The Kent-based education Pupil referral unit was facing challenges related to outdated and unreliable equipment, hindering their teaching efforts for socially disadvantaged students with unique needs. They sought a modern solution to improve teaching, engagement, and remote learning capabilities.
What is a Pupil Referral Unit?
A Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) is an educational institution that provides support and alternative education for students who may have difficulties succeeding in mainstream schools. PRUs are specifically designed to cater to students who exhibit challenging behavior, have special educational needs (SEN), or face social and emotional challenges that affect their ability to thrive in a traditional school setting.
Behavioral Support: offering a supportive environment where students can address and manage challenging behavior. They often have staff with expertise in behavior management and counseling.
Special Educational Needs: equipped to provide specialized support for students with SEN,
including those with learning disabilities, autism, or other cognitive or physical impairments.
Small Class Sizes: PRUs typically have smaller class sizes compared to mainstream schools.
Reintegration: While PRUs provide alternative education, they often work towards reintegrating students into mainstream schools once they have made sufficient progress in managing their behavior or addressing their educational needs.
Flexible Curriculum: PRUs may offer a flexible curriculum that can be tailored to suit the individual needs of students.
Emotional Support: PRUs often provide emotional support and counseling to help students cope with personal challenges and improve their mental well-being.
Vocational Education: Some PRUs offer vocational education and training programs to prepare students for employment or further education.
The Solution
Partnering with Sharp, they customized a comprehensive solution to address these challenges. The main goals were to provide cost-effective, reliable equipment, enable remote student participation, and enhance the overall teaching quality.
The audio visual side of the solution included the installation of ten wall-mounted screens, a mobile solution on a portable trolley, and a 75” interactive display. Additionally, a microphone array, soundbar, and a high-quality Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera with tracking and broadcasting capabilities were implemented. An onboard Windows 10 computer made the solution independent of any connected laptop. A second 24” monitor with a wireless keyboard trackpad provided teachers with full control during online lessons. All to be supported by a robust business IT support agreement.
What is AV?
Audiovisual (AV) equipment encompasses a wide range of electronic devices and systems that are designed to both reproduce and transmit audio and visual content, enhancing the way we perceive and interact with information. These devices play a crucial role in various fields, from education and entertainment to business and communication. Below we explore more into the world of AV equipment is and its applications:
Audiovisual equipment, often referred to as AV equipment, consists of devices that handle both audio and visual content. These devices are designed to capture, process, display, and reproduce sound and images, offering a multisensory experience. AV equipment includes components such as projectors, screens, televisions, microphones, speakers, cameras, and more.
One of the primary purposes of AV equipment is to facilitate communication and engagement. In educational settings, projectors and interactive whiteboards help teachers deliver lessons effectively by displaying visual content to students. In business, AV equipment enables dynamic presentations, video conferences, and interactive meetings, enhancing collaboration and understanding among team members. Additionally, AV technology has revolutionized the entertainment industry, from movie theaters to home theaters, by providing high-quality audio and video experiences.
AV equipment also plays a significant role in the world of live events and performances. From concerts and theater productions to sports events and conferences, AV devices like stage lighting, sound systems, and large LED screens create immersive and engaging experiences for audiences.
In the healthcare sector, AV equipment supports telemedicine, allowing remote consultations and diagnostics between healthcare professionals and patients. In retail, digital signage and interactive displays enhance the shopping experience by providing information, promotions, and entertainment.
Moreover, AV technology contributes to accessibility and inclusivity. Closed captioning and sign language interpretation on screens help individuals with hearing impairments. Visual aids and interactive displays assist people with various learning styles and abilities, making education more inclusive.
Exploring IT Services
IT services, short for Information Technology services, refer to a broad range of offerings and solutions provided by technology professionals and organizations to support the management, maintenance, and utilization of computer systems, software, networks, and digital infrastructure. These services are essential for businesses and individuals alike in the modern digital age.
IT services encompass a wide spectrum of offerings designed to meet the technological needs and challenges of individuals, businesses, and organizations. These services include hardware and software support, network management, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data backup and recovery, and IT consulting.
One of the primary functions of IT services is to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of computer systems and networks. This includes troubleshooting and resolving technical issues, installing and updating software, and maintaining hardware components such as servers, workstations, and peripherals. IT professionals also play a critical role in preventing and mitigating cybersecurity threats, safeguarding sensitive data, and implementing security measures like firewalls and antivirus solutions.
Cloud computing services, a subset of IT services, offer scalable and flexible solutions for data storage, software deployment, and computing resources. This enables businesses to access and utilize computing power and data storage on-demand, reducing infrastructure costs and enhancing scalability.
Data backup and recovery services protect valuable data from loss or corruption by regularly creating backups and implementing recovery procedures in case of unforeseen disasters or hardware failures.
IT consulting services provide expert guidance to individuals and organizations on technology-related matters. Consultants assess IT infrastructure, recommend improvements, plan technology roadmaps, and assist in the adoption of emerging technologies.
The Results
The result was an affordable, flexible solution that empowered teaching in both classroom and remote settings. It facilitated natural interactions between teachers and students, ensuring that no students were disadvantaged due to their circumstances. The solution also benefited staff, enabling efficient training and meetings while reducing the school’s carbon footprint.
Overall, the partnership with Sharp provided the education unit with a reliable, cost-effective solution that significantly improved teaching functionality and inclusivity, both in the classroom and remotely.
