Category: Article

Diversity in AV: Perspectives of a Sole BIPOC Woman on an AV Team

Charting the Journey of Diversity in AV as the Sole BIPOC Woman in an Audiovisual Information Technology Team

In the ever-evolving landscape of Audiovisual Information Technology (AVIT), diversity in AV remains a complex and ongoing challenge. This blog offers a reflective account of navigating the unique journey of being the solitary BIPOC woman on my AVIT team. Our exploration is underpinned by research into the representation of Latina women within the industry.

AVNation DEI DEV Ops

A Snapshot of Latina Women in AVIT

The research findings we are drawing upon reveal a stark underrepresentation of Latina women within the AVIT sector. An in-depth study by the Diversity Research Institute, encompassing 1,000 AVIT professionals, disclosed that a mere 6% of the industry’s workforce identifies as Latina, including myself. This striking data underscores the industry’s urgent need for greater diversity.

These figures reveal an across-the-board underrepresentation, spanning from entry-level positions to leadership roles. Whether in audiovisual engineering, IT specialties, or project management, Latina women remain an underserved demographic within the industry.

Embracing the Value of Diversity in AV

In the face of such underrepresentation, it’s imperative to celebrate the distinctive value that BIPOC women, including myself, bring to the AVIT landscape. A comprehensive report from the Diversity in Tech Foundation underscores the idea that diverse teams consistently outperform homogenous ones, with potential performance advantages of up to 35%. Your unique perspective is an invaluable asset that fuels innovation and creativity in the field.

Research data substantiates the claim that diversity in teams leads to an array of experiences, ideas, and approaches. In the dynamic AVIT industry, where innovative problem-solving is often the key to success, individuals with diverse backgrounds are poised to drive industry transformation.

Navigating Obstacles and Savoring Achievements

The journey to professional success is often marked by substantial challenges. An extensive study conducted by the Academic Research Center has illuminated the obstacles faced by Latina women pursuing STEM careers. These challenges include dealing with stereotypes and biases that have the potential to hinder career progression, which I have the scares to prove is accurate. However, the research also underlines the resilience and passion that yes enable BIPOC women to shatter these barriers and achieve success.

The study consistently showed that Latina women within technology-related industry confront implicit biases and stereotypes that can adversely affect career advancement. Many reported instances of being overlooked for promotions or not having their contributions recognized during team discussions. Nonetheless, it also highlighted that because “all things are possible through Jesus who strengthens us,” Matthew 19:26, Latina women who persisted in the face of these difficulties saw extraordinary success in their careers.

AVNation DEI Zoom Call

Fostering a Supportive Community

From a personal perspective building a supportive network of allies is a pivotal step in overcoming these challenges. Extensive research conducted by the Women in Technology Association accentuates the influential role of mentorship and robust support systems in the career progression of women within technology fields. Encouraging other BIPOC women in AVIT to connect, collaborate, and form a collective sense of solidarity and empowerment is crucial.

The research from the Women in Technology Association demonstrates that mentorship is an especially powerful tool for women striving to advance in the AVIT industry. Latina women, including myself, who had access to mentors reported enhanced confidence, improved networking opportunities, and an increased sense of belonging in the industry.

Catalyzing Diversity in AV IT

To combat the underrepresentation of Latina women within AVIT, various initiatives and organizations have arisen. A detailed report from the Diversity Advancement Foundation showcases the substantial impact of these initiatives in creating a more inclusive industry. By actively engaging in these endeavors, we can contribute to the crucial task of fostering diversity within the industry.

The Diversity Advancement Foundation’s research highlights the strides made by programs designed to diversify the AVIT industry. These initiatives include outreach to educational institutions with diverse student populations, mentorship opportunities, and scholarship programs. Due to our participation in these initiatives, we are positioned as an important component of the drive in the AVIT industry toward greater diversity.

The journey of being the sole BIPOC woman on an AVIT team is undoubtedly challenging, but the research data reinforces the importance of our presence. We are breaking down barriers for ourselves and opening doors for upcoming generations of BIPOC women in the AVIT industry by embracing our distinct viewpoint, sharing our stories, and actively engaging in diversity advancement initiatives.

Our journeys are living testaments to the potency of diversity in igniting innovation and positive change within the industry. Research confirm that diversity is not just about representation but also about increased performance and being a catalyst for heightened creativity. As we continue this path in the AVIT industry, stay encourage and remember that our contributions resonate beyond our immediate team, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and successful future for all BIPOC women within the industry.

