ClassInTheBox is changing the way teachers communicate with their students online. Here we find out more about the technology and how it’s changing the face of video conferencing.
It’s no news that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people work. In 2020 working from home became the new normal, with 55% of companies now adopting video conferencing to help keep teams communicating when they can’t be in the same place. As much as Coronavirus has been an unprecedented disaster all around the world, it’s also brought about huge possibilities. Commuting to work is no longer a necessity and team members can stay in touch and collaborate on projects from anywhere with an internet connection. Now none of the communication problems that used to hamper businesses exist, and there’s no need to struggle to find suitable times to get everyone around the boardroom table. Video conferencing is an easy, fast and highly effective business tool that has somehow made the impossible possible – even in times of global uncertainty.
A new era for communication
Video conferencing has become one of the most profitable and fast growing business concepts of recent years, moving from what was once just a way to communicate with friends and family members to a business solution that delivers huge returns. Video has made it possible for small startups to compete with the big fish, hosting everything from meetings and brainstorming sessions to huge conferences at the touch of a button. Now everything from interviews and training to team meetings and pitch presentations – and much more besides – can be done online, making communication better than ever before.
But it doesn’t work for everyone. Even the video conferencing packages that are marketed as being easy to use come with problems. Often those who aren’t as tech savvy as their colleagues find themselves floundering during online meetings, with muted microphones and faulty cameras having become a familiar theme since the Spring of last year. Remote workers from all industries have struggled to get to grips with the new tech, but there’s one sector that’s arguably been the hardest hit. With schools, colleges and universities closed, teachers have found themselves having to find new ways to deliver their learning programmes. Standard video conferencing might be a viable option for businesses, but delivering learning is a complex art that requires much more than just a camera and an internet connection.
The start of the pandemic caused chaos for teachers, who often found themselves juggling with numerous cameras and pieces of kit just to communicate with students. With cables in the way, it was a health and safety disaster, while having to restrict teaching to just being sat in front of a video camera has left lessons flat and uninspiring. A great teacher motivates and encourages students, delivering uplifting lessons and moving around the classroom to bring energy and interest. Being physically disconnected from students was enough of a challenge in itself, but the inability to move around has only made things worse.
ClassInTheBox is revolutionising the way teachers communicate with their students, enabling them to deliver truly immersive learning experiences without having to be in a physical classroom. And better still, it’s really easy to use.
What’s in the box?
ClassInTheBox includes everything a teacher needs to take their lessons online, all packaged together in a neat and handy little box. The kit contains a camera, microphone and cable all supported by state of the art software that employs AI technology to identify how students respond to different teaching materials such as whiteboards, video clips and documents. It enables teachers to embrace new possibilities without having to upgrade their tech skills.
ClassInTheBox was invented by Pablo Marquez, who saw through the challenges of the pandemic to create video conferencing solutions that work for everyone. His first prototype was a small cardboard box, shortly followed by a metal one. Pablo then moved on to an integrated circuit, and the Class in the Box was born. He explained, “Our technology enables teachers to get out of the chair and move around, which hadn’t been possible during the pandemic. A second camera allows teachers to focus on whiteboard or other teaching materials, bringing life and enthusiasm back to the classroom, virtual or not.
The product was designed for teachers but can be used by anyone. Its key benefits include:
1. Simplicity: all that’s needed is just one cable which connects direct to the PC or laptop for instant video conferences.
2. Silence: the clever noise cancelling technology means that no matter what’s going on around you, people at the other end of the line will be blissfully unaware. This is particularly good news for teachers who are working from home with their own children and pets running around in the background, or those who are located in busy areas.
3. Air: with the CITB camera there’s a new flexibility rather than staying focused on a static camera. Now presenters have the freedom to move around the board and create a breezy learning experience.
4. Freedom: With CITB there’s no need to stay in one place. The camera and microphone offer a coverage of 10 meters diameter, giving users the freedom to move around and write on the board as they please…and with just one click you can switch your camera and go back to your computer cam.
Suitable for a range of industries
ClassInTheBox signals an entirely new era for video conferencing. It’s quick and easy to use and requires minimal technical ability, making it easy for users of all skill levels to just plug in and go. The 2k ultrawide camera offers crystal clear images, while external speakers boost the sound quality. This multi platform solution integrates seamlessly with all the major conference applications, while LMS software makes it easy for teachers to keep control of their lesson plans and classes. It’s light and portable, taking up very little space – another huge advantage for home workers who are short of room and don’t have space for large bulky pieces of equipment.
Class in A Box was designed for teachers, but it works equally well for anyone wishing to run their businesses and streamline communications among staff members. More can be read about this innovative new technology here.
