Audio-visual specialists from a Bradford-based firm are helping to transform learning methods at a leading Yorkshire university.

They are providing state-of-the-art multimedia management system designed to create a video reference library of lectures at the University of Leeds.

The university is investing more than £2 million in the system to capture more than 50,000 hours of lectures using audio-visual systems from Bradford-based Universal AV Systems, which is collaborating with US-based Sonic Foundry Inc, Sonic Foundry’s Mediasite system automates the capture, management, delivery and search of live and on-demand videos and rich media.

The university has already captured some lectures, but wanted to expand into a fully automated, single video platform integrated with its Blackboard learning management system.

Universal and Sonic are installing the new system into every timetabled teaching space across the university’s city campus in 2014. It will enable the university to capture video recordings of lectures and other teaching activities, providing students with a more flexible approach to learning and enabling them to revisit and review content throughout their course.

Professor Neil Morris, director of digital learning at the University of Leeds, said: “This is a significant investment which will transform teaching and learning here at Leeds. Not only can we capture all our audio and video assets, but this new platform will allow is to store, manage and publish content across multiple channels. We are unique in having a digital strategy that encompasses all of these elements.

“We know our students learn in different ways, so as well as attending lectures, this gives them the opportunity to engage with the materials where they may be and at their own pace. This new system will provide over 3,000 students with outstanding resources to support their learning.”

Sonic’s mediasite system, used by 1,200 colleges and universities worldwide, will be centrally managed.

Professor Vivien Jones, Leeds University pro vice chancellor for student education, said its digital strategy would provide it with a competitive edge by enhancing the student experience. It also offered staff the chance to develop new teaching methods and create more time for interaction and problem based learning.

Universal AV Services sales director Nick Fitzpatrick (pictured) said: “We are extremely excited to have been able to support The University of Leeds on this lecture capture project.

“The solution installed will provide Leeds with the ability to adopt automated lecture recording through their central time tabling.”

Established in 1990, Universal AV Services Ltd provides and installs integrated audio-visual systems for the education, corporate and public sectors.