Quick summary: to equip a multimedia teaching room, start by defining the teaching format, the size of the room, the distance to the back rows and how the screen will be used. This makes it easier to choose between a display, interactive panel or projector, as well as the right mobile stand or wall mount.
A modern university teaching room is about much more than a board and a projector. Classes may include presentations and video lectures, project presentations, remote student participation and interactive learning materials. It is therefore important to plan not only the screen itself, but also how it will be positioned, how equipment will be connected, how cables and audio will be managed, and what is needed for hybrid teaching.
Below, we look at how to organise a multimedia teaching space at university and which solutions work best for small teaching rooms, standard classrooms and large lecture theatres.
What Equipment Does a Multimedia Classroom Need?
The equipment required depends on the teaching format, but most setups include several core components.
Screen. This may be a TV, professional display or interactive panel. It can be used for presentations, teaching materials, diagrams, video and online broadcasts.
Computer or laptop. This is needed for presentations, learning platforms, video conferencing and specialist software.
Camera and microphone. These are essential if the room is used for hybrid teaching, webinars or video conferences.
Audio system. In a small room, the display’s built-in speakers may be sufficient. A larger teaching room or lecture theatre may require a separate sound system.
Connectivity. HDMI, USB and other connections should be arranged so that lecturers do not need to search for cables or reconfigure the system before every class.
Mobile stand or wall mount for TV. The choice between a wall mount and a mobile stand affects screen positioning, adjustability and mobility.
When planning the room, it is better to start with how the equipment will actually be used rather than with the number of devices.
Start by Defining the Type of Teaching Space
There is no single solution that works for every room. A small seminar room and a large lecture theatre require very different approaches.
Start by considering:
- what types of classes will take place in the room;
- how far the back row is from the screen;
- whether the screen will only be used to display content or also for interactive work;
- whether the room will host video conferences and hybrid classes;
- whether the screen needs to be moved around the room or between different rooms;
- whether the equipment can be mounted on the wall;
- whether a camera, laptop, mini PC or other equipment needs to be positioned close to the screen.
Once these points are clear, it is much easier to choose the right display size and installation method.
How to Organise Multimedia Teaching Spaces of Different Sizes
Multimedia requirements depend on the size of the room, the teaching format and the number of students. In a small seminar room, compactness and flexibility matter most, while a lecture theatre requires good visibility and stable equipment.
| Criteria | Small room | Medium-sized room | Large room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of room | Seminar room, small teaching room | Standard classroom or lecture room | Large lecture theatre, conference room |
| Screen | TV or interactive panel | Large interactive panel / display | Large-format display, multiple screens or projector |
| Installation | Wall-mounted or on a mobile stand | Wall-mounted or on a mobile stand | Fixed installation, heavy-duty mobile stand or multiple screens |
| Mobility | Useful if the room is used for different activities | Depends on the teaching format | Stability and clear visibility are usually more important |
| Additional equipment | Laptop, webcam, compact audio system | Video conferencing camera, microphone, audio system | Multiple microphones, cameras, a more advanced audio system and streaming equipment |
| Main priority | Keep the equipment compact | Ensure a clear view for the whole group | Make sure content can be seen and heard clearly from every part of the room |
Let us look more closely at which screen installation options suit each scenario.
Small Teaching Room: Compactness and Flexibility
In seminar rooms and smaller teaching spaces, it is important not to overcrowd the room with equipment.
If the screen is always used in the same position, a TV wall mount is a practical choice. Where students are seated at different angles rather than directly in front of the display, full-motion mounts are particularly useful because the screen position can be adjusted to suit the seating arrangement.
For this type of setup, you could consider the ONKRON M4.
If the room is used for different purposes, a TV stand on wheels is often more practical. The screen can be moved closer to a group during a presentation, used for a project presentation and then returned to the wall after the session. A shelf for additional equipment is useful for a laptop, media player or other device.
For this scenario, the ONKRON range includes the TS1351, a rolling TV stand suited to a compact multimedia setup.
If you are considering a mobile screen setup, the ONKRON article “How to Choose a TV Stand?” explains the different types of stands, adjustment options, VESA compatibility and other important factors in more detail.
Medium-Sized Teaching Room: A Versatile Solution
In a standard university teaching room, the screen needs to be clearly visible to students beyond the front rows. The same space may also be used for lectures, seminars, project presentations and online meetings.
For this type of room, a versatile mobile television stand for a medium or large display is a practical option. Look for a design that allows the screen position to be adjusted, has lockable castors and provides space for additional equipment.
This approach is particularly useful if the multimedia setup is shared by several departments or if the room regularly changes purpose. One option is the ONKRON TS1891.
For a room with a fixed seating layout, a full-motion TV wall mount can be a better choice. It frees up floor space and creates a permanent multimedia area. The ONKRON M6L is one option for this type of setup.
Large Teaching Room: Prioritising Visibility Over Compactness
In a large lecture theatre, the main priority is to make information easy to see from the back rows.
Large-format displays, interactive panels, projectors or multiple screens can all be used. The right choice depends on the depth of the room, the seating arrangement and the type of content being shown.
If the main screen is a large and heavy display, a mobile installation requires a reinforced, heavy-duty TV stand. It needs to remain stable in a high-traffic space and safely support not only the screen but, where necessary, additional AV equipment as well.
For this type of requirement, consider the ONKRON TS2821 TV trolley, designed for large, heavy TVs and professional displays. It is suitable for educational environments, presentations and other group-based uses.
If a large screen will be installed permanently, a heavy-duty wall mount for large TVs may be more suitable. The ONKRON range includes the M10 for this type of setup.
