In this episode of EdUp Smart Space, Craig Park and JW Woodard, Consultant Liaison at Harman Pro, discuss the critical role of AV infrastructure design in educational facilities.

They explore JW's journey in the AV industry, the challenges faced in AV planning, and the importance of treating AV as an infrastructure asset.

The conversation highlights the need for early AV involvement in design processes, common mistakes in AV planning, and the impact of AV on learning outcomes.

They also touch on emerging technologies, user interface considerations, and the future of AV in hybrid learning environments.

Connect with JW Woodard on LinkedIn @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jw-woodard/

Learn more about Harman at https://www.harman.com/pro-audio

In this episode, Craig discusses the intersection of education, technology, and the built environment, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in campus technology planning. based on his presentation at the Educational Technology Collaborative 2025 Conference in Raleigh, NC.

He emphasizes the importance of early collaboration between technology leaders and design teams to create effective learning environments, and guides the structuring of visionary collaborative teams.

The conversation introduces the Bridge Framework, a structured approach to integrating technology into campus projects, and highlights the cost implications of late technology engagement.

Real-world examples illustrate the benefits of proactive planning and the need for institutions to adapt to the evolving educational landscape.

In this episode of EdUp Smart Space, Craig Park discusses the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on campus infrastructure and management.

He outlines the challenges faced by educational institutions, including declining enrollments and budget constraints, and emphasizes the need for intelligent systems to enhance operational efficiency.

Park presents a roadmap for integrating AI into facilities operations, highlighting seven future-ready technology strategies that can modernize campus environments.

He also addresses the importance of implementation strategies and the evolving role of facilities leaders in the AI era, advocating for collaboration and clarity in decision-making.

In this episode of EdUp Smart Space, Craig Park interviews Heather Bemis, founder and CEO of Swap Integration.

They discuss the evolving landscape of campus planning, the importance of collaborative project management, and how technology, particularly AI, is shaping the future of design and construction.

Heather shares her journey from architect to entrepreneur, the challenges of planning different types of campus spaces, and the significance of early stakeholder engagement.

The conversation emphasizes the need for a creative approach to planning, the value of visual tools, and the human element in project management.

For more information visit www.swapintegration.com

In this episode of EdUp Smart Space, Craig Park and Gina Sansivero of AtlasIED discuss the critical role of audio infrastructure in higher education.

They explore how audio quality impacts student success, inclusivity for diverse learners, and the importance of integrating audio systems with other technologies.

The conversation also covers practical steps for implementing effective audio solutions and highlights case studies of successful audio projects in educational settings.

Finally, they touch on the future of audio in education, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to sound design.

In this episode of EdUp Smart Space: The Future of Campus Technology, Craig Park welcomes Nick Cawthon, founder of Guage and longtime educator in data visualization and design strategy.

Nick shares insights from his journey through design, cognition, and architecture programs, and how his career at the intersection of digital design, user experience, and AI informs the way we shape learning environments today.

Together, Craig and Nick explore how physical and digital spaces converge in higher education, from acoustics and accessibility in classrooms to AI-powered learning experiences and data-informed design strategies.

Nick emphasizes the importance of democratizing user research, striking a balance between technology adoption and human-centered practices, and preparing institutions to adopt AI responsibly.

You can learn more at www.guage.io.

In this episode of Ed Up Smart Space, host Craig Park engages with Rhea Kelly, editor in chief of Campus Technology, to explore the evolving landscape of educational technology.

They discuss Rhea's journey in the EdTech field, the significant shifts in technology and pedagogy, and the transformative role of AI in education.

The conversation delves into the impact of AI on learning spaces, the importance of governance and guidelines for AI implementation, and the future trends of AI and virtual reality in education.

In this episode of the EdUp Smart Space podcast, I discuss the critical importance of effective technology planning in higher education facilities. He identifies common challenges such as siloed teams, stakeholder disconnect, and the pitfalls of future-proofing.

I then present solutions through an integrated planning approach, emphasizing collaboration among all stakeholders. He outlines the expected results of these strategies, including reduced project risk, enhanced user satisfaction, and long-term operational success.

Finally, I envision a future of adaptive learning ecosystems where technology seamlessly integrates with educational experiences.

The EdTech Navigator

In this episode of EdUp Smart Space, Craig Park and Joel Lewitz, PE, discuss the critical role of acoustics in educational environments, particularly how AI is transforming these spaces.

They explore the evolution of acoustics technology, the challenges of active learning classrooms, and the integration of AI to create smart acoustic environments.

The conversation includes practical advice for implementing AI-enhanced acoustics, a case study on Stanford Stadium, and insights into the future of audio systems in education.

#EdUp #EdUp SmartSpace #FutureofCampusTechnology

In this episode of EdUp Smart Space, Craig Park is joined by Dr. Amy Lomellini, Director of Accessibility at Anthology, for a powerful conversation on building a culture of inclusion in higher education.

Together, they unpack why accessibility is more than compliance, how inclusive design benefits every learner, and where institutions often stumble in supporting faculty and students.

They also explore the promise and pitfalls of AI tools in accessibility, the importance of starting with intentional design instead of costly retrofits, and practical first steps colleges can take to embed accessibility across teaching, technology, and campus culture.

Looking ahead, Dr. Lomellini shares her vision of a future where accessibility is simply non-negotiable—seamlessly integrated into every aspect of education.

Whether you’re an educator, designer, or technology leader, this episode offers actionable insights on creating learning environments that work for everyone.

You can connect with Dr. Lomellin on LinkedIn and learn more about her work at Anthology, Inc., here.