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Volume 5, Issue 5 — May 2, 2012
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Reversing the Presentation
By Ken Royal
rAVe Columnist Ken Royal, here, sharing the exciting news that I’m bringing my Royal Treatment to rAVe [Publications]. Since the early ‘90s, I’ve written about education, education technology and the marketplace as a journalist, blogger/reporter, video interviewer, podcaster, Royal Reports producer and education event news commentator. I’ve enjoyed future-thinking trends from consumer to education. In upcoming columns I’ll be in search of those future trends, interviewing industry leaders, covering 3D and AR, and even looking at where video conferencing is heading. That said, if you have a column idea, marketplace executive/leader for interview, or trend that needs sharing, please contact me, here, at rAVe. For now, please enjoy my first column: Reversing the Presentation.
For the longest time, we’ve been teaching with our backs to children. It may have started when the individual chalk slates were taken away from kids upon leaving the one-room schoolhouse for the larger normal schools. With only one writing board for sharing in the class, it became easier, out of necessity, to turn our backs on students. It also became easier to get comfortable doing it. So the transition to digital technology followed that lead.
There may have been a short side trip from the front board to facing the class, when the overhead projector was dragged into classrooms from the bowling alley. Then came the whiteboards, I’m sure seen by some as a way to get teachers back on their teaching feet. The adjective to describe them was “interactive,” but in many instances, it’s still used as an electrified, digitized chalkboard. There are so many more possibilities, but we continue looking at teaching and presenting lessons in an archaic delivery way. We need to reverse the teaching method for presenting. Handheld devices are one-room-schoolhouse slates digitally reincarnated, and we should present to them.
Let’s look at how reversing the presentation could affect — one sector – specifically, the document camera industry. The way I see it, that trusty and familiar teaching friend could be rejuvenated, and become the individual interactive presenters they need to be for this new tablet age. By simply reversing the presentation, document cameras could present in two directions — to a larger front-of-the-class whiteboard, and more importantly to individual student devices with their smaller screens.
With so many districts opting into iPad programs, document camera Apps for iPads in which educators can operate the document camera make sense, but consider that further, too. Why not a document camera App for student tablets to work on things delivered to them by the document camera? Those Apps would also have responder/clicker/voting functionality for polling. These document camera Apps could be created in light and pro versions. Make the light one free, and sell the other. Remember digital devices in kids’ hands now have all the amazing apps and software to create brilliant projects, so the document App doesn’t have to cover more than essentials — annotation and manipulation of document camera shared lesson objects, notes, compositions and other material.
With all those districts buying iPads, netbooks and individualized devices, if an existing document camera could present to them, by using a bit of technical know-how, presenting to students could take on new shape. It would fit Common Core requirements for students using technology to research and back up findings. Students could use primary evidence from their own class document camera presentations, as well as gather information from the Internet. I’d like to suggest using the term Natural 3D, too, for this truly flipped classroom presentation approach. After all, the document camera has always been able to display 3D objects as well as 2D documents.
I know that nothing changes quickly in the education marketplace, but I have the luxury of being a dreamer. Although, if I were to sit down with a few document camera engineers, I’d say, “Can you do this?” And, I think the answer would be “Yes.” There would probably be a follow up, too — “It may take a year.” I get that, but what about building some prototypes, and sharing some prototype presentations at education and technology shows? Apple does that sort of thing well, as masters of hype — and change. They talk about something new and it gains momentum as the engineers and tech people work toward production.
Now, let’s add the Cloud environment to this new reverse presentation approach. Document cameras and other presentation devices need to become presenters that share to classroom and groups of student handhelds; iPads, tablet devices, and students need to be able to share back modifications and new ideas. Well, the abundance of data generated even in one lesson could overwhelm a thumb drive, or the small memory traditionally used as places to save files on document cameras or presentation devices. Saving to a computer, or to a student or teacher’s iPad can work, but it won’t be enough easy-to-access space either. One answer is simple, document cameras and other presentation devices need to have some sort of simple to use Cloud storage and access. Teachers and students need drag-and-drop lockers for work, images, files and more. This is not difficult to do. Netbook and laptop companies have provided this space for a long time. While Apple has its own Cloud venture between products, all companies can provide something similar to their customers. At the beginning, it could just be a drag and drop Cloud storage space, but later it could be much more, with access to other Apps, tools, third-party solutions, audio, video and community building possibilities, too.
