Tokyo University of Science, situated in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, stands as one of Japan’s premier institutions for science and technology; with its Department of Management of Technology (MOT) (a graduate-focused program within the Graduate School of Management), dedicated to nurturing advanced professionals who can integrate science, technology, and management principles.
Known for priding itself on its diverse student body, MOT hosts incumbents from varied professional backgrounds, wherein, many students hold positions at leading companies in Japan, while others are retired professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and share their experiences. The program’s schedule, with lectures primarily held in the evenings and on Saturdays, accommodates students travelling in from outside central Tokyo, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.
A cornerstone of MOT’s educational philosophy is the importance of clear communication – a principle reinforced by its distinguished professors and the diverse perspectives brought by its students. This dynamic intellectual environment necessitates state-of-the-art AV solutions to facilitate seamless interaction and learning, both in-person and online.
Recognising this need, Sony Marketing Corporation, a leading technology company in Japan and a partner dealer of Bose Professional in the region, stepped in to provide MOT with advanced AV solutions.
The integration of 4K ultra-HD cameras, microphones, and loudspeakers has now allowed MOT to boast a superior AV solution that supports a seamless hybrid learning experience. This advanced distribution system enables professors to deliver high-value lectures, including those by guest speakers, to a broader audience. The number of participants is no longer confined to those physically present, significantly expanding the reach and impact of MOT’s educational offerings.
With the educational facility housing a number of small discussion rooms and mid-sized classrooms where students engage with stock price movements, the design and integration team has installed the Videobar VB1 all-in-one USB conferencing device. This intuitive solution combines Bose Professional-quality audio with ultra-HD video clarity, enhancing online communication.
“I strongly feel that the energy of the classroom can now be shared with those who participate remotely. Creating a sense of unity by eliminating the difference between online and onsite was our greatest focus,” shared Professor Wakabayashi, director of MOT.
While hybrid learning presents certain challenges, MOT has turned these into lasting benefits. The program can now offer both in-person and remote learning options indefinitely, enhancing inclusivity and diversity. This flexibility allows students who work or live outside Japan to enrol, further enriching the learning environment. Additionally, professors can record lectures, including classroom and chat discussions, creating an invaluable archive for on-demand learning.
Wakabayashi also emphasised the enduring value of physical experiences, as he shared “The more we expand the online aspect of our lives, the more we will realise and value the preciousness of experiences and encounters in real, actual places.”
And this is where the design and integration team’s dexterity and capabilities shine bright, as their efforts have been noted to definitively reinvigorate the on-site teaching/learning capabilities at the MOT. Sony’s latest AI technology camera – which tracks professors automatically and delivers clear video of whiteboards – have been installed to enhance the visual learning experience at the facility’s principle learning room. And complementing this are Sony’s ceiling microphones which ensure high-quality audio for both classroom speech reinforcement and online distribution, while also offering a more hygienic alternative to handheld microphones.
Alongside, the installation also includes Bose Professional’s acclaimed Panaray MSA12X loudspeakers, which enhance speech intelligibility with natural amplification and minimal feedback throughout MOT’s fan-shaped, theatre-style classroom. Central to the system is the ControlSpace EX1280-C conferencing processor, which distributes clear audio to online students, creating a unified classroom experience. The collaborative efforts of Bose Professional and Sony engineers in tuning the acoustics of the room ensured that MOT’s requirements were met, resulting in a successful hybrid classroom setup.
While complimenting the impact of the newly integrated pro AV system at MOT; Professor Wakabayashi also envisions further potential in the hybrid classroom solution facilitated by Sony and Bose Professional; as he stated “It’s a great advantage to have solutions with both video and audio, and to be able to propose custom solutions for each learning space.” Continuing, “I hope the knowledge gained at MOT will be further disseminated. For MOT students, learning is both an intellectual endeavour and entertainment. It is possible to deliver the entire lesson online with greater context using the power of technology.”
MOT’s adoption of cutting-edge AV technology represents a significant step towards realising the ideal educational environment for the next generation. The integration of intuitive video and audio solutions not only amplifies the excitement and enthusiasm of the classroom but also bridges the gap between onsite and online learning, ensuring a cohesive and engaging experience for all students. And with the intention of building on these developments, MOT’s forward-thinking approach of adopting state-of-the-art pro AV technologies to enhance education looks to provide a blueprint for other institutions to follow in the pursuit of a more inclusive and effective learning experience.
