ASTON UNIVERSITY
UNITED KINGDOM
The Centre for Learning Innovation and Professional Practice (CLIPP) is Aston University’s trusted advisory body on technology for learning environments. So when CLIPP needed a projector for its compact new meeting room, it knew Hitachi could respond with the ideal solution.
CLIPP: finding the ultimate in teaching technology
Today’s teaching methods are not only enhanced by the use of technology, but underpinned by it. The right equipment can give learning a real edge, allowing students to interact more closely with their subject matter for a more hands-on, engaging experience. Aston University recognises this fact.
Since September 2008, the university has benefitted from the advice of CLIPP, a group that pools the technological expertise of staff from across the university. The group meets weekly to evaluate the pedagogical benefits of new equipment, in a newly designated - and rather narrow - meeting room. Presentations and training are given using video, text and image software to evaluate learning technologies.
“The Hitachi ED-A101 is easy to use, quiet and great for small spaces because of the short throw distance. So when it came to choosing another projector, we didn’t hesitate to select Hitachi.” Steve Ellis, CLIPP
The challenge: top-of-the-range projection in a limited space CLIPP wanted a projector that would display information with excellent clarity, and be simple enough for anyone to use. However, the room presented an important set of restrictions. Its narrow width wouldn’t permit equipment requiring a large amount of space, so the projector would have to be compact as well as high quality.
The solution: Ultra Short Throw technology from Hitachi
With access to all the latest in projection technology, CLIPP selected the Hitachi ED-A101 as its ideal solution. The university already uses three of these projectors, including one in the main applied sciences room in the School of Engineering.
As Steve Ellis of CLIPP explains, “We’d already had excellent feedback on the ED-A101 from staff across the university.
People were commenting on how easy it was to use, and how quiet it was; the low noise can make quite a difference when you’re giving a presentation in a small room. And of course, it’s great for small spaces because of the short throw distance. So when it came to choosing another projector, we didn’t hesitate to select Hitachi.”
The Ultra Short Throw capability of this projector means a 60-inch screen can be projected when the device itself is just 9.6cms from the wall - which is crucial in a limited space like the CLIPP meeting room. Because a beam of light is not travelling from projector to screen with the presenter in between, images are free of shadows, letting users get up close to their material. “This is how all projectors should be,” says Steve.
Using the ED-A101 for a wider interactive learning experience Staff at Aston University have found the projector very userfriendly. It is quick to warm up, and little or no training is required to use it. The projector is simply switched on, a laptop is connected - and the presentation can begin. Steve also appreciates the fact that when giving a presentation, there is no bright light shining into his face - a safety feature that exceeds BECTA recommendations on lamp glare. As well as being simple and enjoyable to use, the ED-A101 offers a low maintenance cost. Its long-life lamp and hybrid filter reduce the need for replacement parts, saving the university money as well as being environmentally sound. For CLIPP, this is another important reason to choose the ED-A101.
In fact, Steve admits the projector has become something of a showcase, with university members keen to see what it can do. With four of these Hitachi projectors already in place at Aston University, there are plans to purchase more. “I have already recommended it for wider educational use at Aston University,” Steve comments. “We have one set of rooms with low ceilings, where we wouldn’t normally be able to install a projector. But because this projector can easily be wall-mounted, it’s a definite possibility there.” “I would certainly recommend the Hitachi ED-A101 to any organisation that needs a top-of-the-range projector,”he concludes.