Spring is here: guaranteeing blooming plants, abundant rain, and a refreshing newness. This change in season ushers in the annual spring-cleaning frenzy too!

Take your spring cleaning to the next level with the Newline Flex. Well-worn home offices and business offices alike deserve a refresh. Flex will help you cut the clutter and complicated workflows. Read on for simple steps in organizing your workspace with this new digital tool.

Newline Flex is an all-in-one touch desktop monitor. It includes a 4K display, integrated camera, 8-mic array, 2.1 channel speakers, an active pen, and touch. It fulfills all your desktop technology needs to get your work done. Navigate video calls and host collaboration sessions without missing a beat. These features streamline the way you work, remotely and at the office. But have you thought about the benefits for your workspace visually?

Connectivity and Control

First, put away all your device cables except two. You will only need the provided USB Type-C and power cables for your Flex. Connect your Flex with the power cable. Then, connect it to your laptop via USB-C. These are the only cables and devices you need for full touchback, charging and video calls.

If your device does not have USB-C connectivity, no worries! You can still use the USB 3.0 or HDMI 2.0 connectors to use the Flex as an extended screen. The only extra cable needed is your charger for the laptop. To learn more details about connectivity, read this post.

Flex pairs down the number of cables needed to transfer data from one device to the next. Plus, with full touchback, you will have complete control of the laptop’s content. This is great for live annotations and casting your screen. Think of all the time saved and mental energy conserved with this workflow. Tasks limited by the mouse and keyboard are liberated with easy touch technology. Use one device to write on like a tablet, start up a meeting without added setup, and utilize all your desktop apps.

Cut the Peripherals

Next, put away your webcam, external mic, external speakers, document camera, and headphones. Replace these with high-quality hardware already integrated into the Flex. You will love the high-fidelity speakers and subwoofer paired with an 8-element mic array. Colleagues will appreciate the clear audio in meetings. You will appreciate less effort need to make a great impression.

With all this extra space, you can focus on the work at hand instead of the logistics of it all!

Cable Management

Now that we’ve established all necessary devices, it’s time for cable management. This is crucial in establishing an organized desk space when spring cleaning. Weave all your cables through the open slit on the Flex kickstand. Gather the cords behind the desk and zip tie as needed. Just like that, your space is expertly organized, aesthetically pleasing, and trip hazard-free.

Streamline Your Work

Now that you have streamlined your devices, your desk should be a lot less cluttered. What else can you do to optimize your spring cleaning?

• Tossing old papers
• File important documents
• Place office supplies in organizers
• Dust/sanitize all surfaces

Thanks to Flex, you can use your two devices for all aspects of work. With a clear desk and fresh mind, everyday tasks are now a breeze.

• Start video calls
• Annotate spreadsheet data
• Sign documents
• Use the whiteboard
• …and more!

Are you ready to join the Flex Gen? Order your own Newline Flex today and streamline your work this spring clean season.

Newline manufactures and sells collaborative interactive products for higher education. These products lessen the burden on higher education faculty to learn new tools while implementing synchronous and asynchronous learning with the Hyflex Course Model.

What is the Hyflex Course Model?

Introduced by Brian Beatty at the San Francisco State University, Hyflex is a course model developed for higher education that brings flexibility to the student experience. Students may choose to join class remotely or in-person with the expectation of receiving equitable instruction in both formats.

Classes are streamed live and can be recorded for later playback. Students can then choose whether to show up for the class in person or to join it online for each and every class meeting. Faculty may also benefit from this alternative course model. If the instructor is the one who must join the class meeting remotely (or shift between face-to-face and remote teaching as public health and personal circumstances change) the course infrastructure is already in place. It’s important to note that the goal of HyFlex is two make both the online and in-person experiences equal.

Basic Technology Requirements

High-Quality Camera & Mic

A good camera & mic are imperative in this course model. Students who are joining the class remotely should feel like they are a part of the conversation equally and this is achieved with the best visual and audio from the classroom. Newline offers quality camera & mic combo products to meet this need.

Videoconference UC Client

This is the primary platform that will integrate virtual instruction into the physical lecture space. Selecting a provider and plan that will support the appropriate number of participants, time allotment, session controls, and recording capabilities should be considered. Newline’s displays and desktop monitor integrate with all UC clients.

