NTU Singapore Enhances Learning Spaces with Extron AV Technology for Seamless Collaboration and Hybrid Learning

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, ranked among the world’s top universities, is known for its focus on technology and innovation. To enhance collaborative learning, interactive teaching, and hybrid education, NTU Singapore undertook a large-scale AV upgrade across 70 Tutorial Rooms and two Collaboration Rooms. The university selected Extron’s advanced AV switching, audio, and control solutions to create modern learning environments where students and instructors can share content, communicate clearly, and engage in team-based learning.

CHALLENGES

NTU Singapore’s goal was to transform traditional lecture-style classrooms into dynamic, interactive spaces that support flipped learning models. The university required an intuitive AV system that would allow students to raise questions from anywhere in the room, share content easily from their table, and present to the entire class without long delays and pauses to get connected.

Beyond enhancing interactivity, the project posed several technical challenges. One major consideration was managing complex cable routing to ensure a clean, efficient installation while maintaining system reliability. Additionally, the AV control system needed to be designed for ease of use, minimizing technical barriers so instructors could operate it with minimal training. To further streamline the user experience, NTU Singapore sought to implement a self-help troubleshooting feature, allowing instructors to diagnose and resolve basic issues directly from the touchpanel before escalating to IT support.

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DESIGN SOLUTION

To meet these challenges, NTU Singapore partnered with 01 Computer System Pte Ltd, selecting Extron’s scalable AV solutions for a standardized, high-performance installation across its Tutorial and Collaboration Rooms.

Tutorial Rooms: Interactive Teaching and Flipped Classrooms

Each of NTU Singapore’s 70 Tutorial Rooms is powered by an Extron DTP CrossPoint 108 4K matrix switcher, which provides 10x8 seamless switching and 4K scaling. This system allows instructors to switch between multiple input sources and an Extron ShareLink Pro 500 enables wireless content sharing from student and instructor devices.

For superior audio quality, each room is equipped with an Extron DMP 64 Plus C AT digital matrix processor and an XPA U 1004 amplifier, delivering clear, evenly distributed sound through SF 26CT ceiling speakers.

Each Tutorial Room features an Extron TLP Pro 1025M wall-mounted touchpanel, offering instructors an intuitive, one-touch interface for controlling all aspects of the AV system—including source selection, audio levels, display routing, and system power. The interface is thoughtfully designed to minimize complexity and enhance usability, allowing instructors to focus on teaching rather than technology. To further streamline the experience.

NTU implemented a custom self-help troubleshooting menu within the touchpanel interface. This innovative feature guides users through basic diagnostics and common issues, empowering them to quickly resolve problems without requiring technical assistance. If further support is needed, the touchpanel includes a scannable QR code that instantly logs a service ticket, alerting the IT help desk and expediting response times. This combination of intuitive control and built-in support tools reflects NTU’s commitment to reliability, efficiency, and user autonomy in its technology-enabled learning environments.

Extron’s support has always been the strongest, whether for advice or on-site assistance. Their equipment meets our exact requirements, making system design easy with no compromises.

Collaboration Rooms: Team-Based Learning and Hybrid Capabilities

The two large Collaboration Rooms, designed for team-based learning, each house 29 and 35 tables, respectively, where students work together and share content across displays. To support these spaces, NTU Singapore deployed the Extron XTP II CrossPoint 6400, a 64x64 modular matrix switcher, ensuring fast, flexible AV routing.

Each table is equipped with XTP HDMI transmitters, receivers, and Show Me cables (HDMI, VGA, USB-C), enabling students to connect and present content effortlessly. To ensure clear voice pickup for discussions and hybrid learning, the system incorporates DMP 128 Plus C AT processors with Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) and Dante audio networking. Audio is distributed evenly throughout the room with XPA U 2002 SB amplifiers, which power 10 pairs of SF 26CT ceiling speakers per room, creating an immersive and balanced sound experience.

Recognizing the importance of hybrid learning, NTU Singapore integrated Extron’s SMP 352 streaming media processor, enabling dual recording and live streaming. With Kaltura LinkLicense, faculty can easily manage and share recorded lectures through NTU Singapore’s learning platform. The MediaPort 200 HDMI and audio scaling bridge ensures seamless video conferencing integration, enabling high-quality remote participation.

To simplify operation, instructors manage the system using an Extron TLP Pro 1025M touchpanel, supported by an IPCP Pro 360Q xi control processor and custom automation modules for effortless AV control.

Centralized AV System Management

Extron’s GlobalViewer® Enterprise (GVE) software provides NTU with a centralized platform for campus-wide monitoring, control, and management of all AV-enabled spaces, including 70 Tutorial Rooms and two Collaboration Rooms. From a single interface, the university’s IT and AV support teams can remotely access system diagnostics, monitor device status in real time, and respond instantly to support requests—whether initiated through the help desk or directly from a classroom touchpanel.

The software’s customizable reporting tools allow NTU to track room and device usage trends, optimize resource allocation, and proactively plan maintenance to reduce downtime. The GlobalViewer Enterprise platform provides NTU a scalable, enterprise-grade AV management solution that ensures consistent system performance, enhances support efficiency, and contributes to the long-term sustainability of its AV infrastructure.

RESULTS

NTU’s investment in Extron technology has transformed its Tutorial and Collaboration Rooms into highly flexible, interactive learning environments. Faculty and students now benefit from superior AV switching, seamless content sharing, and enhanced audio for presentations, team discussions, or hybrid collaboration. The inclusion of intuitive touchpanel interfaces and a built-in self-help troubleshooting system has empowered instructors to quickly and easily address minor issues, helping to keep their lessons on track with minimal disruption.

These advancements contributed to NTU Singapore being honored at the 2025 SBR Technology Excellence Awards, where the university received the Infrastructure Technology Education award for its forward-thinking IT service delivery.

Extron's role in enabling real-time system monitoring, user-friendly controls, and scalable AV management is part of a larger ecosystem that has dramatically improved reliability and response times. With GlobalViewer® Enterprise software enabling campus-wide AV system monitoring and proactive support, NTU’s Shared Services IT team now resolves many issues before they impact users, setting a new standard for AV support in higher education.

This project underscores NTU’s commitment to innovation and user-centered design, establishing a future-ready learning infrastructure powered by Extron AV solutions.

The advanced audiovisual solution in our educational facility enhances Team-Based Learning in NTU’s Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core courses and all other undergraduate degrees across seven colleges. This bespoke system, with its robust architecture, has improved teaching and learning experiences, helping drive student outcomes. Its intuitive control interface allows easy classroom management, while high-performance digital signal processing ensures smooth collaboration in NTU’s flexible learning environment. The system’s configurability supports cluster work, group discussions, and presentations for up to 200 students, boosting interactive TBL and traditional pedagogies.

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