Alamo Heights ISD

An All-District Video Solution Revisited

In 2017 Alamo Heights ISD needed a video communication platform to serve all their schools broadly and individually. They installed our DEVOS system to broadcast and manage content for their five K-12 schools.

The intention was to stream video morning announcements and digital signage, have an on-demand video repository, and distribute live TV.

As an early adaptor to streaming media and video management, Alamo Heights ISD can attest to the importance of a reliable partner that keeps pace with changing technology. Four years later, their streaming video system has passed that test and continues to meet the school district’s evolving needs.

Not only has the DEVOS streaming platform become a companion tool to their virtual Google Classrooms, it also supports one of the largest high school business incubator programs in the US.

K-12 district near San Antonio, Texas.
Campus includes several buildings for a pre-K school, two elementary schools, one junior high, and one high school.
Serves approximately 4800 students and 500 teachers and support staff.
Website

What AH ISD Uses

Alamo Heights ISD uses the DiscoverVideo DEVOS system to distribute live and recorded video throughout the entire district. It includes an on-premises server, HD video encoders, digital signage SignStick media players, set-top boxes, software for recording lessons, a TV program guide, an educational video library of 700+ files in the areas of math, science, history, etc. Their subscription also includes software updates and ongoing training.

Streaming Innovation

One of the main users of the DEVOS system is the Heights Business Incubator program. There are five sessions with an average total of 150 students enrolled per year in the incubator and accelerator program.

Students acquire foundational business concepts, then apply those concepts to a team’s new business idea. They work with volunteer business coaches and mentors and their classroom teacher to learn real world experiences and unique business perspectives.

The program uses DEVOS to stream classroom activities, connect students to mentors, and record and broadcast Pitch Week.

Teachers, students, and mentors stream live or create their own videos using the award-winning Streamsie® software encoder.

"The students, teachers, and mentors of the incubator program like the DEVOS system for easily creating their pitches and communicating.”

Jamie Locklin, Director of Technology Alamo Heights ISD

“We love having the ability to turn the stream on and off for public or internal viewing. It has been the best way to share our classroom pitches and content on the screen at the same time, as well as being to record sessions for later viewing.”

Patrice Bartlett, Lead Teacher Heights Business Incubator and Accelerator Program

Streaming to the School Community

With privacy and reliability, the DEVOS system is essential in streaming live events, like Alamo Heights’ annual talent shows and graduations.

Each school produces a daily video morning newscast available for viewing on school TVs, computers, and mobile devices. Each school has a studio with video production equipment, including a Tricaster.

A complete digital signage interface delivers these streams and school messaging to any TV in any school. A SignStick® media player is plugged into each TV to receive and display video, text, RSS, Google Slides, etc. DEVOS allows each school to assign a staff member to create and manage digital signs.

The morning announcements and other events are streamed live. They can also be recorded for on-demand viewing with the wider community via private links or shared on social channels.

"Having the digital signage integrated with Google Slides makes my job so much easier. After the schedule is set and maintenance assigned for each school, the digital signage runs itself."

Jamie Locklin, Director of Technology Alamo Heights ISD

K-12 Video Use Four Years Later

Alamo Heights maintains their use of video across their campus and expanded it in the name of innovation.

Like most school districts Alamo Height’s video needs were multifaceted and continue to change. Their ongoing adaptability lies in having found a single vendor to provide a flexible, supported, and high quality product. As their education system evolves, the DEVOS streaming platform will continue to meet their needs.

K-12 Streaming Solutions

About Discover Video, LLC

DiscoverVideo provides scalable streaming video for institutions and businesses looking for easy and economical solutions, while maintaining HD quality. Our products and service empower the non-technical users of schools and organizations of every size to produce professional live stream broadcasts. Our end-to-end system for live streaming, video conferencing, and VoD content, make digital media management easy and accessible. Systems can also include unlimited digital signage, distribution of content in-house and remotely via private IPTV, and send emergency video and text messaging.