To conclude, I want to challenge all our leaders in the AVIT industry to do a critical self and team reflection. Examine carefully whether and how many BIPOC women are present in your teams, departments, and organization. By posing the why, why not, what if, and how can we question, you are a leader and becoming a change agent simultaneously, starting these conversations at your tables and help pave the way for more BIPOC women to have a seat at those tables.

November 3, 2023
What Is a Hot Mic? The Mistake That Ends Careers (And How AV Teams Prevent It)

A Hot Mic can disrupt your whole day

Shure SM58

For most people, microphones are mystical black boxes, really cylinders, that magically capture sound. But every mic has a key stat that defines how well it converts acoustic vibrations into electrical signals: sensitivity. Measured in decibels or millivolts, sensitivity indicates how much volume a microphone picks up from a given source. Hot mics with high sensitivity can overload your speakers if you’re not careful. And hot, in this case, does not mean good-looking.

Condenser mics like the Shure SM86 tend to be extra sensitive compared to dynamics like the venerable SM58. That’s because condensers use a thin diaphragm that vibrates readily in response to sound waves. Ribbon mics are often the hottest of all due to their ultrathin ribbon element. Lav mics need boosted sensitivity to cope with distant sources.

Mic Specs

Shure SM86

Condenser and dynamic are the two main categories of microphones in any system. Basically speaking, condenser mics well, condense or compress the sound going into it. That provides for a more even loudness level. Dynamic mics do not. They take what they get and transfer it down the line. Another key distinction between dynamic and condenser mics is that wired condenser microphones need Phantom Power. This is not a ghostly electrical force. It’s power that goes back down the mic cable to the microphone.

But why do the specs list sensitivity in confusing dBV and millivolts? It’s because mic sensitivity is measured against a standard 1kHz tone at 94dB SPL (sound pressure level). Hotter mics produce more voltage from this source sound. So a sensitivity of -50dBV means the mic puts out a signal 50dB lower than 1 volt when blasted with that 94dB tone. Translated to millivolts, that’s around 3mV.

Hot Mic and What to Do

Understanding these sensitivity ratings allows smarter mic selection. Need lots of gain before feedback for a distant talker? Choose a hot condenser or ribbon. But for close-miking drums and guitars, a lower sensitivity dynamic may be safer to avoid distortion. Sensitivity graphs the delicate balance between clean gain and clipping. Turn it up, but not too far.

November 1, 2023
Student Worker Best Practices for Higher ED

Success with your Student Worker

Student workers within higher education are a great source of labor in maintaining your campus AV systems. It’s not just about getting as many hands in the mix to support faculty. Student workers gain skills they can take with them after they’ve graduated and moved on in their careers. The student earns money while studying and gaining work knowledge.

For higher education institutions, student work is a great way to encourage financial independence. A program that is well-managed benefits both the student and the university. As someone who manages student workers, you need to create a balance between getting things done and not abusing the workers in your care. To that end, Britt Yenser wrote a four-part series on building and maintaining a great student-worker program. AVNation’s EDTech Podcast, Episode 111, gave their take on the various opportunities to train up and care for the workers on their teams.

Setting the Standard

AVNation Student Worker 2

As with a job outside of university life, creating expectations is important. When Higher ED technology managers create documentation it leaves little room for student workers to interpret one standard or another.

Drexel’s Rob Rasberry said, “So it’s important to sort of establish rules, protocol, of what’s expected during your co-op assignment or your employment. What your duties are going to be and how you’re evaluated.”

Without a standard and documentation, there can be no call for evaluation. As student workers move through life, they will encounter countless evaluations from future employers. So, preparing them with evaluations, and the rubric they will be held against, is incredibly valuable.

“So for me, it just gives us that reassurance to say make sure you get the job, everything down. That you know the nooks and crannies or something that you see that something wrong in your policies or anything like that and you can fix it”, says Kameesha Jones from Florida International University.

Preparing Student Workers Success

Student workers can be seen as a type of internship. Though the position is paid, they are still entry-level positions that give experience they may not have had. Most young people will have not worked in an office or corporate space. These opportunities allow them to see what their next steps will, or should, be like.

EDTech host, Erin Maher-Moran from Johns Hopkins said, “We have to try to set a good example and set them up for success because it’s so easy to just be like, Oh, they’re just students and whatever. But, eventually, they’re going to go on to full-time jobs and they’re going to need to have some of these habits in place before they go out into the real world.”

