How IT-Friendly Audio Solutions Solve Higher Ed Tech Issues

How can educational technology leaders amplify the learning experience (pun intended)?

Advancements in technology constantly shape education, and audio tools have taken center stage in addressing some of higher education's most pressing challenges. For administrators, IT professionals and AV specialists, integrating high-quality and user-friendly audio solutions isn’t just about amplifying sound; it’s about transforming accessibility, engagement and learning outcomes.

This blog explores how innovative audio solutions are rising to meet higher education's challenges, the technologies driving this transformation and the steps institutions can take to adopt them effectively.

Higher education institutions face unique audio-related tech challenges that affect both teaching and learning. Here are some key obstacles and their impact:

With the rise of hybrid learning environments, ensuring every student — whether in-person or remote — receives clear, high-quality audio is critical. Poor sound quality can hinder comprehension, making both synchronous and asynchronous learning more difficult for students. For asynchronous learning, low-quality audio or poorly placed microphones can diminish the recorded content’s effectiveness, especially for students relying on playback.

If you’re an AV specialist or technology director, one sore spot for you is receiving a plethora of support tickets to fix audio issues. Faculty often rely on lavalier microphones or other handheld devices during lectures. However, these devices are prone to technical issues like battery failure, loss or malfunction, resulting in frequent support tickets that disrupt teaching and require IT intervention.

IT-friendly, integrated audio solutions do more than just solve these challenges — they create opportunities for enriched learning experiences and operational efficiency.

Clear, high-quality audio ensures that every word spoken in a lecture is heard and comprehended, boosting both student participation and retention. For hybrid and asynchronous learning environments, clear audio enhances playback quality, allowing remote students to feel as engaged as those in the classroom as shown in this case study where The College of New Jersey enhanced the audiovisual experience for hybrid and remote learners.

Additionally, tools powered by AI rely on high-quality audio for live transcription and accurate captions. These tools help non-native speakers, students with hearing impairments and learners who need to process material at their own pace.

Technologies such as ceiling microphone arrays and pendant microphones eliminate many of the common issues caused by handheld or lavalier devices. These systems are hardwired into the network and configured to pick up sound seamlessly from all areas of a room. Not only do they improve reliability, but they also significantly reduce support tickets — saving IT staff time and effort.

IP-based audio systems allow learning space technologists to monitor and troubleshoot remotely. For example, if an issue arises, a technician can diagnose and often resolve the problem without visiting the learning environment, such as resetting devices remotely or identifying if hardware is unplugged.

Audio solutions aligned with accessibility standards ensure that all students, regardless of ability, can actively engage with course material. For example, tools like live transcription enable students to access lecture content in their preferred format (e.g., captions in their native language).

If your institution is ready to upgrade its audio systems, consider these factors when making a decision.

Look for systems that integrate seamlessly with your current AV technologies. Platforms like Dante-enabled systems ensure interoperability, guaranteeing components can work together without additional configuration issues.

IT directors are looking for something that they can easily install and set up. Ensure the solutions are user-friendly for both faculty and IT personnel. Many modern audio systems now come pre-configured, allowing for quick installation and minimal ongoing maintenance. Scalability is key — your system should grow alongside your institution’s needs.

• Ceiling microphone arrays: These in-ceiling systems capture audio from multiple sources while eliminating common issues like dead batteries or lost mics.

• IP-based systems: These systems enable easy remote management and diagnostics, reducing support demands.

• Emerging technologies: Network-based sensors can be integrated into audio systems to understand when the room is being occupied or not occupied. If a space is not being utilized, these sensors can shut down the equipment which then leads to more energy savings and power savings.

Smaller institutions like community colleges may deal with limited IT resources, so partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) is a game-changer for them. Some providers offer 24/7 remote monitoring and troubleshooting at a flat monthly rate, potentially saving money in the long run. Additionally, partnering with a trusted MSP eliminates the need for full-time, on-site staff while ensuring ongoing system efficiency.

The next wave of audio technology in education is poised to unlock new potential. Here’s what to expect in the coming years:

• AI-powered enhancements: Systems will increasingly use AI to pick up audio in multiple directions and identify individual voices for attribution in recordings or transcriptions. In the context of AI, it’s essential to remember the phrase, “garbage in, garbage out.” Starting with high-quality data provides more flexibility for using that data in various ways that can benefit both students and IT teams.

• Virtual and augmented reality integration: Immersive environments will rely heavily on advanced audio systems for realism and engagement.

• Seamless design integration: Modern audio solutions will continue to blend into physical spaces, enabling high performance without disrupting aesthetics. So, you’re not designing around an audio system, but rather integrating the audio system into the design of the room.

These emerging trends will redefine learning environments, creating more inclusive and engaging experiences for all students and will provide more simplicity for IT teams.

High-quality audio solutions are an essential part of modern higher education, offering tangible benefits like improved engagement, enhanced accessibility and reduced IT workload. Institutions that invest in advanced AV tools position themselves as leaders in providing exceptional learning environments.

CDW can assist with the specification, configuration and deployment of audio solutions, often using third-party services under CDW's management to ensure seamless integration and support for their customers. Our classroom modernization team includes AV field solutions architects who can work with you to address your pain points and design a plan that helps your institution receive the best possible audio experience to enhance student engagement.

Want to learn more about upgrading your institution’s audio system?