AV masters, we know who you are! You have some experience under your belt, and now you’re looking for a competitive edge when you face projects that demand more sophisticated solutions spanning multiple devices and for a varied user base.
InfoComm‘s brand new Advanced Series will have you conquer new frontiers in networking technologies at this year’s show. And who better to learn from than AV/IT vets, seasoned InfoComm instructors and CTS-Ds Joe Cornwall, technology evangelist for Legrand North America, and Paul Zielie, AMX product manager of enterprise solutions.
Miller: What challenges do you face teaching advanced learners that don’t come up in the beginners’ classes?
Cornwall: The first, and in my mind the most frequent challenge, is that often we encounter questions that just aren’t anticipated in the scope of the course material. We’re all working on the very edge of technology to begin with, and in an advanced course it’s a safe bet that someone is pushing that envelope. They are looking for feedback and suggestions on techniques and outcomes. These outlier projects we discuss are very unique and creative, so there’s seldom a simple answer.
Zielie: The biggest challenge in teaching advanced learners is dealing with a diverse knowledge and experience base. Many of the subjects I cover may be daily practice for some students and new information for others. It is a constant balancing act to keep the content covered relevant to the most students for the time you have allotted. At the beginning of each subject area I have to gauge at what level to start the concept and how deeply to cover it.
Miller: What are the most important takeaways from your advanced course at InfoComm 2015?
Cornwall: Good AV design is rooted in common sense signal manipulation, but one has to look at the whole picture.
Zielie: Security and networking are not “technology for technology’s sake” or requirements imposed by an IT world. There is value in properly designed, secure networks for AV control, management and transport in the areas of cost, scalability, manageability, reliability and quality that make the AV applications better because of the integration of IT technologies.
Nermina Miller is senior technical writer and editor at InfoComm International. Find her entire interview with Cornwall and Zielie at blog.infocommshowblog.org where you’ll find the schedule for AV Masters education.
