Introduction

With the rapid advancement of IT technology and the availability of improved network environments, hybrid learning has gained significant popularity in educational institutions, training schools, and universities. This approach combines traditional in-person instruction with online learning, offering flexibility and convenience to students. As an increasing number of individuals opt for online classes to study from their homes, the demand for hybrid learning solutions has grown. While live streaming teaching content through platforms like Zoom, YouTube, and Facebook has made hybrid learning accessible to remote learners, there are still challenges in providing hybrid classes for students attending different classrooms on campus. In this article, we will explore how the Q-NEX solution can empower hybrid learning by addressing the needs of campus-wide hybrid learning.

1. Limitations of Hybrid classroom on campus  

The decentralized deployment of IoT devices in schools poses a significant obstacle to achieving campus-wide hybrid learning.

1.1 Hybrid learning via live streaming and UC platform

To enable hybrid learning in a classroom, teachers usually need to bring a laptop computer that is connect to video conference kit and to the interactive display in order to take care of the in-person and remote learning students at the same time. With that , teachers can use UC platforms like Zoom, GoTo Meeting, Microsoft Teams or Live streaming platform such as FaceBook and YouTube to launch hybrid classroom.

1.2 Compromised engagement and interaction

However, these setups often result in compromised engagement and interaction for remote learners. While teachers can interact with students in the physical classroom, remote learners miss out on important annotations made on traditional chalkboards or teacher-student interactions that occur outside the camera’s view. Additionally, sharing materials such as drawings or paper documents through a document camera becomes inconvenient for both in-person and remote students.

1.3 Inaccessibility of hybrid classes on campus

Hybrid learning on campus remains inaccessible for students in other classrooms. For instance, when a school invites a popular teacher or a renowned scholar for an important lecture, they would ideally want the lecture to be accessible to as many students as possible across the campus. However, current hybrid learning setups typically limit access to only one classroom. Q-NEX offers a comprehensive solution to overcome these challenges and enable effective hybrid learning experiences.

•  Q-NEX-based hybrid classroom

The Q-NEX solution provides a comprehensive approach to address the limitations of hybrid learning on the campus. It allows for the convergence of all devices into a Q-NEX Networked Media Processor (NMP) within the classroom. Q-NEX hybrid class requires a NMP and LCS710 lectures capture system, or a document camera. By integrate all these devices into NMP, you can easily launch a hybrid classroom through out the campus.

• Hybrid learning based on lecture capture system

The lecture capture system serves as a critical component of hybrid learning, allowing teachers to record their lectures for later use or storage. To create an immersive hybrid learning experience that reaches both on-campus and remote students while recording lectures for future use, a lecture capture system and the Q-NEX platform are essential.

4.1 How the lecture capture system works?

The LCS710 lecture capture system consists of a video station, a teacher’s camera, a student’s camera and a ceiling microphone. The teacher’s camera tracks the teacher’s movements, providing close-up images when the teacher is giving a presentation or making annotations. This feature allows remote students to easily follow along with the teacher’s actions and gestures, enhancing their engagement and understanding. Similarly, the student’s camera captures close-up views when students stand up for a questions, ensuring that remote students can actively participate and feel connected to the classroom environment.

4.2 Multi-platform hybrid classroom

The video station’s web interface allows for live streaming to campus-wide audiences through the Q-NEX platform. This feature ensures that lectures can be accessed by students in multiple classrooms across the campus. Additionally, the lecture capture system supports live streaming to popular live streaming platforms like Facebook or YouTube, providing remote students with access to hybrid learning experiences. By leveraging the Q-NEX platform and the lecture capture system, educational institutions can extend the reach of their hybrid learning to the students through out the campus.

4.3 Automatic Director

To enhance collaboration and engagement for remote learners, the lecture capture system offers an automatic director feature. This feature allows teachers to select up to five screens to be displayed simultaneously, with one designated as the main screen and the others as secondary screens. By providing a multi-screen view, teachers can present different content simultaneously, enriching the learning experience for both in-person and remote students. The automatic director feature ensures that the most relevant and important content is displayed on the main screen, enabling remote students to actively follow the teacher’s presentation.

4.4 AV matrix switch

The Q-NEX NMP incorporates an AV Matrix Switch module, which allows teachers to switch between different input video sources seamlessly. For example, teachers can switch between the video input from a document camera and a computer, enhancing the hybrid learning experience by providing diverse content delivery options. This flexibility enables teachers to enrich the learning experience by seamlessly transitioning between different video sources based on the specific needs of the lesson. Whether displaying a document, playing a video, or sharing computer-generated content, teachers can easily switch between sources, providing a dynamic and engaging learning experience for all students.

5.Summary

In summary, the Q-NEX solution, combined with the lecture capture system and the Q-NEX web platform, empowers educational institutions to create immersive and engaging hybrid learning experiences for students across different classrooms on campus and remote learners. By addressing the limitations of traditional hybrid learning setups, Q-NEX provides a comprehensive solution that promotes collaboration, engagement, and accessibility. The centralized management of devices, integration of key components, and seamless control through the Q-NEX platform enable educators to deliver high-quality hybrid learning experiences while recording lectures for future use. With Q-NEX, educational institutions can take advantage of the power of technology to create effective and inclusive hybrid learning environments that benefit all students.