Enhancing Communication and Learning at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix
Customer Profile
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix is a key part of the Phoenix Bioscience Core (PBC), a city initiative aimed at advancing biomedical research, education, and precision medicine in downtown Phoenix. The PBC is supported by the State of Arizona, the City of Phoenix, and other significant community partners. It is anchored by the state’s three major institutions in Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona. Featuring a concentration of lead research scientists, healthcare professionals, and state-of-the-art facilities, the PBC aims to innovate in advancing medicine from discovery to delivery.
Challenge
At the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, the Instructional Technologies team recognized the need to improve meeting room collaboration to better meet the needs of future healthcare professionals. Chris Dieterich, Manager of Instructional Technology, highlighted the challenge: “It’s extremely challenging when instructors at the remote location cannot hear individuals in the room clearly. Our primary concern was the audio quality; we need to ensure it is exceptional.” Upgrading the aging audio system to enhance sound quality and minimize technical disruptions was a top priority. To meet their requirements, the university collaborated with Shure experts to implement two different solutions for two key room types in their facility.
Solution 1: Center for Simulation and Innovation Huddle Room
Use Case
Specialized doctors and professionals connect remotely to consult and teach students in the simulation room.
Solution Benefits
- Excellent audio capture and voice reproduction.
- Small footprint, installed into ceiling and no additional rack space needed.
- All-in-one loudspeaker and microphone.
- Single network connection with the ANIUSB-MATRIX.
The newly established simulation huddle room at the Center for Simulation and Innovation faced the challenge of finding an audio solution that maximized space efficiency while providing top-notch sound quality. With no room for a rack, a seamless and unobtrusive setup was necessary. The IT team recognized that relying on an all-in-one soundbar wouldn’t suffice for the comprehensive room coverage they required.
The MXA902 Integrated Ceiling Array with Microphone and Loudspeaker, combined with the ANIUSB-MATRIX, emerged as the perfect solution, offering high-quality audio through a straightforward ceiling installation over a single network connection. With all the supporting equipment and cables neatly tucked behind the TV, the setup remained sleek and space-saving. The MXA902’s overhead all-in-one design ensured clear and consistent audio throughout the room. This upgrade transformed the huddle room into a high-functioning space, enabling faculty to conduct simulations and consultations with reduced technical disruptions.
Impact
Faculty and Students: Better Audio, Better Collaboration
“The new system delivers exceptional audio coverage in our meeting space. Whether it’s a student, faculty member, or staff remotely attending a session in the simulation center, they can easily hear clear and precise conversations from on-campus participants. Additionally, the audio is projected clearly throughout the room, ensuring everyone is engaged.”
– Martin Leisin, Senior Simulation Technician.
IT Team: Simplified Setup, Reduced Issues
“The MXA902 allowed us to have a high-quality microphone and speaker in one unit. This essentially saved us a good amount of work at the front end of the installation. Modifying the wall to install a soundbar with our facilities team was no longer necessary and sped up the project. Compared to previous soundbar solutions, the (MXA)902 provided a great result without compromising on the microphone as most soundbars seem to do.”
– Jacob Phillips, I.T. Analyst, Principal
Solution 2: Conferencing Rooms
Use Case
Used by faculty, staff, and students for case based instruction and clinical competency courses.
Solution Benefits
- Small form factor.
- Improved audio coverage from above compared to all-in-one soundbars.
- Single network connection with the ANIUSB-MATRIX.
- Seamless integration with existing room technology.
- Simplified control and minimal technical support needed.
In the previous solution for these conference rooms, the university relied on outdated, wall-mounted soundbars that failed to capture audio effectively, particularly from participants seated further from the microphone. This limitation resulted in inconsistent sound quality and frequent communication breakdowns during meetings. To address these issues, the university replaced the soundbars with the MXA901 Conferencing Ceiling Array Microphones.
This upgrade significantly improved audio coverage and clarity while keeping the tables clutter-free, maintaining a clean and professional environment. Additionally, the MXA901 microphones were seamlessly integrated with the university’s existing loudspeakers, enhancing overall sound quality without requiring a complete system overhaul. This not only saved the school money but also reduced installation time.
The new solution led to a significant improvement in the user experience, allowing for clear and effective communication for both in-room and remote participants, thereby enriching the learning environment.
Impact
Faculty and Students: Better Audio, Better Collaboration
“It’s almost like we were in the room with them, and the fact that end users can get the room set up without any technical assistance, is a huge plus for us. Remote attendees are no longer straining to hear. This solution truly allows them to be involved with the specific medical cases they’re discussing.”
– Chris Dieterich, Manager, Instructional Technology
IT Team: Simplified Maintenance and Adjustments
“Since we handle a lot of the maintenance and installations ourselves, we needed a solution that’s easy to manage and upkeep, so simplicity was a huge priority for us. You don’t need to be technical to make adjustments—it’s plug and play.”
– Jacob Phillips, I.T. Analyst, Principal
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