Those habits include showing up on time, staying off mobile devices when they are to be on a task, and communicating with others. These are skills those who have been in the workplace for years take for granted. But when you first get into the workforce skills like collaborating are a foreign concept.

We have a responsibility to student workers to set them up for success. Both while they are on campus and in their next job. Crafting documentation as to what’s expected is a great step toward that goal.

To listen to the entire episode of EDTech Episode 111, click here.

October 26, 2023
Loneliness and WFH
Recently, the Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared an “epidemic of loneliness and isolation” affecting the U.S., outlining a framework to address the issue. I found this timely and appropriate because I’ve talked to so many people recently who’ve expressed growing anxiety, despair and a general feeling of doom and gloom.

While the pandemic drove some families, partners, and coworkers closer, we can’t forget about the population that didn’t thrive during COVID – perhaps if you lived alone or in a cold climate without neighboring parks to visit. Even if you had a “COVID circle”, the entire pandemic changed not only the way we live, but the way we think about things.

Even now, as life has supposedly transitioned to post-pandemic, my professional life [to me] doesn’t feel “normal”. Not that there was ever really a “normal”, but at least there was a familiar social and cultural expectation. Or at the very least a routine of some sort that involved interacting with other human beings…in real life.

I worked remotely prior to the pandemic. Most of the team worked in a physical office. Two of us did not, so selfishly – because I was not in the office to have daily physical interaction – I came up with the idea to have a “coffee talk” meeting every morning at 8 AM. My coworkers at headquarters would all gather in the physical conference room, while two of us at home got our fill of “human-coworker-love” for the day. How annoying am I?

My coworkers who lived nearby our office had to wake up, shower, get ready, perhaps get kids on the school bus, drive to the office by 8 AM, and then sit through a 30-minute “coffee talk” meeting…every day of the work week. Because of me. Because I needed some human contact. Because I was lonely.

And I still struggle with this today – although not as much as I used to, even pre-COVID. So, while the Surgeon General offers these suggestions, I am going to offer up some tips [that have helped me] to stay sane while working from home:
- Get outside. When the weather’s nice, I go for a walk. I see flowers and trees and sometimes even an animal. Movement in nature does wonders for the soul.
- Find a friend. When you need a laugh, when you’re having a bad day, find someone you can call. And if you don’t have that at your company, find someone else to talk to – your partner, your friend, an old coworker – find someone who understands.
- I know it sounds like bullshit, but it works. I have arthritis. I started practicing yoga because of said arthritis and it’s been life-changing.
- Keep laughing. Nothing turns a frown upside down like a good dad joke.
- Listen to music. Or a book, or a podcast, or anything other than sitting in silence. Creeps me out sitting in my house with no sound.
- Join a group fitness class. You’ll get to meet people who live in your community and get healthy at the same time. Unless it’s Zumba, I’m terrible at Zumba.
- Get together with other WFH friends. Even if they aren’t in a similar role or field – just being around others can spawn some great ideas. How do you think we came up with the name RepDonkey?
- Call someone. I used to hate the phone. Then COVID happened and we averaged five bazillion video calls a day. I love the freedom of having a conversation without staring at my laptop (plus I can fold the laundry, water the plants and clean up – not that I do any of these things while I’m on the phone…).
- Volunteer locally – get involved and give back to your community. If you have kids, bring them with. A lot of organizations, including your local library and the YMCA have volunteer opportunities for those of all ages. You might just learn something too.
Meet your coworkers in person. Travel to your headquarters. Travel to conferences. Meet up with your coworkers in person. At the end of the day, the best work STILL gets done in person.

I’m not trying to downplay loneliness because I know personally how debilitating it can be. The mental health crisis in our country is no joke. I’m just sharing what’s worked for me over the past few years in hopes to help somebody else. And just know that the old “normal” isn’t normal anymore. We’re weirdly still all in this together – it just feels different.
May 12, 2023
New AVNation Almanac

One stop for Higher Ed and K-12 AV Professionals

What happens when you do research, ask what people need, and go about creating that thing? For us, you get the AVNation Almanac.

When we created the first AVNation publication of industry solutions, the Tech Bible, it was huge. Like, really big. The thing was over 500 pages, filled with insights from AV industry experts, and solutions from across the spectrum, and was enough reading to keep you company on an around-the-world trek. The feedback we got was it was a bit much.

