Digital Fabric Webinar: Introduction to Acoustics in Higher Education

Please extend this invitation to any other interested parties at your university 

TOPIC 

Introduction to Acoustics in Higher Education 

SPEAKER(S) 

Gary Atkins (Director) 

SPEAKER(S) BIO 

Gary is a Senior Consultant responsible for managing the daily operations of Digital Fabric in South Africa. With over 20 years of experience in the audio-visual industry, he has held various roles within both local and international sectors since 1999, designing thousands of systems across corporate, educational, and museum markets. He has also volunteered as a lecturer for the AVIXA Academy, delivering a range of AVIXA courses to students in South Africa and Dubai. Additionally, Gary served as the chairman of the South African Communications Industries Association (SACIA), fostering professional standards and training within the African AV industry. He was the first individual in Africa to attain the AVIXA CTD-D certification in audio-visual systems design. 

Email: g.atkins@digitalfabric.co.za

ABSTRACT 

This webinar introduces the fundamentals of acoustics in higher education spaces, focusing on how reverberation and ambient noise directly affect speech intelligibility, student comprehension, and overall learning outcomes. Drawing on practical examples from lecture venues and video conferencing rooms, the session explains key concepts such as RT60, signal-to-noise ratio, and Speech Transmission Index, before exploring how acoustic treatment, including absorption and diffusion, can be used to improve clarity and reduce listener fatigue. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of why good acoustics matter, how poor room conditions can create barriers to learning and participation, and what first steps institutions can take through assessments, specialist input, and incremental improvements to create more effective teaching and learning environments. 

Please extend this invitation to any other interested parties at your university