We’d like to conclude our focus on education technology trends by delving into the interesting case of the Digital Creative Lab at the University of Southern California (USC).
Professional multimedia technologies for the digital growth of students and professors. This is how the AV team of USC university in Los Angeles interpreted the evolving user-experience of its audience by creating its first Digital Creative Lab. This unique space is located in the basement of the main library, which is open day and night. It houses 3D modelling computers, broadcasting and multimedia production studios, podcast studios, e-sports arena, VR/AR/XR spaces, NFT art gallery, blockchain integration, hologram production, live streaming classroom, interactive and collaborative tables. As well as 24/7 support services, laptop reservations, IT support, technical training resources and study rooms.
USC’s Learning Environment director Joe Way and project manager Hunter Stacey (we met him in the previous article) have enthusiastically pursued a concept that is ‘disruptive’ to the traditional educational world: it encourages students to pursue their dreams while being able to rely on the best multimedia technology available. As the Digital Create Lab integrates innovative solutions, the spaces and facilities are designed to be scalable, proof of rapid upgrades.
Open Digital creativity
The technology hub was originally conceived as an arena for training and tournaments for e-sports teams of USC. But it became a reference space for digitalisation as a whole. At the heart of the laboratory, a 165-inch direct-view LED video wall: during matches, it shows the highlights, during lessons, it can become a classroom with 26 stations for students and professors. Around it, several additional areas, including the video production room equipped with solutions practically equal to those in Hollywood studios.
The benefits of a Digital Create Lab are many. Students of disciplines closely related to digital creativity can learn and build their own portfolios. But the space is open to all students, also serving as a classroom for streaming and customised events. Equal and inclusive access to the potential of technological innovation is another key aspect of the project.