Wall Mount or Mobile Stand: Which Is Better for a University?
When a wall mount is the better choice
Wall mounting makes sense when the screen position does not need to change regularly.
This solution:
- does not take up floor space;
- creates a permanent multimedia area;
- works well in rooms with a fixed seating layout;
- reduces the amount of equipment that needs to be moved.
If the screen needs to be visible from different parts of the room, consider a full-motion mount. If the display will always remain in the same position, a simpler fixed TV mount may be sufficient.
In lecture theatres, a projector may be used instead of a TV or alongside one. For a permanent multimedia setup, mounting it on the ceiling or wall keeps the equipment out of the way and allows it to remain in a fixed position once adjusted. For this type of installation, consider the ONKRON K3A ceiling-wall projector mount. It is compatible with most projectors and allows the position of the equipment to be adjusted after installation.
These factors are covered in more detail in the ONKRON articles “How to Choose a Wall Bracket for Your TV” and “How to Choose a Ceiling Mount?”.
When is a mobile stand more practical?
For universities, mobility is often a significant advantage.
A mobile stand is particularly useful if:
- the room is used for different types of classes;
- the same screen is shared by several departments;
- equipment is moved between rooms;
- drilling into the walls is not permitted;
- an interactive panel needs to be positioned closer to students;
- the room is also used for conferences and presentations.
Another advantage is the ability to bring several devices together in one multimedia setup. A camera, laptop, mini PC or other equipment can be installed on the same stand as the screen.
How to Position the Screen Correctly in a Teaching Room
Even a large display will be difficult to use if it is positioned poorly.
The screen should be clearly visible from the main seating areas. When choosing the installation point, check the view not only from the centre of the room but also from the sides and the back rows.
Lighting also needs to be considered. Direct sunlight and bright light sources facing the display can create glare and make the image harder to read.
In a small teaching room, the screen can be positioned lower and closer to the audience. In a lecture theatre, it is usually mounted higher so that the image is not blocked by students sitting in front.
If the room has several possible seating layouts, it is useful to be able to turn the screen or move it on a mobile stand.
Access routes also need to be considered during installation: equipment should not obstruct the free movement of students and teaching staff.
How to Organise Cables
Cable management in a teaching room is not just about keeping the space looking tidy.
Power and signal cables should not run across walkways, become stretched when equipment is moved or create a trip hazard.
For a fixed screen, cables can be routed to the installation point in advance.
A mobile stand requires more planning: you need to consider where the power will come from and how far the equipment can move without the entire system having to be disconnected and reconnected.
For this reason, mobile multimedia setups benefit from stands with integrated cable management, allowing most of the cabling to be concealed within the structure.
How to Equip a Teaching Room for Hybrid Classes
If some students are joining remotely, you need to plan for two audiences: those in the room and those online.
In addition to the screen, you will need a camera and microphone. A larger room may require several microphones or a dedicated conference system.
Ideally, the camera should be positioned close to or above the screen. This helps remote participants perceive the lecturer and the displayed content as part of the same working area.
In larger rooms, remotely controlled PTZ cameras may also be used.
For this type of setup, a mobile TV stand with shelves for additional equipment is particularly convenient. The display, camera and some of the AV equipment can all be installed on one structure and then moved together as a complete multimedia system.
For large screens, consider the ONKRON TS2080. For interactive panels that require height adjustment, the motorised ONKRON TS1991E is an option.
TV, Interactive Display, or Projector: Which Is Best for a Classroom?
The right choice depends on how the room will be used for teaching.
A TV or professional display is suitable for presentations, video content, tables and general content display.
An interactive panel is useful when lecturers and students need to interact directly with the content by writing, drawing, moving objects or using educational applications.
A projector remains a practical option for large lecture spaces where a very large image is required.
These technologies do not necessarily need to compete with one another. In a spacious room, a large display can be used alongside a projector or additional screens.
Checklist Before Equipping the Room
Before choosing the equipment, check:
- the size and layout of the room;
- the distance from the screen to the back rows;
- how the room will be used;
- the required type and size of display;
- the weight of the screen;
- the VESA standard;
- whether wall mounting is possible;
- whether the equipment needs to be moved;
- whether height adjustment is required;
- whether an interactive panel will be used;
- where the camera and microphones will be positioned;
- whether space is needed for a laptop, mini PC or AV equipment;
- how the cables will be routed;
- whether the stand could obstruct walkways.
FAQ
What type of screen should you choose for a university teaching room?
It depends on the depth of the room, the seating layout and the type of content. The farther away the back rows are, and the more small details need to be shown, the larger the image should be.
Which is better for a teaching room: an interactive panel or a projector?
An interactive panel is useful for collaborative work directly at the screen. A projector is better suited to large lecture spaces where a very large image is required.
Can a TV be used instead of an interactive panel?
Yes, if the screen is mainly needed for presentations, video and displaying teaching materials. An interactive panel is more appropriate when lecturers or students need to work directly on a touchscreen.
Can one screen be used in several teaching rooms?
Yes. A mobile stand is particularly useful for this. The screen and any nearby equipment can be moved between rooms without dismantling the mounting system.
Final Thoughts
A multimedia teaching room should be designed around the tasks it needs to support.
In a small seminar room, compactness and the ability to reposition equipment quickly are important. In a standard teaching room, the priorities are good visibility for the whole group and a versatile setup. In a large lecture theatre, image size, structural reliability and clear visibility from the back rows become the key considerations.
The ONKRON catalogue includes mobile TV stands, TV wall mounts and ceiling projector mounts for different room sizes, equipment weights, VESA patterns and teaching formats.