Today’s education IT and AV professionals don’t have the time to leisurely read a tome as big as the original Tech Bible. The information needs to be concise, easy to digest, and readily actionable. The AVNation Almanac aims for just that.

You could be looking for a replacement for back-ordered gear or get familiar with a new ask from faculty. The Almanac has you covered. There is an article from our friends at HETMA discussing higher education needs. For those in the K-12 space, or who have kids there, we look at school safety and how technology can offer safeguards.

Help for Higher Ed AV Pros

The professionals that care for and support our educational spaces have some of the most thankless jobs in the AV industry. When you do your job right, it’s as if you’re not even there. When you don’t do your job perfectly, it is “the end of the world as we know it.” And, no, you don’t feel fine. You may be responsible for a few dozen classes or in charge of hundreds of spaces, this guide helps you do your job better. Even if that means we are helping you be all that more invisible.

Over the last few years, we have streamlined, condensed, and edited. This new publication, we’re calling the AVNation Almanac, is focused on the education space. Those in higher education as well as K-12 will find articles to give context and direction for your current circumstances. There are also solutions for conference rooms and classrooms alike.

Go check out the new, and yes improved AVNation Almanac. Let us know what you like, what you don’t like, and what you would do differently. Share it with colleagues and friends. But, especially with administration. This will help them understand a bit better what you work with on a daily basis. Most of all, enjoy this labor of love. The AVNation Almanac is our way of supporting you, the frontline AV and IT teams that educate the future.

May 9, 2023
Seeing AV Through an AR Lens

What do you see through AR in AV?

The idea of augmented reality (AR) glasses has been around for years, but so far, they haven’t been designed in a way that makes them usable for consistent use, especially on the job. That may change in 2023 with releases of new AR headsets and glasses. These tools could change the way AR fits into AV and operate by allowing workers to continue to use their hands while accessing information.

On episode 25 of the XR Star podcast, titled “Reality Under a Different Lens,” host and futurist Amelia Kallman speaks with Jonathan Nelson, the Strategic Sales Manager for Vuzix. The two discuss the value and potential of AR technology and what may be on the horizon.

“The Perfect Balance Between Performance and Comfort”

Vuzix is a pioneer in wearable technology and augmented reality, and it’s been in the industry for over 25 years. Nelson calls the glasses “the perfect balance between performance and comfort.” While some AR glasses may feel awkward to wear, the glasses Vuzix makes feel more natural. When describing the brand’s Blade 2 glasses, he says, “You put them on, and all of a sudden you have assisted reality right in front of your eyes. They are really, really straightforward and simple to understand and for people to really engage and work with.”

Vuzix debuted its Ultralite glasses at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Nelson describes the Ultralite as a complete upgrade, with a new chipset, increased battery capacity, and an update from Android 5 to Android 11. The fashion-forward Ultralite is also the company’s first foray into creating AR glasses that also work for the consumer market.

AR Glasses in Industry

Currently, the majority of Vuzix’s customers are industry customers. “Take medical, for example,” Nelson says. “We’ve got Vuzix’s glasses being used in intensive care units where the staff can share a live video and test results with an attending physician, who can then evaluate that patient’s condition. They can provide some instructions, and all from a location pretty much anywhere in the world and in real time.”

It’s not just the medical industry getting a boost from AR. Nelson also explains that the glasses can be used by engineers and repairmen. For example, say one of your AV systems break, and a technician comes out, but they’re not trained on that particular model. “They can pop a pair of glasses on, dial into one of the more experienced engineers or a central control room, and have that person talk them through repairing that appliance,” Nelson says.

Maintaining Security and Privacy With AR

Since Google Glass first appeared on the scene, there’s always been a concern about maintaining security and privacy with AR glasses.

“We take security very, very seriously,” Nelson says. He explains that Vuzix has put a lot of thought into keeping its customer information secure, with technology like Qualcomm Trusted Execution Environment, secure file systems, and full disc encryption. “Security is a huge concern, and that’s something where our devices do tick all of the boxes for their requirements for hardware,” Nelson explains.

Enhancing People, Not Replacing Them

With any sort of AI technology, there comes a fear that the new technology might replace actual human beings.

“It’s obviously a very valid concern,” Nelson says. “We very much are more about enhancing human interaction and supporting human interaction rather than replacing it. Our goal is to try and make people more efficient.”