I know that it’s difficult to make suggestions for changing or even saving an industry, especially when company mindset thinks everything is fine — status quo. In the larger scheme of things this is not Patton, coming to relieve the heroes at Bastogne, where defending troops adamantly shouted they didn’t need Patton’s saving. But in this iPad age, if your best teaching practice is putting an iPad under a document camera for projection only to a front whiteboard, perishing, sooner rather than later, is inevitable. For me, General McAuliffe’s eloquent reply to surrender is completely appropriate here, too — “Nuts!” Program directors with their teams can make things happen if the direction is clear. I see nothing wrong with saying to engineers, programmers, developers and software/hardware people, “Here’s where we need to be; let’s get there, and make it happen!”
Here’s how I explained this to a friend of mine, recently: Think of a beautiful garden with a small stream meandering through. Now picture small stepping-stones placed across the stream, in not such a perfect way. While jumping the stream is possible, it’s not recommended, and skipping over stones to cross may not be the best approach either. Here’s the point — companies that haven’t begun to evolve for this new digital and Cloud age desperately need to get their feet on that first stepping-stone. More than that, they have to begin talking and writing about, as well as publicizing the next stepping-stones — even if they’re not on them yet — all the way to the last. Companies also must remain nimble, and ready to change, just in case one or more of those stepping-stones moves, changes or just isn’t “technologically” there any longer.
There has to be a teaching community base for educators using reverse presentation, presenters, Cloud and best practices. Companies that want to survive in the post-Cloud era need to begin, now, if they haven’t already, to gather educators of, and for change. Most company websites, today, are full of unreadable PDFs, or product pricing blurbs — mostly un-navigable, with plenty of broken links. To change, connected educators will be sought to help guide companies as an integral part of reversing digital presentation change and expansion to the Cloud. Staying and promoting status quo presentation devices, and other technologies and software is unfair practice when dealing with educators, who deserve much more for their students.
Please remember that during any change process you cannot forget the least common denominator. There will be those who just want the standard/traditional desk and classroom setup, because that’s the step they are on, but offering more choices — all the way to Cloud and beyond needs to happen. Those moving toward post-Cloud will require more future-think and future-care to get there. Also remember that what works in the K-12 classroom works at the university level, as well as in the corporate meeting room.
Like stepping-stones across a stream, consider this column entry just one stepping-stone nudge on which to plant your education-presentation industry feet toward future steps.
Ken Royal is a teacher/education and education technology blogger/reporter, video interviewer, podcaster, education event news commentator with 34 years of classroom/school and instructional technology experience. His teaching accomplishments include being four-time district teacher of the year, Connecticut Middle School Teacher of the Year and Bill and Melinda Gates award for Technology School of Excellence. Reach Ken at ken@ravepubs.com or on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/kenroyal
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Acer Debuts New Notebook Pico Projector Acer America has introduced a new ultraportable pico projector, the C120, which can actually be powered by a PC via USB connection. It features an LED lamp (with instant ON), is natively 16:9 WVGA resolution (854×480) and offers a 100-ANSI lumen brightness spec. This new projector is also plug-and-play compatible with notebook PCs, so no drivers need to be installed. The Acer C120 is specified to have a 1000:1 contrast ratio and uses a 20K-hour lamp. It measures only 4.72 inches (W) by 3.23 inches (D) by 1.0-inch (H), while weighing 6 ounces.
Here are all the specs: http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/group/projectors |
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Biamp Debuts Four New Vocia Amplifiers Biamp Systems today introduced four new small amplifiers as part of its Vocia networked public address and voice evacuation system. The concept of Vocia is decentralized, networked paging system without one home-run for all signals to terminate. So, for example, a building on campus with a bunch of small classrooms where each one needs amplified sound as well as to be connected to a centralized system would benefit from this line. It's modular in the sense that you can add rooms as you want to — thus building the system amplifier by amplifier. They are all EN 54-16 certified, which is a product standard governing "Voice Alarm Control and Indicating Equipment" (VACIE) and is issued by the European Union Construction Product Directive (CPD), also known as Directive 89/106/EEC.
