Education’s gone digital and it’s not looking back. Show-stopping video walls and interactive digital displays are popping up on campuses nationwide. In fact, the majority of college and university campuses already have digital signage in place. K-12 schools are also growing adaptors of the technology. But digital signs are more than an eye-catching novelty—they’re fast becoming a hallmark of modern education. Is it time for your school to go digital? Read on to discover how digital signage in schools is transforming the educational landscape.
Campuses are easier to navigate. Interactive campus directories are becoming fixtures at open houses and beyond. Using smartphones, students and visitors can download maps, directions, and parking information from digital signage. Touch screens allow visitors to embark on a more in-depth virtual exploration of the school.
School spirit is front and center. Why wait until the pep rally to celebrate your school? Schools are encouraging school spirit year-round through digital displays. Replaying a clip of the winning touchdown during an assembly promotes school spirit. Showcasing your school’s awards and achievements on a TV in a busy hallway builds school pride. It’s all possible with digital signage.
Students engage more. Gaining and retaining the attention of increasingly-distracted students is a challenge. Today’s educators are meeting students where they are by using interactive media. Video clips, sounds, touch screens and other curated content give students immersive learning experiences. Educators are also setting aside lectures and textbooks in favor of teaching with educational videos and visual information that’s simpler to recall.
Messaging that stands out. Digital displays can rotate many messages, allowing each one to get its due attention. By adding an end-date to an event, older messages are automatically removed. Students are more likely to tune in to messaging when they know it will be current and relevant.
Internal communication is tighter. Keeping everyone on the same page can be a challenge. Large college and university campuses and spread-out school districts compound the issue. By using digital signage networks, administrators can communicate targeted messages in real time. For example, an emergency faculty meeting can get pushed to the teacher’s lounge only. Messages relevant to teachers, staff, and students will receive a broader reach. Digital signage placed outside of conference rooms can inform others when space is booked or available.
Safety improves. Is there a tornado warning or fire drill taking place? In times of emergency—whether it’s real or for practice—it can be easy to get flustered and forget what to do. Digital signage offers the flexibility and visibility needed during these times. Staff can cast safety instructions to all central screens to provide students with step-by-step instructions. Additionally, digital displays can keep students abreast of weather updates. If weather conditions are becoming adverse, faculty, students, and staff will be prepared before they head outside.
Branding is sleeker. Branding is now a big part of college and university outreach. It’s becoming critical for elementary, middle, and high school educational institutions as well. Video walls are a popular way to turn up a school’s wow factor. Showing one large image, such as a logo, across many screens makes a considerable impact. Casting a different picture on each screen showcases a school’s many assets. The professional image quality of digital makes branding crystal clear. Educators also have greater control over digital signage so all messaging stays consistent with the institution’s branding.
Waste decreases. According to Edutopia, teachers run through an average of 50 reams of paper each year. Using digital signage instead allows educators to slash their school’s paper waste. Targeted digital messages replace costly—and often ignored—printed flyers. Cafeteria workers reuse interactive menu boards again and again to display specials. Teachers upload teaching instructions, class lists, and other information for their substitutes. Digital media is user-friendly for educators while also being friendly for the planet.
Innovation increases. Schools face shrinking budgets and growing costs. As a result, administrators need to seek new ways to reduce spending and increase revenue. We mentioned that moving to digital signage helps reduce costly paper use, but did you know that doing so can also create extra revenue? Some schools are able to gain extra income by selling digital advertising space to vetted businesses. The funds raised by advertising could easily pay down the initial investment of for the signage.
With so many schools adopting digital technology, now is a great time to join them. At Adler Display, we’ve been at the forefront of the display and exhibit industries for over 80 years. Our professional team will help you to select the best digital signage and media players to suit your needs and budget. We’d be thrilled to help you add your school to the growing list of educational institutions being transformed by digital signage. Contact us today to get started.
About Adler Display: Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, Adler Display brings more than 80 years of experience to its clients in need of recognition displays, lobby and corporate interiors, custom exhibits, historical timelines, trade show displays, and signage and graphics. For more information about Adler Display, please visit the website at https://adlerdisplay.com/ or call 855-552-3537.