He gives the example of a warehouse worker who, when given a pair of AR glasses, can perform their job at the same level as someone much more experienced. “It’s enhancing on-the-job training,” Nelson explains. “It’s taking people who are quite new, giving them the confidence to be able to go out there and tackle these jobs and learn these jobs without having to watch somebody else do it.”

The Future of AR Glasses in AV

Will AR glasses ever replace devices like smartphones? Nelson isn’t so sure. “The smartphone has become so ingrained in us,” he says, but he points out that certain applications, like maps, could be much easier to use on glasses rather than a smartphone. The glasses may reduce the use of smartphones eventually, and they also allow you to choose how much augmentation you want in your day.

Nelson hopes that AR glasses will allow people in AV to work smarter and more efficiently from anywhere in the world. In fact, his biggest fear is that companies won’t utilize the glasses to their full potential.

Final Thoughts

Massive strides have been made and continue to be made in the augmented reality space thanks to companies like Vuzix. While primarily used in industry, AV glasses have the potential to change the way workers and everyday consumers alike interact with the world.

XR Star is a monthly podcast that focuses on mixed reality and its impact on art and AV. You can find all the past episodes on AVNation. To get in touch with Jonathan Nelson, find him on LinkedIn.

April 13, 2023
Programming Trade Show for Programmers

Get more programmers to AV trade shows

Trade shows are a key part of the AV industry, but often, companies only send their marketing, sales, and engineering departments. This can be a missed opportunity, as programmers can learn a lot from trade shows. Getting AV programming trade shows developed should be a priority for the industry.

For episode 102 of the A State of Control podcast, “Never a Typical Space,” host Steve Greenblatt is coming to you from the Influencer’s Lounge at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2023. He sits down with co-host and presenter for AVNation Rich Fregosa and Product Manager for AtlasIED Chris Deatrick to talk about the benefits programmers can get out of trade shows.

Stay on Top of Current Trends

Trade shows saw a dip in attendance and even some cancellations when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. ISE 2023 seems to be back in full swing, but the lasting impact of the pandemic is still there. Fregosa, after walking the floor for a bit, notes that “software is everywhere” and attributes this to the new hybrid work environment.

Before, most companies would be advertising their third-party development. “Now they’re presenting how they’re looking to more tightly ingrain with a lot of the UC systems,” Fregosa says. While he believes it’s a step in the right direction, he also says that manufacturers are still figuring a lot out. This would be a good time to focus on a programming trade show.

“They’re looking at us. And so we need to be able to provide something, at least for that first step to say, we’ll get you from point A to point B,” he says.

“I had a senior software engineer tell me about a month or two ago that every company’s a software company. They just don’t realize it yet,” Deatrick adds.

Discover How New Trends Apply to Programming Roles

“We’re seeing manufacturers are finding out that ‘we need to partner, we need to create tools to work with third-party manufacturers,’” says Fregosa.

So what do companies do when they need those things? “You call companies like ours, right?” Fregosa answers.

But in order to fulfill these requests, Greenblatt says, “We have to grow up as an industry a little bit. We need to start to adopt more modern software development practices.”

Deatrick acknowledges that it isn’t always easy but stresses that it’s important to push the envelope. “I’m encouraging our teams to have up-to-date knowledge,” he says. “It’ll be a battle until, as you said, the industry grows up a bit. There are different expectations, and once we can kind of rise to those expectations, I think that’s when there’ll be some kind of synergy.”

Learn How to Provide New Value in the AV Industry

The shift to more software-heavy solutions offers an opportunity for programmers to provide value to the industry outside of what they’re already doing.

“It’s easy to get discouraged, thinking, ‘Oh, the manufacturer is doing it now; there’s no value for me.’ And that’s not the case,” Fregosa says. While programmers may fall into an inferiority complex from time to time, the truth is that manufacturer resources are limited, and programmers are the ones getting from point A to point B. Getting programming into trade shows is one way to alleviate that.

“You need to know your product,” Fregosa continues. “The beauty of software is that it allows us to provide sophisticated solutions. The problem with software is that we’ve got sophisticated solutions that make it difficult to be accessible.” He goes on to say, “Simplicity requires more effort in becoming the value solution. What I’m noticing more and more is that the manufacturers are willing to engage.”

