Holy Cross School wanted to implement new interactive multimedia systems in classrooms to increase student learning. IT Initiatives designed a wireless network system allowing teachers to control devices like projectors and a TabletPC from anywhere in the classroom. Each classroom received a wireless network, projector, TabletPC, control system and audio equipment. The new technology allowed teachers to better engage students through multimedia and received positive feedback for improving learning.

1. Video Solution Profile
Client:
Holy Cross School
Rumson, NJ
The Client
Holy Cross had great teachers, strong enrollment and students who
yearned to learn. What they lacked, however was technology. Holy
Cross wanted to ensure their school was equipped with the very best
technology; with systems that surpassed what other public and pri-
vate institutions had done in the past. The goal: implement interac-
tive multimedia systems in classrooms that would increase student
material retention and make learning more effective and enjoyable.
Design Methodology
IT Initiatives needed to develop an interactive multimedia system unlike any other system, while maintaining budgetary
constraints. First, using the existing wireless infrastructure designed and implemented by IT Initiatives, the ability to
send video via wireless over the network was analyzed and deemed a viable method to transport video. Wireless
projectors were selected to communicate with computers to send video signals from desktops, notebooks and wireless
devices to the projectors from anywhere on the wireless network.
Next, we designed a method for teachers to make free range of their classrooms, while still being able to demonstrate
their course work and materials to their students. This was accomplished using wireless-enabled TabletPC’s from IBM.
The TabletPC enabled faculty members to write notes using the digital whiteboard and notebook feature, while also
allowing them to show PowerPoint presentations, photos, videos and any other type of material. The TabletPC also
allowed students to demonstrate and participate in their lessons by interacting with the TabletPC and sharing their
answers, materials and concepts with everyone in the room. This sparked learning and made lesson planning easier for
the faculty by allowing them to save all lessons from the classroom. It also allowed students who were out sick to
receive their lessons via e-mail that were viewed in class on a specific day.
System control in a Catholic School classroom
was important, seeing that many other people
also use the classroom in the evening hours.
The ability for any one person to use the
system without authorization was a concern.
A wall-mounted Crestron control system was
implemented in each classroom, allowing the
teacher to control all devices from a simple
touchscreen device. More importantly, the
system could not be used without entering a
user ID and password; thus eliminating the
possibility of systems being used without
authorization.

2. Interactive Multimedia System
Audio reinforcement was also an important function of each system.
Systems were integrated with wireless headworn microphones for
teachers and a handheld microphone for students. The reinforcement
system allowed discussed materials to become the foreground audio in
each room; hence decreasing a student’s perception of distracting
background noises. Wireless devices allowed the teacher to move freely
throughout the room and students to pass the microphone throughout
the room to one another.
In addition to the wireless computer input, students could also send
video from a fixed computer at each computer center in the classroom.
Inputs were also implemented for external devices such as cameras,
camcorders or other devices to be able to connect to the system.
Professional DVD and VHS players were also installed in each classroom.
Installed Components
Toshiba 3500 Lumen Projector with Wireless Network Connectivity
Da-Lite Electric Projector Screen
IBM Tablet PC with 802.11G Wireless and Bluetooth Connectivity
Crestron Control System
Crestron Color Touchscreen Control Panel
Denon Professional DVD Player
JVC S-VHS Player
Extron Switching and Interfacing System
JBL Audio Sound System
The Result
Holy Cross School now stands among the elite schools with
advanced technology; with one of the most innovative, integrated
solutions available. The ability to teach using state-of-the-art
technology allows teachers to better communicate material to
their students using multimedia technologies. In return, students,
through their everyday interaction with video systems, are trained
to retain the information they learn at a far greater rate than that
of traditional blackboard methods of teaching. In addition,
students are able to share their thoughts with others in the
classroom by interacting directly with the wireless TabletPC.
IT Initiatives is a leader in the technology consulting field, providing
designed, integrated solutions.
Network Infrastructure and Computing Systems
Audio/Video Consulting
Access Control, Video Surveillance, Intrusion Detection Consulting
Telephony and Structured Cabling Design
4400 Route 9 South | Suite 2500 | Freehold NJ 07728 | V. 732.414.4500 | www.itinitiatives.com