In particular, the education sector has seen remarkable progress with the implementation of simulators and technological resources that allow students to live experiences closer to reality. In this context, universities around the world are adopting innovative technologies to prepare their students for the challenges of the future.  

An outstanding example of this transformation in Latin America is the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Pontificia Universidad Javeriana of Colombiawhich has promoted the use of audiovisual technologies in its medical and nursing simulation centers, thus achieving a significant advance in the quality of practical learning. 

The Evolution of the Universidad Javeriana Simulation Center 

Javeriana University identified a key need in its educational process: the adequate training of students in critical areas such as medicine, nursing and other health sciences. Dr. Leonard G. Aguiar, who was involved in the design and planning of the simulation center, explains that the initial goal was to offer high-quality training that would replicate as closely as possible real medical care situations. "The university's need was for adequate training for healthcare students. Although we already had a simulation center that had been in operation for about 20 years, new needs were detected in terms of how to train students, using audiovisual tools that would enhance the pedagogical aspects in their learning." 

This transformation process was not immediate, as the university spent several years researching and planning the new center, based on the experience of multiple simulation centers internationally. With the collaboration of several actors, such as the team of Juan Carlos Gutierrez, from the company AV Integration, the Javeriana University designed a simulation center that not only met the pedagogical needs, but also incorporated the most advanced technologies and was implemented in three months. "Today, it is proven that the more realistic the simulation center is and the more the training areas resemble the real environment, the easier and more structured learning is for students," said Aguiar, highlighting the positive impact of realistic simulations on student training. 

Technological Advances: The Role of Audiovisual Technology 

The simulation center not only improved the physical infrastructure, but also incorporated a variety of audiovisual and technological tools. Pedro Luis Pinto, a biomedical engineer at the center, explained that the transformation from an analog to a digital system has allowed students to interact more deeply with the simulators and visualize their practices in a way that was not possible before. "The response from the students has been very positive. Now, they have the ability to record themselves and view their own simulations, which has increased their learning." 

The use of AV technologies over networks is another of the advances highlighted in this simulation center. Juan Carlos Gutierrez stressed the importance of incorporating the latest generation solutions in the project. "We use technologies such as Dante for audio over network, video over IP and cameras with RTSP streaming, which allows students to have easy access to high quality content without interruptions." The technology also includes projectors and monitors customized with the university's corporate image, which added a sense of belonging and cohesion to students and staff. 

Gabriela Fuentes, a student at the university, emphasized how the new simulation center has transformed the learning experience in her area. "The new simulation center allows us to have more timely and effective clinical practices, which is fundamental for our professional training." This type of technology allows students to face clinical situations in a controlled manner, facilitating reflection on their performance and improving their skills in a safe and replicable environment.

The use of standards

Another important point has been the application of different AVIXA standards in the Javeriana University Simulation Center project.

"As a specialist in audiovisual systems integration, I have found that the application of standards developed by AVIXA, such as DISCAS (Display Image Size for 2D Content in Audiovisual Systems), design practices and assembly of racks(AVIXA F502.01:2018 and AVIXA F502.02:2020) and proper marking of cables(AVIXA F501.01:2015), not only raises the technical quality of a project, but ensures its functionality, sustainability and ease of maintenance over time," said Juan Carlos.  

These standards are designed to ensure that AV systems not only work, but do so efficiently, safely and focused on the user experience. For example, applying DISCAS allows the optimal size of displays to be calculated according to distance and type of content, ensuring readability and visual comfort. "The use of good practices in the assembly of racks guarantees ventilation, accessibility and order, while the correct marking of cables facilitates the diagnosis of faults, speeds up maintenance and reduces technical support times," he added.

He concluded: "Implementing these standards is not a luxury, but a necessity if you are looking to deliver professional quality solutions, aligned with global best practices in the AV industry. In addition, it demonstrates a commitment to the customer to design systems designed not only for today, but also for its future evolution". 

Training and maintenance: a continuous process 

The training process for both technical staff and for teachers and students has been key to the success of this center. Ingrid Guerrero, coordinator of automation and control at the Javeriana University, said that the management of this advanced technology has been a challenge, but also an opportunity to strengthen the services offered by the center. "Staff training has been a gradual process, but we have managed to involve the entire team so that they are familiar with the tools and can get the most out of them." 

The university's experience demonstrates that, beyond the implementation of technology, it is critical to ensure that all users, from technicians to students, feel comfortable and empowered to use these resources effectively. 

The right advice and partners 

The experience of Universidad Javeriana serves as a reference for other educational institutions wishing to incorporate advanced technology into their teaching processes. Ingrid Guerrero shared some recommendations: "It is crucial to have good advice from partners trained in technology and to strengthen the knowledge of technical and academic staff so that everyone adapts to the new tools. Preparation both in the design and execution phase of the project and in the ongoing training of personnel are key to the successful implementation of these technologies. 

Audiovisual technology has proven to be a powerful tool in education, especially in fields as demanding as medicine and health. The Pontificia Universidad Javeriana de Colombia, with its innovative simulation center, is a clear example of how the integration of advanced technologies can improve the training of students, making it more realistic and interactive. By incorporating audiovisual simulation tools and state-of-the-art technologies, this university has not only improved the educational experience of its students, but has established a model for other institutions in Latin America and the world to follow. 

The use of audiovisual technology in the education sectorwill be highlighted during the first edition of InfoComm Latin America.Visit us and learn about all the tools available in the market! 

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