Challenge
A recognized leader in STEM higher education, this large state university is dedicated to being on the forefront of classroom technology. To facilitate efficient use of technology resources, the university offers instructors a variety of classroom configurations to meet their edtech needs. At the pinnacle of these options are classrooms equipped to simultaneously deliver instruction to in-person and remote students. Live-monitored by university IT staff to prevent tech-related disruption, these rooms serve an important role in extending the reach of instruction.
One such classroom was due for a major technology update. The existing setup relied on two ceiling-mounted projectors, which cast content onto dual wall screens. It was time to upgrade to technology that would support the range of modern learning options and instructional modalities: a state-of-the-art video wall that would deliver bright, consistently sharp visuals for every student.
More importantly, the solution needed to seamlessly deliver content to in-person and distance learners, while creating an environment that connected those audiences and provided intuitive control for the instructor.
Several types of displays would be needed to support these goals, including large, vibrant front-of-room displays for on-site learners; displays to bring Zoom participants into the room; confidence displays for the instructor at the back of the room; and an interactive display at the instructor podium. All of which would be maintained and monitored in real time by university IT staff.
Solution
To accomplish these goals, the IT group worked with longtime reseller partner ClarkPowell, which recommended ViewSonic for the display component of the installation. The IT team reviewed the recommendations and agreed that this would be an ideal solution for their needs, commenting in particular on the durability of the ViewSonic® Direct View LED (dvLED) display with Glue-on-Board (GOB) technology and the ability to swap individual panels with included spares, which would streamline maintenance.
The final front-of-room solution included two 136-inch ViewSonic All-in-One dvLED video walls (Model LDM136-151) to present class content. These would be mounted on either side of a ViewSonic 98-inch 4K commercial display (model CDE9830) to integrate Zoom participants. Two ViewSonic 65-inch commercial displays (model CDE6530) would be mounted to the back wall for instructor visibility: one to mirror the instructional content; one to display Zoom participants.
Finally, the instructor podium would be equipped with a ViewSonic 24-inch digital podium touch display (model ID2456-4K) that would enable faculty to intuitively deliver content and connect with students using integrated ViewSonic® ViewDirector™ software. To ensure seamless operation, the ClarkPowell team would integrate the ViewSonic displays into the classroom’s existing Crestron matrix switcher.
Results
Not only is the upgraded classroom now a cutting-edge digital learning environment, it is also a model for future classroom refreshes. The integrated technology seamlessly blends in-person and remote experiences, delivering a host of benefits to faculty, students, and the IT team.
Instructors appreciate no longer having to contend with projector lights shining in their eyes, as well as being able to maintain focus on students when marking up content on the ViewSonic digital podium. The confidence monitors in the back of the room allow presenters to easily confirm that their content is looking as it should on the front screens, while also providing an interface with students joining on Zoom.
The brightness and clarity of the ViewSonic dvLED displays provides classroom and remote students with a clearer view of content in all lighting conditions, while also delivering outstanding recorded images – a critical component of serving the needs of asynchronous distance learners. Along with this consistency in lighting, the IT team benefits from the lower, and easier, maintenance offered by the dvLED displays. All of which provides more streamlined instruction with greater efficiency and reduced costs.
Along with the internal accolades, the IT team has hosted colleagues from other universities that are interested in the ViewSonic solution, who have commented on how great the new displays look. What’s more, a visiting IT specialist mentioned that one of their university’s classrooms had an outdated dvLED display that lacked glue-on-board surface treatment, which resulted in damage, and added repair costs, when students bumped into it.
The university’s stated objective for its top-tier tech classrooms is to empower faculty to deliver modern, high-impact instruction to a range of students, without the burden of technical barriers. In these spaces, the edtech allows faculty to focus on teaching, not troubleshooting. This classroom upgrade has achieved just that, with bright and durable ViewSonic dvLED video walls, commercial displays, and a digital podium touch display shining as the foundational visual technology.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
