Vaddio EasyIP proves to be the perfect solution for remote learning at Belgian University UMONS

Challenge

The University of Mons (UMONS), is a French-speaking university approximately 50 kilometers from Brussels, the capital of Europe. The university employs 1,500 teachers, scientists, researchers, technical and administrative staff and hosts over 10,000 students and 10 research institutes.

In 2020 the university was confronted with a new reality that required social distance protocols and the capability for teachers to share their lessons remotely. Umons had to swiftly implement a system to make this happen.

“We needed a new system that would make it possible for us to partially stream our lessons to students that were remote,” said Marc Rosoor, Chef de Service Audiovisuel at Umons. “We needed an easy-to-use solution so our teachers could focus on teaching instead of dealing with new technology.”

Solution

Legrand I AV partner, Whitemilk, worked with Umons on 30 installations to make remote learning available. Umons was one of the first to adapt the Vaddio EasyIP Ecosystem as an easy-to-use AV-over-IP system.

"Based on research done by the university and the integrator Whitemilk, the EasyIP solutions were chosen and perfectly integrated in the existing rooms,” said Rosoor.

For the larger rooms, Whitemilk installed Vaddio RoboTrak presenter tracking systems in addition to the EasyIP system. This tracking system ensures the camera follows the presenter so teachers can move freely around the stage without having to worry about going off-screen for the remote viewers.

“We had to provide a simple BYOD solution, as every teacher would use their own laptops for their presentations,” said Halewijn Van Acker, AV Consultant at Whitemilk. “As most of these teachers do not have a technical background, this set-up had to be easy.”

The Vaddio EasyIP Ecosystem made this possible by allowing each device to be connected to a PoE switch with a single network cable. Another big advantage Acker noted is that everything they needed was available within the same brand and price range: cameras, an audio and video mixer, a user-friendly and easy-to-implement touch screen, Dante microphones and a network switch that met all their AV requirements.

Results

The Vaddio EasyIP system provides a USB 3.0 connection so teachers can enjoy multi-camera remote learning using a single cable with an easy user experience. This networked system allows the teachers to use multiple PTZ cameras in the auditoriums and classrooms.

The system works on an IP-based infrastructure, sending video and control signals over the LAN using IP switching and configuration protocols. The simple and intuitive user interface allows users to change cameras in one touch, allowing control both locally and remotely.

“All of the 30 installations went very well and are working perfectly,” said Rosoor. “They perform as they promised they would! The installation was highly appreciated and allowed us to continue with distant learning when this was required.”

Dennis Driessen, Legrand | AV Sales Manager, was particularly proud of the project’s use of the Vaddio EasyIP system.

“Thanks to a very good co-operation and communication between all parties, we managed to deliver and install all the solutions before the start of the new University school year,” he said. “A perfect example of what good co-operation and dedication can lead to.”