A study sponsored by Poly and Microsoft foresees an increase in onsite and distance learning in future higher learning applications, driven by the increased agility of campuses switching between in-person and remote teaching models brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The study, carried out by market intelligence company IDC, found that higher education institutions expect to see an increased demand for remote learning, with 55% expecting an increase in demand for videoconferencing and virtual workplaces as well as 35% expecting an increase in demand for secure and remote access tools.
One third of education respondents also said that 31% of the allocated budget for contactless experiences will be allocated to voice-based interfaces and video.
In a statement, Poly and Microsoft commented: “Today, many colleges and universities are deploying a "hybrid" or "blended" approach to teaching and learning, with educators addressing a mix of students in the classroom and students at home. To be successful, professors, students and administrators must have the right tools to ensure that these hybrid experiences are engaging and informative for all participants—regardless of their location. Poly + Microsoft Teams solutions are supporting educators and students globally, bringing professional quality audio, video, and content sharing into the classroom, the home, and any space where learning happens.
“Built-in features like HD video, speaker tracking, and automatic noise cancelation provide a richer, and more distraction-free, experience for students and educators. Whether teaching is taking place in the classroom or from home, IT manageability software allows organisations to manage devices remotely, monitor system health, make updates, track usage, and even tally virtual room participants.”