Audio-Visual devices driving the success of hybrid paradigms

The success of the post-pandemic future of work will be combining remote and on-site working. Many corporates and educational institutions are opting for a hybrid model that combines the best of in-person and remote participation for learners, educators and corporates alike. But to succeed, hybrid learning environments need the right audio-visual and collaboration solutions. 

In the past decade, the Audio-Visual (AV) business has witnessed fast-paced growth.  As a result of which distant learning, remote collaboration and hybrid working are now possible. Audio-visual hybrid learning creates a virtual environment that is secure, more appealing, reaching the masses, reinforcing verbal communication and creating a lasting effect. This ensures the participation and experience sharing amongst people who are not present in the room to who is present. It provides a flexible room technology that brings everyone together, enhancing the learning manifolds. 

AV Products in Corporate Scenarios  

AV Products have helped in bridging the gap between employees that are split into working at home and in the office. The benefits of AV Products like Interactive Flat Panels, Conference bars, Microphone-Enabled Webcams, etc. are immense. These products help employees to multi-task and communicate simultaneously. Hassle-Free all-in-one solutions like IFPs can help in maximizing efficiency and lead to more fruitful interactions. The distractions and tiredness are minimized as the ease of work increases. One major drawback of working remotely, i.e., alienation can also be prevented as the workers can be connected through video communication anytime, anyplace and anywhere. Plug-and-Play all-in-one Video conferencing devices also help in conducting smooth interactions.

Today’s generation is more tech-savvier than any of its predecessors, however, they place more importance on face-to-face communication. A survey found that 83% of the participants preferred to communicate in person with their managers. An upsurge in technology is bound to increase engagement among companies and their employees resulting in engagement being the main driving force behind productivity in hybrid conditions.

AV Products in Education Scenarios

A seamless experience of video communication through AV Products has also facilitated the meaningful exchange of knowledge between a student and a mentor. It is proven scientifically, that the effect of teaching through an audio-visual medium lasts longer than interpersonal teaching. In the pandemic, teachers across the globe shifted to ‘E-learning,’ wherein AV technologies have been one of the most significant factors for stimulating the imagination of students. Various educational institutions and Online coaching channels adopted products like Interactive Panels, Webcams, Conference bars to continue the dissemination of education in testing times. These Teacher-Student friendly products kept the education system up and running events from remote locations.

One major challenge in online teaching is maintaining the continuous attention of students. Products like IFPs and software solutions have made pedagogy interesting which is likely to move forward even post-pandemic.  It is also believed that by using AV technology critical and analytical thinking of the students can be improved significantly as the teachers can opt for various methods of teaching like gamification, microlearning, collaborative, interactive, etc.

Future of Audio-Video Devices

The future belongs to AV products and technology as they have worked wonders during this difficult time of the pandemic. The responsive and touchless meeting experiences, efficient communication, seamless learning/working, effectiveness in the classrooms have made audio-visual technology successful in the hybrid environment. The technology consists of the use of many hi-tech devices such as webcams, interactive flat panels, microphones, cameras and speakers. A good internet connection and a good quality display play equally an important role in enhancing the experience of remote working or learning.

Today, there are many hybrid solutions available in the market with desired customizations making this platform of working/learning more popular. The seamless experience that many players in the AV market have offered even during the pandemic is commendable. The disruptors in the AV industry are observing the trends and working progressively to cater to the needs of the customers to deliver a hassle-free hybrid solution. As the pandemic continues, returning to the pre-pandemic situation is not possible, therefore, we have found a middle ground which we call a Hybrid workplace.

Avinash Johri

---

Avinash Johri is the executive director, India and SAARC regions at CVTE Group.