Fregosa and Greenblatt reminisce about the days when they were forced to sign copious nondisclosure agreements when working with software. Now, manufacturers are easier to work with, allowing programmers to find ways to better the industry.

The new shift to software-centric technology allows for more flexibility, both for manufacturers and for programmers. Products can be released earlier and updated when needed. “It doesn’t put you as a slave to the engineer,” Deatrick says. There’s more flexibility now, especially with supply chain issues making it harder to obtain hardware.

“You can look at it one of two ways, right?” Fregosa asks. “You can bemoan the fact that, ‘Oh, it’s not like the way it used to be.’ Or we can say, ‘OK, we’re moving into that new direction.’ And it requires building up your chops. You can’t expect to do things the way you’ve always done them.”

The Evolution of Programming at Trade Shows

The programming world is growing and changing from hardware-centric to software-centric. As this happens, programmers will benefit from attending trade shows. These shows allow them to stay up to date on the latest products so they can figure out how to best use their skills to provide new value.

A State of Control is a monthly podcast, and you can listen to the whole episode here or view the episode archive.

April 11, 2023
The Future of AV and Virtual Production

Virtual Production and the AV Industry

Virtual production is changing the game in the film industry, and the future has never looked brighter. In the latest episode of the XR Star podcast, host Amelia Kallman sits down with Sony’s Sebastian Leske to explore how extended reality and virtual production are revolutionizing the scope of media.

What Is Virtual Production?

Imagine a world where actors can step onto a set and be instantly transported to any location or setting, thanks to the power of XR screens. That’s the magic of virtual production, a broad term that encompasses the use of virtual effects in the physical world to create film and television. With the help of LED walls, the need for green screens and post-production work is significantly reduced, saving time, money, and energy.

One example of the power of XR is The Mandalorian, the groundbreaking Disney+ series that made waves in the industry for its use of in-camera virtual effects and extended reality. With the help of LED screens, the cast and crew could see their surroundings and adjust the special effects in real time, making for a more immersive and efficient production experience.

Shifting Post-Production Work to Pre-Production

But XR production isn’t just for big-budget productions like The Mandalorian. XR technology can be used in commercials, music videos, and even indie films, offering filmmakers more flexibility and control over their productions.

However, as Leske points out, effective virtual production requires meticulous planning during the pre-production stage. But the benefits are clear: reduced costs, faster turnaround times, and a smaller carbon footprint.

Benefits of Using XR

The future of virtual production with XR technology is still being written, but one thing is certain: it’s an industry disruptor that opens doors and creates a landscape for more immersive, yet more efficiently made, media. As Leske notes, there will always be a time and place for on-site shooting, but virtual production is poised to become the dominant method of filmmaking in the coming years.

For more information on virtual production with XR, listen to the full episode here. You can learn more about Amelia Kallman on her website and find Sebastian Leske on LinkedIn.

April 6, 2023
Cutting Into Higher Ed AV Budgets

Smaller Budgets, Same Professor Demands

As universities and schools around the world prepare for a new academic year, educators are bracing themselves for tough times ahead. In this era of tight higher ed budgets and supply chain disruptions, the future of education is uncertain. The latest episode of the EDTech podcast, titled “Budgets & Big Screens,” delves into the challenges facing the education industry and offers some solutions.

Decreased Budgets for Increased Needs

Host Erin Maher-Moran is joined by three experts: Rob Rasberry, Assistant Director of Multimedia Services for Drexel University; Ernie Bailey, Director of AV Services for the University of Arkansas; and Scott Tiner, Director of Client Services for Bates College. Together, they explore how educators can cope with budget cuts and supply chain disruptions. Tiner’s rAVe Pubs article “‘Tis the Season (for Budget Cuts).” was the jumping off point. The article details various reasons that educators may see budget cuts and why this won’t be a standard budgeting season for most schools.

One of the main reasons behind the budget cuts is the tough economy. However, rising costs and inflation are also contributing factors. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced educators to upgrade their classrooms, and this has led to a perfect storm of increased demand and decreased budgets.

Struggling With Employee Salaries

Maher-Moran points out that her budget should be increasing, but instead, she is expected to do more with less. Her employees are leaving for better-paying opportunities, and there’s no money to attract new talent. Tiner is facing similar challenges, with HR telling him to hire less advanced staff, even though he needs more skilled employees.

Bailey’s frustration is that the constrained budget doesn’t allow for upgrades. When potential students visit his university, they see that they don’t have what the school down the road has. This affects recruiting and could lead to lower enrollment.

