5 Ways to Use Digital Signage in Higher Education

Modern students get information differently than previous generations did.  Before the age of the Internet and fast microprocessors, students could only use books and write down what they saw on a chalkboard. Today, as much as 97 percent of students prefer to get information in a digital form. Now we can record, read, and share information much more efficiently. New technologies, however, don’t make perceiving some sorts of information easier.

For instance, college students often receive endless emails with various announcements and other useful information but don’t read these emails. The reason is that the information isn’t presented in an easy-to-understand way. Colleges and universities distribute tons of information all the time, and not all of this information is related to classes.

There is a lot of information students need to know, including their schedule, updates about tests, lunch options, etc. Administrators have to deliver all this data and make sure that students will see it. At the same time, they must make sure that students will actually comprehend it without feeling overloaded. Fortunately, schools are no longer limited to emails and cork boards. About 70 percent of colleges use digital signage systems, which offer a number of benefits.

Benefits of Digital Signage Systems

• Digital signage is cost-effective

Obviously, digital signage is a great alternative to printed materials. There’s no need to print hundreds of copies that will be thrown away shortly after immediate use. If a school needs to announce a certain event, digital signage is a perfect solution.

• Digital signage grabs attention

When you see a static poster or email filled with text, it’s hard to focus on the information that is really important to you. Digital signage is eye-catching. You can present more information in the form of a dynamic image, and it will be easier to comprehend.

• Digital signage is actionable

When people see visual information, it’s more likely to trigger an emotional response. Digital signage drives action, which is great if you need to make an important emergency announcement or remind students about a schedule change or due date.

Digital communication became even more important because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Various organizations, including colleges, hospitals, hotels, and grocery stores, need to communicate prevention measures, and digital signage is a perfect solution. Digital signage enables educational institutions to display reminders and news. Given that the situation changes all the time, it can be difficult to keep your content up to date. However, many digital signage systems work with cloud-based CMSs so publishers can quickly update their messages from anywhere in the world.

Using digital signage is a great choice when it comes to raising public awareness. Digital signage systems enable organizations to deliver relevant messages in real time, educating the public about the quarantine restrictions and plans for the future. For institutions scheduled to reopen with physical classes in the fall, it’s also imperative to prepare students the “new normal” by spreading positive messages and clearly communicating new protocol.

Industry players have also been developing new digital signage systems that can use cameras and AI to count people in addition to infrared temperature sensors combined with advanced AI algorithms to detect fevers. Combining digital signage systems with cameras and biometric systems now enables the tracking of whether individuals wear masks and keep social distance.

How to Use Digital Signage in Higher Education

1. Informing

Colleges and universities can make information available exactly when it’s needed. You can schedule and update the content remotely and then display it on screens at the right time. Given that digital signage enables you to use dynamic content, you can also translate your content from English to other languages, making sure that students who have English as their second language will understand all the important information correctly.

2. Wayfinding

Freshmen and visitors might need some help with navigation on campus so you can use digital signage systems to help everyone find their way. A great thing about digital signage is that you can sync your messages with scheduled events so that people will not only see advertisements about social and sports events but also be able to quickly find their way to these events. All you should do is display relevant content on screens located in the right area.

3. Reinforcing learning

Digital signage also gives educators many opportunities to enhance their students’ learning experience. For instance, you can use digital signage to show slides and play videos related to certain topics that students study in the classroom. Some teachers may worry that screens can distract students, but if they choose the right content, screens can help students memorize the most important information. For example, slides may contain bullet points, diagrams, and graphs related to the topic.

4. Improving campus safety

Digital signage is especially useful when it comes to urgent calls to action. For instance, universities use digital signage as a part of their emergency plans. If there is a need to quickly evacuate students or to lock down the campus, digital signage can provide emergency instructions and guide students to a safe place. Besides, you can use digital signage to remind students of the necessary precautions.

5. Creating a sense of community

Colleges and universities are more than just educational institutions. Students spend most of their life on campus so their school is also a very important part of their social lives. Digital signage is a great tool that can help college communities celebrate students’ collective and individual achievements. For example, schools can use digital signage to display sports results and to deliver branded messages. Digital signage can also help schools share information about fundraising activities and various social events.

Wrapping Up

Digital signage offers countless benefits for educators, enabling them to share important information in real time and presenting it in an easy-to-understand form. Digital signage can be used both outside and inside the classroom. Schools can use digital signage systems to provide important instructions, to share news, and to enhance students’ in-class experience. Synch systems can also help improve student safety.