Mike Grasso, director of Digital Initiatives
GOALS: Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University (ASU) is ranked number one in the world for international trade by QS International Trade Rankings 2023, and ranked number one as the most innovative school by U.S. News and World Report for nine years running. Given its impressive reputation, Thunderbird desired an upgraded technology infrastructure to embrace an innovative approach to education. It would enable instructors and students to use their own devices when leading and contributing to discussions and optimize learning experiences for in-person, remote, and hybrid participants.
“Thunderbird needed an upgraded technology infrastructure in order to embrace an innovative approach to education and, through Biamp, instructors and students now have technology that provides an extraordinary experience no matter where participants are located,” said Joe Andrulis, EVP of corporate development at Biamp.
Working with Phoenix-based HT Consultants and Tech Providers, Inc., Mike Grasso, director of Digital Initiatives, AV and Media at Thunderbird determined that the Biamp Modena BYOD solution was the most effective system deployment for the graduate school’s multiple classrooms and learning spaces. Parlé Beamtracking microphones were installed to consistently capture speakers’ voices even when moving as they talk. Desono loudspeakers were included to ensure exceptional audio clarity, and Tesira DSP technology works behind the scenes to process and route all digital signals to their proper destinations.
CHALLENGES: Across more than 140 classrooms, lecture halls, and collaboration pods for small-group sessions—finding flexible, easy-to-use technology that delivered exceptional audio quality was paramount.
Biamp Modena Hubs (144), Modena Servers (4), Parlé Beamtracking microphones (112), Tesira DSPs and expansion devices, Desono ceiling and pendant loudspeakers
FINAL INSTALL/USER BENEFITS: According to Grasso, the Biamp solutions chosen by him and his integrator partners, HT Consultants, and Tech Providers, Inc., have delivered above and beyond the anticipated results. “With the BYOD capabilities on Modena, instructors, students, and guest speakers can all join the same session with whatever devices they’re most comfortable using,” he said. “Combine Modena’s ease-of-use and flexibility with the outstanding voice pickup capabilities of the Parlé microphones, and we’ve created optimal teaching and learning environments for all involved at Thunderbird, whether in-person, remote, or hybrid.”
The unparalleled flexibility delivered by Modena allows all instructors to use their own devices for classroom instruction, while Parlé Beamtracking microphones ensure instructors’ and students’ voices are picked up with consistent audio clarity.
