Video Guidance designs integrated distance learning program for NWHSU

Eden Prairie-based Video Guidance, the leading visual communications provider in the Upper Midwest, has designed an integrated distance learning program for Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) located in Bloomington, Minn. The distance education learning center, which is one of the most technology-advanced classrooms in the state, aims to enhance instructional teaching capabilities from remote locations. [Photos available upon request.]

“The integration services team at Video Guidance did a fantastic job of listening and learning about our unique requirements for a large distance-education classroom”

For more than 65 years, NWHSU (www.nwhealth.edu) has been an international leader in natural and integrative health care education, patient care and research. When university president, Dr. Mark Zeigler, first came to NWHSU in 2006, he dreamed of using sophisticated visual communications systems to connect consultants, faculty and other specialists from around the country – and the world – to the classroom. In 2007, the university first contacted Video Guidance, regarded as the region’s visual communications industry leader.

The university wanted to create a theater of instruction with peer institutions, sharing faculty and guest lecturers. Thanks to a new building addition, a sizable classroom space was about to become available.

“The integration services team at Video Guidance did a fantastic job of listening and learning about our unique requirements for a large distance-education classroom,” said Dr. Charles Sawyer, senior vice president at NWHSU. “They designed a high-end, technology-enhanced classroom that offers all kinds of new distance-education possibilities. We had very specific needs and they totally nailed it!”

The remodeled 135-seat, 2,200-square-foot, state-of-the-art classroom, is equipped with full video conference capabilities. Four huge screens tower over the classroom, providing high-definition projection of instructors located offsite. The two largest 12-foot-wide screens drop from the ceiling facing the students. Two other 3’x5’ screens face the podium at the head of the room so the instructor can view content without having to turn around. Each wired desk space features individual laptop workstations with WiFi access and ergonomic seating.

In addition, the classroom features an Extron touchpanel control system – a high performance, 3200-watt audio system, featuring Community loudspeakers and Custom Da-Lite Cinema Contour projection screens. To capture all educational presentations, lectures and video conferencing, the classroom also features a MediaSite recording system, designed by Sonic Foundry of Madison, Wis. The recording feature is the first time Video Guidance has interfaced MediaSite with videoconferencing. “It’s space-age,” said Sawyer.

The new classroom, called the “Integrity Management Smart Center,” was funded with a donation by Keith Maule, CEO of Integrity Management, a chiropractic consulting firm.