Virtual Engagement Platform

The crux of the Hyflex model plan lies within student engagement. Students are the key to the success of this course structure as it relates to consistent discussion and input throughout each class meeting. Providing an appropriate outlet, such as videoconference chat functions, allow for this engagement. Newline products support this feature.

The Newline Advantage

Newline takes the headache out of the deceivingly complex technology side of this process. Non-proprietary, easy-to-use panels integrate with any software faculty choose to use. The training and onboarding time is also shortened for all staff since our products (hardware and software) are intuitive and touch-enabled. Newline supports faculty and students alike with quality and easy-to-use technology that enhances the learning experience and ensures that students learning synchronously and asynchronously are both delivered the best content.

Leverage Newline Tech, Focus on Pedagogy & Structure

Institutions must organize various logistical aspects of this model in order to effectively deliver synchronous and asynchronous lessons:

• Overall course design
• Pedagogy centered around student-led engagement
• IT support team for technological execution
• Learning designers/classroom technology professionals to support faculty in virtual student engagement
• The technology

Newline’s Solutions: Meeting the Needs of the Hyflex Course Model

Interactivity & Engagement

With RS+ Series panels, faculty and students have a 4K display, clear speakers, Android-based OS, and touch technology to engage with the content on screen. With Newline Broadcast, the lecturer, or a moderator, may project the presenter screen to all of the student’s individual devices for equitable access to all. If faculty have the content on their personal devices, Newline Cast allows it to be projected on the large display for sharing and annotating. Students and classroom technology professionals can also share their screens, no matter their location. The X Series provides this same great experience, plus two integrated HD cameras and an on-board PC computer for more robust functionality.

For courses and campuses where network security is a top priority, our IP Series is a better fit. Still outfitted with touch technology, the IP is a great option for digital lesson delivery. Paired with an optional OPS on-board computer, the IP Series can deliver all the same Windows 10 PC functionality.

Lastly, if a great picture and audio are all you need but no touch technology—the NT Series is your go-to display. With exceptionally integrated speakers and mic, the Hyflex Model can still be delivered with the best quality to students.

Remote Teachers

Faculty do not have to lose interactivity or presentation quality when teaching remotely. Newline Flex is a touch desktop collaboration monitor that is simply ‘plug-and-play’ with a laptop. Faculty instantly have touch capability, Newline Cast options to the classroom display, and superb videoconferencing technology. An integrated 4K camera with tilt, quality 8-mic array, and 2.1 channel speakers eliminates any technical limitations for the instructor to deliver a great lesson. Remote and in-person students will see and hear clearly. They will also have the option to view live annotations on the screen with ease.

Multitasking & Management

Not only does the OPS on-board computer add PC functionality to any display, but it frees up personal devices for additional class management. Since student engagement and virtual chat functionality are important in the Hyflex Model, an OPS is a perfect integration for multitasking. The virtual chat can be displayed live during the class meeting on the display while the instructor broadcasts their laptop content. The reverse is also feasible, where the display is used to deliver the broader lesson and all participants view the virtual discussion from personal devices. Newline’s flexible product design accommodates the structure set by the faculty and staff.

World-Class Support

When relying on interactive technology for the hyflex course model, support and training are just as crucial in ensuring success. Thankfully, Newline provides world-class training and support at no additional cost to Newline customers. Training includes in-person, virtual, and on-demand options for end-users looking to get up to speed with their Newline displays.

Additionally, tech support is available by phone, email, and our website. Prompt response times and on-demand resources are also always available on our Online Knowledgebase.

“Company culture” is THE most important aspect to candidates I meet, but what does that mean? Culture is how the company functions, how employees behave, and the atmosphere. But what is a “good” culture?

Good culture means that the company is functioning like a well-oiled machine. It also means that all team members are being respectful, with a great attitude, and a positive work ethic. The atmosphere is one of urgency, timeliness, and organizational effectiveness. When these qualities are present, it makes for a fun and team-oriented environment!

It can be extremely difficult to find a company with a truly amazing culture. There are many companies that may put on a front but are entirely different once you join. If you’re looking to improve your company’s culture, technology is a quick and effective solution.

Improving communication is the #1 way to improve culture and a way to achieve that is with interactive technology. Newline displays can assist in reviewing documents, brainstorming, and virtual meetings. With tech assistance, synchronous and asynchronous collaboration can take place. Touch and accessories such as the stylus also allow hands-on collaboration that is “more flexible and versatile than a mouse and keyboard,” according to Tim Garber, Newline’s Technical Trainer.

