Investments in audiovisual (AV) technology within K–12 and higher education are increasing significantly. However, many educational institutions are overspending and purchasing solutions that do not align with their instructional needs. This trend has been noted by experts at Mason Technologies, who observe a disconnect between purchasing decisions and actual classroom requirements.
Identifying the Root Causes of Ineffective AV Purchases
The primary issue is not the technology itself but the decision-making processes behind these purchases. Educational leaders, including teachers and administrators, often lack the technical knowledge necessary to evaluate the long-term value of AV investments. This gap leads to choices based on features rather than their functional relevance in the classroom.
According to Zoran Visnjic, senior technical sales engineer at Mason Technologies, “Faculties have pain points that require addressing, and they rely on IT staff for recommendations and solutions.” When misalignment occurs between administration and faculty needs, resources can be wasted, resulting in frustrations for educators and students alike.
Several factors contribute to this problematic pattern. First, many institutions face pressure to quickly spend grant funding, prompting them to purchase high-end AV systems without assessing their practical application. As deadlines approach, schools may acquire advanced tools that educators are unprepared to utilize effectively.
Furthermore, there is often inadequate communication among the various departments involved in AV procurement. IT teams, academic departments, and administration frequently operate in silos, leading to designs that prioritize aesthetics over instructional practicality.
Addressing Training and Legacy Technology Issues
Another challenge arises from insufficient training for educators. Even the most advanced technology can be rendered ineffective if teachers do not feel confident in using it. Undertrained staff may revert to simpler tools, leaving expensive systems underutilized and unproductive.
Visnjic emphasizes the importance of training: “Ensuring that educators receive comprehensive, ongoing training and support on how to effectively integrate new tools into their lessons is key to successful use of the tech in the classroom.” By prioritizing user-friendly and scalable tools, institutions can adapt as curriculum needs evolve, ultimately enhancing teaching and learning outcomes.
To truly modernize AV standards, educational institutions should phase out outdated equipment. This includes retiring bulky analogue hardware, traditional projectors, and devices with obsolete connections. Moving forward, schools must focus on remote management capabilities and digital formats that align with contemporary classroom needs.
Fostering Equity and Preparing for Future Challenges
While accessibility standards exist, many institutions still struggle to create equitable learning environments. There is a growing awareness of neurodiversity, but effective support remains limited. AV decisions should account for diverse learning needs by ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies, flexible workspaces, and adjustable environments.
Looking ahead, educational institutions face imminent challenges that require strategic planning. As deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent in pedagogy and student life, schools must prepare for its implications. Additionally, the collection of sensitive student data raises significant cybersecurity concerns, with many districts lacking adequate protections.
Emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and Internet of Things (IoT) devices will demand robust infrastructure and increased IT staffing. Without addressing legacy systems and updating technological capabilities, schools risk encountering significant disruptions in their ability to adapt to new tools effectively.
The path forward for educational institutions lies in making thoughtful AV purchasing decisions. By moving away from trend-driven spending and focusing on long-term planning, cross-department collaboration, and educator training, schools can enhance both their budgets and educational outcomes. When AV choices prioritize instructional value and address real needs in classrooms, technology transforms from a burden into a valuable asset.
