This interview is part of AV-1′s Report from InfoCOMM 2011, in which we ask key industry insiders to share their views on the critical issues ahead. You can contribute your thoughts on this interview in the Comment Area below. AV-1 members may discuss this important topic in greater detail on the AV-1 List.

Andrew J. Milne, PhD, Tidebreak‘s CEO, lives and breathes collaborative learning. Since 2004, Tidebreak’s core products, TeamSpot and ClassSpot, have dominated a unique niche in active learning technologies by using lightweight networked apps (PC and MAC) to facilitate secure screen- and application-sharing. The outcome is that Tidebreak technology brings teachers and students closer together rather than creating (yet another) barrier to engagement.

We need to find a way to simplify support for “a heterogeneous mix of learning technologies,” says Milne, “so that we are not spending a lot of time supporting the technology, but, in fact, supporting the collaborative learning experience.”

Be sure to check out Tidebreak’s case studies and videos.

What is your experience with these technologies? Leave a reply below or discuss it with fellow AV-1 members on the AV-1 List.