Digital signage in education and schools

Digital signage - making schools stimulating and exciting

Why do schools need digital signage? The simple answer is that we are all bombarded with information and schools need to compete. Just as the humble blackboard had to give way to the interactive whiteboard as technology developed, now the whiteboard must be replaced by more contemporary technologies if schools are to be seen as stimulating modern places that are fun and exiting to work and learn in.

Competition has entered the world of education. Everything from SATS test results to the ambiance of the reception area is judged, openly or subliminally, by everyone who enters the building, by prospective parents, by students, by OFSTED inspectors. Schools that don't or can't meet the expectations of each of these varied groups will struggle to be seen as providing a stimulating environment, a key requirement if they are to be deemed successful.

But these arguments, vital as they are in the current competitive climate, are perhaps overshadowed by the real value that digital signage can deliver. It is a very powerful form of communicating information and schools, and learning, are all about communication. In short digital signage has much to offer schools from the reception area to the classroom and beyond.



Digital Signage is Schools - The Equipment

So what does digital signage comprise in the context of a school environment? At its simplest, a digital signage system can be one or more display screens linked to one or more PCs. In practice, it is likely to include a network of computers linked to multiple display devices. The complexity of the system will be driven by the size of the school, how many classrooms etc, the requirements of the teaching staff (in turn depending on the age and curriculum being followed by students) and inevitably the available budget.

The display devices are likely to range from a HD (high definition) screen in areas where large format devices are needed, such as in reception areas. In smaller environments, such as classrooms, lower spec displays may be suitable where impact is not quite so important and screen size is probably smaller.

Display devices need information and data to display. In a classroom situation the requirement may be as simple as showing a video from a DVD. Used imaginatively it may include students interacting with the technology from using the Internet to find information to completing multiple choice tests. In public areas, digital signage has the potential to deliver benefits with much more impact. At its most advanced, the messages displayed can be delivered by RSS feeds, updated in real time to respond to emergency or other current situations and scheduled according to the audience seeing them at different times of the day and evening. Technology can increasingly offer more imaginative and creative formatting and design capability.

As with every computer controlled system, the hardware is only half the investment. Digital signage software is developing at perhaps an even greater rate than the associated hardware. The result is vast improvements in the creativity of formatting and ways in which multiple messages can be displayed simultaneously.

Digital signage is schools - the package

Digital signage systems may be robust but all technical equipment needs maintenance and the robustness or otherwise of a system is worth considering from the outset.

A support package is always a wise investment but how easy a system is to support, and therefore how expensive, needs consideration. How easy will it be to replace or substitute a broken or damaged unit? How scalable is the system and how secure is it? Is the data backed up effectively?

Digital signage in schools - the benefits

We are surrounded by digital signage - advertisements, travel information, directions - and this is set to continue especially in the retail environment with interactive signage. Students, especially the under 18s still in school, have grown up in this information overload world and are programmed to it with the result that they can easily ignore anything without impact. Digital signage in schools can provide that impact and when used wisely to deliver well considered information can considerably enhance the way a school communicates with students, staff and visitors alike.

The learning experience

Children are used to interacting with technology there can be very few that have not played computer games and bringing this into their school experience can only enthuse them in the classroom. Also they will enter a world of work where computer technology is ubiquitous and familiarity with it in the form of digital signage can only stand them in good stead.

Information dissemination

Especially in larger schools, providing information on what is going where and when and even what is on the lunch menu can be a major exercise. A digital signage system with displays at strategic locations throughout the site ensures that students and staff alike are fully informed.

Image

Schools need to promote themselves to their visitors. How better than to have examples of students work and achievements presented on HD displays in reception areas as visitors and guests enter. It also gives students pride in their work and achievements and can have huge benefits in terms of morale and student self esteem.

Motivation

We all like our achievements recognised by our peers. Children in particular like the idea of being on TV. HD displays showing children's work and even musical or dramatic performances are powerful motivators.

Safety

The speed with which a digital signage network can disseminate information throughout a large school building can be literally a life saver should a serious emergency arise. Fire evacuations are just one example, but anything from an intruder on the premises to a chemical spillage in the chemistry department, require instructions to be conveyed quickly, clearly and with authority.

Revenue

In these cash strapped times, there is even the possibility of DS providing schools with the ability to offer advertising opportunities to carefully vetted product and service providers. Who could object to revenue generated by advertising the local sports centre facilities being used to improve sports provision on the school site?

Digital signage in schools - the future

Schools are part of our community and therefore willingly or otherwise must adopt the technologies and practices of society at large. Digital signage is around us wherever we go and schools can chose to adopt it and use it well and wisely to improve and enhance their students learning experiences. Schools that are less innovative are likely to get left behind and quite simply have less to offer the communities they serve.

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