illustrations with the help of internet-enabled media content, flow charts, maps, graphs and more.
With the launch of the smart classrooms, NCU has taken another step towards its ambition of becoming a Digital First University. Earlier, the university had also partnered with Arizona State University to embrace the Indian Government’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 that entailed a digital transformation of education, enhanced curricula, new innovative programmes and expanded research collaborations.
NCU believes that the smart classroom will not only provide a better learning experience, but it will also help reduce the carbon footprint by eliminating the use of paper, pen/pencil. The Gen-Z student will be better engaged with higher retention through engaging content and interactive delivery.
Last updated on 06 Nov 2021
