Sloan Audio-Visual Essentials 101

Story of the Course

When the COVID-19 pandemic transformed higher education overnight, MIT Sloan’s classrooms had to adapt rapidly—and so did the teams supporting them. At the time, our Audio-Visual department faced the urgent challenge of onboarding over 50 new AV Specialists, many of whom had little prior exposure to our systems or workflows. We needed a way to train them quickly, consistently, and safely—without compromising on the high standards of service our faculty and students expect.


That’s when I designed Sloan Audio-Visual Essentials 101, or SAVE101. Conceived initially as a just-in-time crash course, the program has since evolved into a comprehensive, blended learning experience that now serves as a permanent step in the onboarding process for the Teaching and Learning Technologies (TLT) AV team at MIT Sloan.


SAVE101 resides on our Canvas learning platform and combines self-paced video modules, interactive learning elements, and immersive in-person simulations. But what sets it apart is the way it integrates both technical fluency and the human dimensions of AV support. The course trains technicians not only to configure complex classroom setups or resolve system glitches under pressure, but also to approach each situation with empathy, professionalism, and adaptability.


The curriculum follows the rhythm of a typical workday. It begins with fundamentals—how to perform thorough room checks, how to write clear and concise problem reports, and how to utilize Slack as a lifeline for coordination and escalation. From there, learners step into increasingly complex scenarios, including supporting live teaching sessions, handling Distance Learning events, and navigating tricky presenter interactions where soft skills are just as critical as technical ones.


Each stage of SAVE101 is anchored in real-world examples drawn from our classrooms. Quizzes are based on live Slack conversations and past service tickets. Scenarios are reenacted by staff playing presenters with varying levels of need and tech-savviness. Final evaluations are hands-on, judged by a panel of AV Supervisors who know firsthand what excellence looks like in a Sloan classroom.


The result is a program that not only teaches skills—it builds confidence. It helps technicians understand the systems, the stakes, and the people they serve. And just as importantly, it gives them a psychologically safe space to fail, reflect, and grow. Over time, SAVE101 has become more than a course; it’s become a cultural touchstone for how we train, support, and value AV professionals at MIT Sloan.


Expansion: The MIT Sloan Teaching Studio Module

Most recently, I’ve extended SAVE101 to include a dedicated module for the MIT Sloan Teaching Studio—a state-of-the-art facility designed for high-quality video production and hybrid teaching. The Teaching Studio requires a unique skill set, blending live event management with recording and broadcasting workflows. To meet this need, I designed an immersive module built on a foundation of backward design, using the TOAST framework to align outcomes, assessments, strategies, and technologies.


This new module introduces learners to every element of the studio through VR-based orientations, self-paced videos, and interactive practice scenarios. From configuring lighting and camera profiles to managing scene selections and executing flawless session recordings, learners progressively build toward a high-stakes, summative assessment: a mock 15-minute studio session with a volunteer presenter, during which they must handle every part of the workflow without assistance.


The module also emphasizes the importance of authentic feedback at every stage. I designed custom quiz feedback for every quiz question, targeting common misconceptions to ensure learners can correct misunderstandings early. Accessibility and learner experience were central considerations—each resource is fully UDOIT compliant, supports multiple learning modalities, and accommodates both novice and experienced technicians.


This studio module not only deepens the technical training offered through SAVE101, but also mirrors the complex, high-expectation environments our techs must master. It's designed not just for onboarding, but potentially for re-certification and skills refreshment as our systems evolve.


Elements of SAVE101 You Can Interact With