By integrating interactive technology, you improve efficiency which can improve the company culture.

Communication

Communication improves with hands-on collaboration no matter location; in-person, phone call, video. Newline’s displays encourage team involvement and investment in projects or company goals. With the right tools, everyone is able to contribute which creates a positive work environment. People tend to contribute in various ways: auditory, visual, reading/writing, and kinesthetic.

Auditory

Auditory processing comes from listening to input, ideas, questions, and video audio. All Newline displays are virtual meeting-ready with built-in speakers. Easy software integration allows for people who work best by listening to revisit recorded meetings.

Visual

The visuals take in videos, images, and written content presented on the display. A clear 4K display, screencasting, and annotating contribute to this style. This helps visual people soak in the items in front of them.

Reading/Writing

Reading/writing processing types learn by doing just that. Viewing the display at any angle up to 178-degrees, employees have no problem with reading the 4k screen. Additionally, on-screen annotations and screencasting from personal devices give tons of writing options.

Kinesthetic

Kinesthetic processing happens through physical touch. The interactive display is perfect for this employee. They need access to the embedded whiteboard, annotation tools, and content sharing to engage in their work. 

Newline’s interactive displays can enhance all processing/learning types. Not only does this promote an active office, but a happy one.

Collaboration

Collaboration is important, as it fosters new ideas and builds internal relationships. Newline’s displays enhance collaboration with fast content sharing, real-time editing, and hands-on problem-solving. 

These features allow a group to collaborate efficiently compared to other methods like email or written reports. Fluid technology makes collaboration easy and frictionless for employees.

Efficiency

There is nothing worse than being in a meeting that could have been an email; we have all been there. Employees are happier and more productive when their time is best utilized. Technology, particularly interactivity, can help with meeting organization and timeliness.

Having the tools to exhibit and express ideas reduces meeting confusion. Teams save time with connecting devices, long discussions, and the list goes on. With efficient meetings, happy employees build overall team morale.

Morale

As we’ve discussed, technology integration builds morale in a few ways.  There are more efficient meetings, collaboration, better communication, and more. Combined, employees then start to feel appreciated, productive and valued. Positive work culture is achieved! 

Morale is the foundation of company culture. To build on it, you need to improve the above qualities in the organization. An investment in cutting-edge technology fast tracks an organization to high morale.

Core Newline Product Features for a Happy Work Culture

Non-Proprietary/Device Compatibility

No matter your office ecosystem, Newline’s displays work with any software. The non-proprietary design makes it easy to join video calls and work on any web application. Connected Android, Windows, Apple, and Chrome devices work as well. The options are limitless and scalable.

4K Display and Viewing Angles

Every Newline panel series has a 4K viewing display. That makes it easier to give vivid presentations and rely on a crisp visual experience.  A clear viewing angle is achievable from almost any position in a small or large meeting room. Gone are the days of squinting from the back of the room or obstructed views from the sides. 

Built-In Annotation Tools & Stylus

With a gesture, your Newline display can transform into the ultimate collaboration tool. Annotate over any screen and write with the built-in annotation tools. Newline displays come with advanced IR or P-CAP touch for seamless writing. With object recognition, writing is more intuitive and effortless.

Document Sharing

The collaboration doesn’t end at the panel, and neither does access to your notes. Document sharing is available through your Newline display. With quick access to the cloud service of your choice, send documents immediately.

The Classroom Tools widget is active in the background until the teacher needs it. As an overlay, the teacher opens the tools menu even after navigating between screens. This cuts down transition time and the number of devices needed throughout the day such as a timer, stopwatch, and more!

Here’s a closer look at the nine tools on the Classroom Tools widget:

• Instructions: alert the students on how they should be completing their work (in groups, with a neighbor, or alone in silence) using image cues
• Traffic light: a simulated traffic light, manually switch between colors
• Dice: digital die or dice, perfect math manipulative for a quick demonstration
• Timer: our #1 requested tool, use it for tests and classroom activities
• Stopwatch: track and clock laps
• Calendar: easy access to a simple calendar
• Zoom in: emphasize something on the screen with the zoom-in option
• Spotlight: draw attention to a single point on the screen while blocking out the rest
• Curtain: add a special effect by unveiling the screen with curtains that open from the middle

Use any combination of these apps together and resize for convenience! When done, minimize the widget menu and drag the box to a corner of the screen until it’s needed again.