For a school noted for using iPads and other simple-to-use technology, the Tampa Preparatory School control systems were a bit… cumbersome before FSR was hired.
When the school recently decided to replace its remote control units in its Active Learning Environments with a new solution, it called on BCI Integrated Solutions, a provider of security, data & network cabling, fire & life safety, audio visual and healthcare communications solutions.
The integrator in turn chose FLEX-LT Control from FSR. But to complete this project, the integrator needed a few units…47, to be exact.
FSR FLEX-LT Control Systems Simplify the Issue
BCI Integrated Solutions installed a total of 47 FSR FLEX-LTs; one per classroom and one in each of the main gathering rooms. [related]
According to Chad Lewis, Director of Technology at the Tampa Preparatory School, the control systems needed an elegant design, small footprint and competitive price point to control over 100 displays. Those displays, by contrast, were previously operated by five remotes per teacher.
Now, FSR’s units mount in a wall or sit on a surface to present an operator-friendly color touch screen. Non-technical users, both students and teachers, operate the system without much effort and control the various sources with a single touch.
“The Flex control panels are a big part of our school’s Active Learning Environments. With three digital displays per classroom, including two Apple TV’s per room for a total of over 100, that’s five remote controls per teacher,” says Lewis.
“The FSR FLEX-LT Control removed the necessity of those remotes. No more chasing down batteries and the teacher doesn’t have to fumble around looking for the correct unit, then remembering which button to select.”
Other Benefits to the Active Learning Environments
Using a built-in scheduler, the FLEX-LT can automatically shut off displays that have been left unattended, and also alert the support staff if there is an issue such as the lamp life updates.
It can also alert the support staff to elevated lamp life, therefore reducing the down time of the room.
The Flex-Able configuration utility features an uncomplicated method to maximize system capabilities with drag-and-drop programming that eliminates the need to learn another programming language. This allows easier updates if system equipment changes.
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Lewis says the systems are incredibly straightforward.
“All the teachers have to do is to select what they want to do — it’s in ‘plain English.’”
“For example, they press ‘Student Apple TV’ as opposed to finding the fourth remote and remembering to press ‘input number three.’ These new systems are helping teachers quickly get to teaching and students quickly get to learning as efficiently as possible.”
