NYU Shanghai adapts to hybrid and remote learning with Zoom and Shure

Introduction

Customer Profile

Founded in 2021, NYU Shanghai is China’s first Sino-US research university and the third degree-granting campus of the New York University Global Network. The academic center seeks to cultivate globally-minded graduates through innovative teaching, world-class research, and a commitment to public service. 

Challenge

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak in late 2019, NYU Shanghai had to move to hybrid learning as American educators were unable to travel to China and local students likewise couldn’t join practice exchanges in the United States. While some classes continued on-site, the school faced health and safety challenges for attending staff and students.

This new situation demanded a technology upgrade to ensure an uncompromised learning experience and hygienic environment during classes and discussions. Higher spec audio and conferencing solutions were needed to support the dual function of on-site and distance learning. Due to varying classroom sizes and social distancing requirements for students, a flexible voice capture solution had to provide wider coverage into every corner of the room.

Solution

NYU Shanghai decided to adopt Zoom to support their online learning model and enable real-time lessons with remote teachers in the U.S. 

They further deployed  Shure MXA910 Ceiling Array Microphones in 30 classrooms, from small rooms of 20 people to large lecture halls of 100 people. In some rooms, teachers also use Shure's ULX-D Wireless Handheld Microphones for local sound reinforcement.

Advantages

The operation and management of the MXA910 is extremely convenient, with excellent performance. Its strong adaptability can cater to a variety of room layouts and application scenarios, and Zoom certification ensure smooth integration and easy to control.

The MXA910 plays a critical role in keeping learning programs up and running while improving the voice quality in remote communication. Since it doesn’t require any physical interaction with the device, it’s also more in line with NYU Shanghai’s teaching needs and health guidelines under COVID-19.

"We can now communicate with teachers in the United States in real-time and continue the course smoothly. Remote teachers can also hear very clearly and respond instantly without delay," says Zhang Tianyi, Senior Manager of Media and Data Center, Information Technology, NYU Shanghai.

Gear List

	Model Number	Quantity	Description
	MXA910	30	The new MXA910 with IntelliMix® represents the next evolution in the Microflex® Advance™ Ceiling Array Microphone platform.
	IntelliMix P300	1	Audio conferencing processor offers IntelliMix DSP algorithms optimized for audio/video conferencing applications.
	ULXD4D	26	Digital dual wireless receiver offers an intelligent dual-channel option for use in any professional sound reinforcement application.
	ULXD2/B58	26	Includes the Beta 58A Microphone and ULXD2 Handheld Wireless Transmitter to deliver uncompromising audio quality and RF performance.
	ULXD1	26	Up to 12 hours of use with rechargeable battery. 330 ft (100 m) operating range. TA4M and LEMO3 versions available.
	MX150	26	Lavalier microphone provides uncompromised sound quality and high reliability with minimal visibility.
	SB900B	52	Rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes powering Shure wireless systems easy.
	SBC200	26	Dual docking recharging station charges SB900B batteries in or out of their transmitters.