Supply Chain Issues Mess With Budgets

Supply chain issues are another headache for educators. They order products, but they don’t arrive until the next fiscal year, which means they’ve paid for them twice. There’s no money left for new gadgets and gizmos that would make their classrooms stand out.

In conclusion, educators need to be prepared for tough times ahead. The podcast offers some advice, such as letting higher-ups know what you won’t be able to do next year, but there’s no magic bullet. The education industry needs to come together to find solutions to these challenges.

You can listen to the full EDTech episode here.

April 3, 2023
Expanding ESports in Higher ED

Get your ESports game on

In the latest podcast episode of EDTech, host Erin Maher-Moran spoke with experts Scott Tiner, Rob Rasberry, Ernie Bailey, and Johanna Pierson about the increased interest in and positive impacts of eSports in higher education. While college students getting together to play video games isn’t new, this audiovisual (AV) advancement is highly beneficial to both students and the institutions they attend.

ESports in Higher Ed AV

Today, many colleges and universities have eSports teams. While most eSports aren’t treated on the same level as varsity sports, there is still a lot of potential from eSports to consider, especially in revenue. College eSports events and outfittings are somewhat popular today, with eSports generally becoming more popular in the wake of COVID-19. In light of this popularity, eSports events and arenas have become great venues for colleges and organizations to show off different technologies and make their campuses more enticing.

For example, the University of North Carolina’s Gaming Arena is a high-quality venue for all sorts of eSports, from Madden22 to Call of Duty. The arena is equipped with an intricate AV setup, including mood lighting, reliable audio systems, interactive gaming chairs, and color-changing tables that light up when it’s a group’s turn.

Outside of colleges, eSports are increasingly popular in K-12 schools and particularly high schools. Many schools now offer scholarships for achievements in eSports, and some schools even provide the varsity letter “S” for eSports participants.

The Value of Virtual Sports

As technology professional Scott Tiner admitted in the podcast, it can be difficult for older generations or people just coming into eSports to fully understand its value. While, at a base level, many eSports groups and events are just people getting together to play video games, there is substantial evidence to justify their intellectual and physical value.

Helping Students Improve

According to studies, video games have been found to improve brain functioning, such as memory, cognitive abilities, and reaction times. When institutionalized in the form of higher education eSports, video games have been found to improve students’ grades, social engagement, and leadership skills. They can also be helpful for career preparation, which is why many high schools have also adopted eSports.

While acknowledging their benefits, it’s also important to recognize the potential dangers of video games. While many studies have shown positive results from students playing video games, others have shown negative effects, such as decreased focus, dipping grades, and impaired social skills. Fortunately, the introduction of eSports into schools may solve this. Now, instead of playing alone for hours on end, gamers can commune with one another for fixed amounts of time with clear social goals. College and high school students will play video games no matter what, so why not make it productive?

Worthwhile Investments for Colleges

On top of the benefits to students, eSports are bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue in the United States alone. Capcom, best known for games like Street Fighter and Resident Evil, gave around $2 million in their most recent Capcom Cup X championship. Clearly, there’s money in this market.

Because of this, eSports could be a very beneficial investment to many colleges, universities, and other institutions, especially for larger universities or tech-focused colleges. A fully-stocked gaming arena like the University of North Carolina could make the college more appealing to prospective students, as the campus experience is just as important to many students as education.

AudioVisual Technologies in ESports

Securing the right AV technologies is part of establishing a reliable and enticing eSports program. While not all campuses need massive, high-tech arenas, investing in high-quality speakers, microphones, lights, and monitors can make eSports more appealing to students and generate more revenue.

Beyond this, on-campus eSports can be an incredible opportunity for students interested in AV careers. Like a tech person in a theater program, an aspiring AV professional may be able to get involved with an eSports arena’s “behind the scenes” setup. ESports can also entice students seeking careers in coding, graphic design, writing, and other jobs in the video game industry.

ED Tech

To learn more about ESports in higher education, along with the impact of Integrated Systems Europe 2023 and Sony’s new AI-based cameras, check out the fourth podcast episode of EDTech. In this episode, titled “The Milk Club,” host Erin Maher-Moran speaks with education and AV experts about what we can expect from the future of eSports and why it’s such a worthwhile investment for universities and colleges. Listen to the podcast from our website or check out the video on YouTube.

March 30, 2023