The networked multi-channel Vocia Amplifiers (VA-8600 and VA-8600c) provide eight channels of modular amplification with up to 2400 watts of power per chassis via AM-600 and AM-600c cards. There's also optional channel-to-channel or device-to-device failover — all easily configured using Vocia's intuitive software. Add the new Vocia VA-8600 Failover Module (VFOM-1) card and expand the failover options to include 7:1 channel failover or two sets of 3:1 channel failover.
You can get more info here: http://www.biamp.com/products/vocia/outputs.aspx
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Share Article Back to Top Extron Expands Cable Cubby and Retraction System Line Extron just added three new models to the Retractor series, a cable retraction system for Extron Cable Cubby series cable access enclosures. The Retractor provides a discreet solution for accessing AV cable connections and then storing them. New models include the Retractor VGA-A, which combines VGA and 3.5mm stereo audio in a single Retractor module, providing a cost-effective option for VGA and audio source connectivity. Also new are two special-purpose models: the Retractor DC, which can be used to extend DC power for many Dell, HP and Compaq PCs – laptop power supply not included; and the Retractor VGA SM, which incorporates the functionality of the recently introduced Extron VGA “Show Me” Control Cable for remote input connection and selection for the Extron VSW2 VGA A and SW VGA Ars switchers. Retractor modules are available in versions to support most AV and data signal types and fit any Cable Cubby or TouchLink Touchpanel Cable Cubby enclosure.
The Retractor System works in tandem with all Extron Cable Cubby cable access enclosure models, as well as the TouchLink TLP 350CV and TLP 710CV Cable Cubby Touchpanel models. Cable Cubby access enclosures are furniture-mountable architectural solutions that store cable out of sight while remaining connected to the AV system, offering a discreet way to access cables and connection points as they are needed. Up to three Retractor modules can be installed side by side within the Cable Cubby.
Here are the details: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=ccretractor&search=retraction
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Share Article Back to Top PLUS Intros CaptureBoard with Network and Mobile Integration PLUS Corporation's new C-20 CaptureBoard allows a user to combine and save the image projected on the writing surface along with hand-written notes. In addition to an improved writing surface and the ability to print to an on-board printer, it can be used as a copyboard. PLUS claims the surface of the C-20 has the properties of both a projection screen and a dry-erase board with minimal reflection or glare. When connected to a Windows-based computer via a USB cable, the C-20's software allows users to save the projected image and written notes together as a single image file (JPG, PNG or PDF). The C-20 is the first CaptureBoard with the ability to print the combined image directly to the optional on-board color printer.
When not being used with a projected image, the CaptureBoard can also serve as an electronic copyboard. With the push of a button, users can quickly save their hand-written notes to a USB memory stick, a USB-connected PC or Mac computer (no software necessary), or print out their notes via an optional on-board printer. In addition, the network capability of the C-20 allow users to save data to the board's internal memory or to an FTP server. The data can then be accessed via any network-connected computer. When saved to the C-20's internal memory, the image files are accessible even when the board is in standby mode.
Industry-first mobile device features are also available when the C-20 is used as a copyboard. PLUS' smartphone application — MTG Pocket App — allows attendees to scan the board's written notes using their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, with support for Android smartphones coming soon.
The C-20 lists for $2,295 and details are here: http://www.plus-america.com/list_copyboards.html
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Share Article Back to Top Q1 Sales of 1000+ Lumen Projectors Grows 6 Percent Pacific Media Associates (PMA) Q1 report on 1000+ lumen projector sales shows growth at 6 percent.
"Ever since flat panel displays became large enough to be used in business meeting rooms and home theaters there have been predictions of the demise of projectors from manufacturers — of both projectors and flat panels — as well as pundits, the press, etc.," says William Coggshall, president of PMA. "Of course, ANY industry experiences a slowing of growth as it ages and increasingly saturates its potential market… whether or not it has strong competition from alternative technologies. The projector industry is over 20 years old, so the 6 percent growth rate measured by PMA's comprehensive worldwide quarterly census is strong proof that the projector business is healthy. Of course, we all know some markets and applications that are moving to flat panels, and PMA is tracking these moves and taking them into account in our forecasts."
