The first state-of-the-art smart classroom at the University of Veterinary Medicine has been unveiled. The complex audiovisual system will be renovated by Delta Systems Ltd., after winning an open European Union tender. The investment, worth around HUF 1.089 billion, has opened up a new path for the university. The modernisation, which is unique in Europe, will transform 1842 devices from 13 manufacturers into a complex, student-centric system in 45 presentation spaces.
The University of Veterinary Medicine, the third oldest veterinary school in the world, has been teaching continuously for nearly two hundred and forty years. In addition to the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, the Master of Science in Zoology and the Master of Science in Biology, there are a number of specialised postgraduate courses available. Hungary's only veterinary university is internationally recognised, as demonstrated by the 1,100 students from 69 countries around the world. The campus is international in character, thanks to the fact that nearly two thirds of the students are foreign. The aim of the audiovisual system renewal project is to make it easier for students to learn the course material, to make the knowledge base quickly accessible and to facilitate communication between teachers and students, and last but not least to facilitate the tasks of scientific and research activities. The new system incorporates state-of-the-art audio, video and streaming tools, so that students can experience online learning as if they were in the lecture hall. Modern, user-friendly application solutions and future-proof technologies have been emphasised in the design. Prof. Dr. László Ózsvári, Vice Rector for Education of the University of Veterinary Medicine, highlighted the presentation of the first smart classroom at the Department of Medicine in Üllő:
The introduction of new audiovisual technologies not only makes training processes more efficient, but also allows our students to benefit from an interactive, experiential education. The digital development of the university also develops the digital competences of students, so that they can develop an integrated approach during their university years and be prepared to run a modern veterinary practice.
The investment in the István Street campus, Rottenbiller Street and the Anvilő site is part of the institution's long-term strategy for the acquisition of equipment and educational development. With this upgrade, Delta Systems is replacing the previous online system introduced for Covid. The complexity of the project means that over 15 months, until March 2025, 1,842 devices from 13 manufacturers will be installed in 45 presentation spaces - including lecture theatres, lecture rooms, practice rooms, laboratories, dissection rooms, library, museum and lobby. The different functions are served by a variety of audiovisual subsystems.
This is the first development of this scale in higher education, and the largest complex university audio-visual development in Central and Eastern Europe. While maintaining proven solutions and in line with international trends, the system will use state-of-the-art technology to facilitate the work of lecturers in face-to-face teaching, thus increasing student satisfaction.
