Case Study: AREC bridges tradition and technology in NCCU’s New Calligraphy Classroom

Dear ADENA Partners, our March case study comes from a prestigious Taiwanese university just a few metro stops away from us — National Chengchi University. This university enhanced calligraphy and traditional arts education with modern lecture capture and learning technologies, effectively using the AREC Media Capture System to improve the learning experience.

National Chengchi University (NCCU) is one of Taiwan’s oldest and most renowned universities. Originally founded in Nanjing in 1927 as a training institution for civil servants, it was later relocated to Taipei, becoming the first re-established national university in the country. Since then, NCCU has expanded its academic offerings to include programmes in mass media, diplomacy, linguistics, arts, humanities, and more. Due to its strong reputation and growing size, the university attracts thousands of students each year, with enrolment numbers continuing to rise.

However, NCCU’s excellence extends beyond that — it is also reflected in the design of its learning spaces.  A perfect example is the newly created Huimei Calligraphy and Arts Classroom. Inspired by the very subjects it teaches, the room features immersive décor that incorporates ink paintings and similar motifs. To complement this thoughtfully designed space, NCCU used the AREC Media Capture System, ensuring that students benefit not only from an inspiring environment but also from modern recording and streaming technology that enhances their learning experience.

LS-200 Media Station

At the core of the system is the AREC LS-200 Media Station. It is a recording and streaming lecture capture device that supports capture of up to two connected video sources allowing users to create professional-quality content at the press of a button. In the classroom, the station takes video from a third-party network camera and combines it with the view from a computer and a document camera. 

DS-AC1 Control Station

The system is managed by the DS-AC1 control station, which simplifies switching between sources. The solution makes it simple for the user to switch to a desired recording and streaming theme, change video sources on the go, choose what to display on projectors and displays in the room, and operate camera presets.

In the classroom, controls for the DS-AC1 are accessed via a smart podium that houses all the AV devices. A small interactive screen on the podium shows the station’s control panel, while another shows the mixed video output of the Media Station — what it is currently recording and streaming. Inside the podium there is also a MiPro audio mixer paired with a PA Tech amplifier. These devices serve as audio sources for the LS-200 and are used to transmit sound to the room speakers. Additionally, an IPEVO document camera is mounted on the podium, providing high-definition images of hieroglyphs and other work.

The created solution will definitely help the NCCU make traditional art more digitally accessible, shareable, and vibrant for its students. Need to create a modern classroom? Contact us at www.a-dena.com, and let’s discuss how you can achieve more with AREC in your design!