To survive, any industry needs to innovate and change so, like a sports team, it needs a strong offense. Some recent examples of this offense are developments in short-throw projectors, interactive projectors, PC-free presentations and solid state illumination (laser, LED and hybrid).
But a sports team also needs a strong defense. On June 12, Coggshall will make a presentation at the Projection Summit 2012 conference titled "Playing Defense in the 2012 Projector Business," and is now previewing the reasons that some — or many — projector manufacturers might need to seek better defensive strategy and tactics than they now have.
Learn more here: http://www.pacificmediaassociates.com/
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Share Article Back to Top Epson's Newest Projectors Aimed at HOW and ED Epson has expanded its PowerLite 1900-series with six new models spec'd at up to 5,000 lumens and with split screen projection capability. The PowerLite 1940W, 1950 and 1960 offer features such as split screen, DICOM simulation mode, Faroudja DCDi for a home cinema-like experience in Pro applications and digital connectivity with HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. They are designed for users that need additional features such as Wi-Fi, advanced wireless security, automatic vertical and horizontal keystoning and focus assistance.
Here are additional specs:
Model Number | Brightness (in Lumens) | Resolution | List price | PowerLite 1940W | 4,200 | WXGA | $1,299 | PowerLite 1950 | 4,500 | XGA | $1,299 | PowerLite 1960 | 5,000 | XGA | $1,499 | PowerLite 1945W | 4,200 | WXGA | $1,699 | PowerLite 1955 | 4,500 | XGA | $1,699 | PowerLite 1965 | 5,000 | XGA | $1,899 |
Get all the details here: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Product.do?sku=V11H474020 |
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Share Article Back to Top Chief Launches New Freestanding Video Wall Solutions Chief is now shipping its Fusion Series freestanding video wall solutions. The new LVM mounts make it possible to construct video walls in prominent locations for temporary situations or when wall-mounting is not an option.
Available in standard 2×2, 3×2 and 3×3 configurations, the new freestanding solutions can be combined with accessories to achieve video walls up to three displays high and any length. The LVM2X2U can accommodate displays up to 65” and 125 lbs. (56.7 kg), while the LVM3X3U and LVM3X2U are compatible with displays up to 55” and 100 to 125 lbs. (45.4 to 56.7 kg), respectively. This latest addition to Chief’s Fusion Series of mounting solutions features ControlZone micro-height and leveling capabilities, plus plumb and lateral shift adjustments to simplify alignment. Fully integrated cable management aides in a clean installation and smooth rolling casters allow for easy positioning.
The models are:
- LVM2X2U – 2×2 freestanding solution
- LVM3X2U – 3×2 freestanding solution
- LVM3X3U – 3×3 freestanding solution
- FCA2X1U – Accessory converts 2×2 configuration to 2×3
- FCA3X1U – Accessory converts 3×2 configuration to 3×3
Here are the details: http://www.chiefmfg.com/Series/LVM
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Share Article Back to Top Well, that's it for this edition of rAVe! Thank you for spending time with us as we muse the industry's happenings. To continue getting my newsletter, or to sign up a friend, click the link below. To send feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write to Contributing Editor Greg Bronson at gregthetechie@netscape.net, Publisher Gary Kayye atgary@ravepubs.com or Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about Gary Kayye, CTS, founder of rAVe and Kayye Consulting. Gary Kayye, an audiovisual veteran and columnist, began the widely-read KNews, a premier industry newsletter, in the late 1990s, and created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which later became InfoComm IQ. Kayye Consulting is a company that is committed to furthering the interests and success of dealers, manufacturers, and other companies within the professional audiovisual industry.
rAVe Pro Edition launched in February 2003. rAVe Home Edition, co-sponsored by CEDIA, launched in February 2004. rAVe Rental [and Staging] launched in November 2007. rAVe Ed [Education] began publication in May 2008.
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To read more about my background, our staff, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top Copyright 2012 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – (919) 969-7501. Email: sara@ravepubs.com
rAVe Ed [Education] contains the opinions of the authors only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors.
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