Founded in 1842, the University of Chile can boast 21 Chilean presidents and two Chilean Nobel Prize winners among its alumni. In its quest for new ways to connect professors and the 43,000 students across five campuses, the university has installed Bose Professional’s videoconferencing technology.

Designed by Chilean technology integrator Tecnomove, the hybrid learning solution included more than 100 Bose VB1 devices. Some of the classrooms have a Bose VB1 device mounted on a mobile cart with a flatscreen display, providing professors with the flexibility to adapt to the dynamics of each class. A Kaptivo camera positioned to simultaneously capture the class was integrated into some of the rooms, with a Lenovo ThinkSmart Hub to initiate and control each session.

The Bose Videobar VB1 all-in-one USB conferencing device provides professors with the most straightforward and transparent user experience for an advanced hybrid classroom set-up. The six automatic beam-steering microphones actively focus on voices in the room while rejecting ambient noise, facilitating a natural and collaborative environment. The proprietary Bose sound supports multimedia presentations, plays Bluetooth audio, and ensures voices and conversations sound natural.

The system’s 4K ultra-HD cameras offer an auto-framing Group Mode that delivers crystal-clear video, so remote students can see more and understand group conversations. It also allows everyone to take in the content that instructors present on whiteboards, flipcharts or other in-room objects, without feeling grainy or distant.

Dario Riquelme Zornow, project manager at the University of Chile’s online education office, says: “Hybrid classrooms are accelerating the technology adoption rate by professors. Many are so motivated that they’re already exploring new teaching methods and seeing new opportunities to make their courses more attractive and engaging.”

Carol Noches, sales manager at Tecnomove, adds: “Tecnomove was able to accommodate the versatility required by the online education team, addressing its needs as the project progressed. The impact of the Bose Professional solution goes beyond simple technology – we know we’re contributing to the education of young people in our country.”