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4 Steps to Create Equitable Learning Experiences Delivering positive education experiences has become more complex

as institutions rely on technology for their virtual classrooms.

In remote learning, the user experience must be streamlined, secure and equitable for all participants. Collaboration solutions and meeting spaces must be cost-effective, flexible and easy to manage.

Organizations must use the right strategies and tools to ensure that every class is a success. Here are four steps your agency should take to maximize virtual learning experiences.

Deploy AI

During a video conference or collaboration, everyone must be able to hear and be heard regardless of their seat in a room or remote location. Everyone must be able to see and be seen. Artificial intelligence or AI- based solutions can help create equitable experiences.

Hands-free functions. Solutions should make devices easier to use and allow presenters and other participants to focus on content and collaboration rather than the mechanics of device use.

Intelligent visual framing. For equitable visual representation, use cameras that automatically account for the number of people in your meeting. “In K-12 and higher education spaces, you often have just one person appear on camera in a room full of people because no

one is controlling camera operation,” Knauf says. “The right solution can automatically ensure anyone in the room — even at the far end — is visible and feels like they’re part of the call.”

Hearing augmentation. This feature provides hearing assistance by isolating and amplifying audio to headphones whether people are talking in a room or on the remote end of a call, improving the accessibility of the meeting. Equity is not possible unless everyone can clearly understand what is being said.

Noise blocking. This AI-driven capability blocks unwanted noises such as barking dogs or street traffic. Noise-blocking technology can also improve sound quality in rooms where noise bounces off walls.

Consider room size

To create the best user experience, think about each location individually. Determine how each room ties into your overall environment as well as your long-term goals.

Consider the room size and the types of collaboration platforms used. Let these considerations guide your choices on cameras, microphones, speakers and other devices. Be sure your solution is compatible with multiple platforms.

“You may not need the most expensive video bar in a smaller space,” says Bob Knauf, senior product marketing manager at HP. “At the same time, you don’t want an underperforming system that is not conducive to how users want to interact.”

Analyzing spaces based on size can also help agencies manage room reservations and ensure proper resources are always available.

A CENTER FOR DIGITAL EDUCATION THOUGHT LEADERSHIP PAPER

Simplify implementation

Look for solutions that use intuitive interfaces, integrate easily with multiple third-party collaboration platforms and offer hardware kits for different room sizes and needs.

Organizations should enable administrators to manage and maintain systems by choosing solutions that provide remote, centralized management of rooms and devices.

To facilitate hybrid education and hybrid work, Chapman University in California uses a single Poly solution to run multiple collaboration platforms for different user groups (i.e., administrators, students and faculty).1

Administrators can manage all the platforms from the same interface, and the user experience is consistent for each user group regardless of the conference room or classroom they’re in.

“I appreciate that the product line has been multi-vendor and multi-platform,” says Chapman Assistant Vice President of Infrastructure Phillip Lyle. “That provides a real-time collaboration vehicle for the university that allows our staff, students and faculty to reach out to each other and communicate on a real-time basis.”

1. youtube.com/watch?v=wmDdQD5tFoo

Plan for the future

As technology evolves and user expectations grow, organizations need solutions that enable their continued success. Additionally, legal requirements, compliance and security must remain priorities.

Vendor support can help agencies and education insti- tutions accomplish their goals by providing quick resolu- tions and fresh solutions.

Be sure the vendor providing your videoconferencing, collaboration and communication tools will be able to meet your needs as you evolve. Consider their ability to support your growth and unique use cases.

Fully equipping your spaces for equitable and efficient collaboration is a critical task, but it doesn’t have to become a complex process. Addressing each space indi- vidually and deploying the right solutions to fit your needs will provide equity without creating extra work for adminis- trators. Vendors can make sure you have the support you need to adjust processes or add capabilities.

The foundation you build now will help your organization stay relevant and flexible for years to come.

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IMAGE SOURCE: HP ©2025 e.Republic LLC. All rights reserved.

Sponsored by: HP Inc. and Poly Explore solutions that support equitable hybrid experiences.

This piece was written and produced by the Center for Digital Education Content Studio, with information and input from HP Inc. and Poly.

Produced by: Center for Digital Education The Center for Digital Education is a national research and advisory institute specializing in K-12 and higher education technology trends, policy and funding. The Center provides education and industry leaders with decision support and actionable insight to help effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century. www.centerdigitaled.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmDdQD5tFoo https://www.govtech.com/education