Project Description
Several challenges have arisen from the continual use of the current system installed in the audio/visual room used for by the computer science class and the IT students. These challenges have led to numerous inconveniences and discontent among the users leading to a proposition to come up with a new system that would be efficient and suitable for use.
This project aims at coming up with a seamless system that will be able to replace the current jumbled up system that is being used. It will involve implementation of a highly compatible system that can accommodate the various digital devices currently in use but incompatible with the current system.
Problem statement
The main aim of undertaking this project is in order to mitigate the current problems that the old system generates in its continual use. To begin with, the current system utilizes panopto. This management and video capture software is used by the instructor. As a result of the other hardware components upon which it is implemented, it has become limited in the content that it can be used for. Furthermore, it is incompatible with the Mac Os, making it more inconvenient to use. The project also aims at expanding the facilities to cater for new expansion efforts of the university such as the introduction of a working online e-learning program.
It has also been noted that the current system has a limited variety of Audio/Visual equipment in the class. Currently, only the VCR is installed. This has presented a magnanimous challenge as it is incompatible with the many technological input devices that are currently being used.
There is very minimal control of the input and output devices that are currently in use. Currently, it is not possible to use individual input devices. This has posed major problems for both instructors and students alike. The audio devices have fallen short in the quality of sound that they produce. This is probably due to aging as they have been in use since the facility was put up. With the growing number of students who use the resources, it has posed a major challenge as the sound distribution in the room is no longer effective to suffice for the high user demands.
The tools used in the current system do not allow for the expansion or documentation of the system process. Consequently, the system does not grow as the demand for its resources grow. There is discontentment among the users of this current system. Especially, those who need to make presentations in the class. There are several reported cases where a presentation is interrupted while in progress due to system failures. Additionally, anyone who has a presentation to make has to convert it into modes that are compatible with the current system as the installed system cannot accommodate the varied forms of equipment that the individual users have. This has become a major problem as the institution has been expanding to meet the increasing demand for education. The university has other branches that need a central hub from which they could be obtaining information. Furthermore, the current system hampers the implementation of such innovative learning techniques as e-learning due to the incompatibility of the system component and their lack of expandability option.
Several pertinent questions came up regarding the project, which will need to be resolved in order to come up with an efficient system that will replace the current system. These questions included:
What areas of the current system provide a major hindrance to the efficiency of the system?
Which parts of the current system need to be done away with?
Which parts of the current system can be maintained without affecting the efficiency of the new system?
How much will the project cost.
Will the new system that results from the project be accepted by the intended users?
The solution to these questions will aim at solving the inadequacies of the current system. They provide the guidelines and objectives of the new system to ensure costs efficiency and usability of the new system.
The Requirements Phase
The audio/visual room in the computer science classroom serves as one of the most important resource centers for the computer science students and IT students. It is utilized by the students during their lessons and to carry out their assignments handed to them by their professors. It also serves as a research centre in which computer projects such as system development and program development is done. The classroom has been a fundamental part of the institution as it provides a key learning facility to the computer students. Bearing in mind this importance, the institution chose to upgrade the audio/visual system in the classroom with a fully computerized system that would enhance lecture delivery and solve the problems currently encountered.
Several requirements have been noted that will need to be implemented in the new system to ensure efficiency and contentment among the users. First, it is paramount that the system requires an enhancement in the ability to record audio, video as well as the materials that have been computer generated for the production of course casts. This will involve the inclusion of a cordless microphone for the instructor to replace the corded one that is cumbersome and limiting. The cordless microphone will allow room for the instructor to move around the room, enhancing their lecture delivery and interactions with the student during the process. A fixed microphone could also be installed to ensure that the students have their own means of interacting with the system and participation in their presentations.
The new system will also enhance the video capabilities over that of the current system. The instructor would be allocated a fixed webcam through which he/she can use for remote communication. This will enhance such aspects of the new systems as long distance learning and e-learning. This will enable the instructors to interact with remote students, enhancing their student experience while not compromising on the quality of education received. The current system utilizes Panopto. This has proven inefficient as it does not work appropriately with Mac Os and also has numerous limitations tagged to it. For instance, the Panopto cannot pause during operations. Furthermore, it does not have the ability to dynamically drop or add other video sources. The new system will require the installation of a smart web cam that can even detect the instructor’s motion automatically. This is going to enhance the learning experience and also expand on the reach of the university in its expansion programs.
The current system also demonstrates the inability to control the inputs and outputs received from the audio and video devices. The new system aims at increasing and empowering the system users’ ability to present various forms of inputs and outputs in the class in form of audio and visual content that has been captured. The new system proposes the expansion of the old system to allow for usage of computers, blu-ray disks, CDs, DVDs, CDs as well as VCRs. Furthermore, the new system aims at expanding on its compatibility compared to the old system. An individual will be able to plug in an iPod and be able to listen to their audio. Furthermore, the system will also include such aspects as the wireless presenter that will allow for the control of the computer. The instructor’s machine will also be supplemented for with several input ports for AV from mobile devices such as laptops iPad and the iPod. When the mobile device is plugged in, it will automatically take over the presentation without any glitches. The system will also enhance the control on audio/visual inputs. This will enable the users to be able to send output generated from DVDs to other devices while presenting computer outputs to other devices. Additionally, the new system will implement sound output enrichment by use of 5.1 surround speakers and also proper lighting control in the rooms.
The implementation of the new system will promote the quality of education provided by the university to its students. It will also expand the universities reach around the globe due to the expansion of the network to a global outreach through online degree programs and coordinated e-learning programs.
