Digital signage for education

Digital signage for education is fast proving to be the most powerful means of communication and messaging in the 21st century; but what does digital signage for education achieve that a normal static message board doesn’t.  Well the first key element is in that word “static.

Digital Signage Solutions for Education – Getting Attention

The human eye is instinctively drawn to something that is moving; it’s a natural and automatic reaction that immediately gives you the opportunity to then keep that attention for whatever message you wish to impart.

With digital signage the means of presenting information is very varied and can include video, Flash animation, moving text, alternating images, RSS feeds or even live TV.  Though it’s worth noting for those designing a digital signage template that often “less is more” and too much moving information can mean a screen is so busy that important messages can be lost!

That aside, a well designed digital signage template with say, an attractive video, can easily catch the attention of a passer-by and give you the chance to use this opportunity to present useful information.

Uses of Digital Signage for Education

So what use is digital signage for education?  In fact there are many including, highlighting students achievements through a text message or photograph, showcasing a new school success or facility, reporting sports scores, highlighting a particular health and safety issue, promoting out of school activities or simply to remind staff or students of a forthcoming event.  What a great way to reward hard work by having your success broadcast across the school TV system!

Digital signage can also allow a school to reinforce their own ‘branding’ or ethos through well designed graphics and create an excellent first impression for any visitor or prospective parent.  In most school reception areas there will be a seated area for waiting visitors and, again, this is a perfect captive audience to ‘advertise’ a schools achievements.

Managing Digital Signage for Education Announcements

Unlike a static notice board, digital signage does not need someone to remember to pin particular poster in time for it to be of value.  Instead most digital signage solutions for education will enable the administrator (of which they can be more than one) to schedule announcements in advance with exact detail of the date and time that it should appear.

The content management system for each digital signage solution for education will also vary with some being very simple and perfect for ‘non-IT’ savvy users, whilst other systems can offer much greater flexibility but may be more complex to use.  The content management solutions will also vary in terms of how much you can change within a template.  Most solutions will allow a school to create their own designs (perfect if you have some talented art or marketing students) with other solutions proving fixed templates allowing only changes to content.

You are not limited to just one screen either, most digital signage systems for education will enable as many screens as you need to cover the key points of the school campus.  Using your existing wired network, or perhaps even a wireless network, you can display the same information across as many screens as is necessary for the subject.  Most schools will use different template and content depending upon the location of the screen, for example a screen in reception will be designed for visitors or students passing through, whilst the screen in the school canteen may have all the lasted healthy menu options of the day.

Choosing the Right Digital Signage Solution for Education

Choosing the right digital signage for education should be done carefully as the pricing structure of every solution will be different with some providing an ‘all-in-one’ package with all necessary hardware and software, with other solutions being software only and each unique screen content requiring a new licence.

Having a long term plan for your digital signage will, therefore, be essential.  Consider both your immediate plans and longer term as this could significantly influence the best value system for your school.  But, ultimately, digital signage for education is an excellent way to impress, reward and inform; just remember that (just like a website) ‘content is king’ and someone needs to keep it up to date!

The SchoolCare Recommendation?

One of the leading digital signage solutions for education is Samsung MagicInfo Pro, an out-of-the-box system comprising an LCD screen with built in PC technology and display software.  The Samsung MagicInfo system enables the user to have complete control over their template designs, updating of content and scheduling of each screen on their network.  The user can update each screen with any combination of videos, images, Flash files or text and you can even access live media sources from TV to websites.  MagicInfo also allows your network administrator to have complete control over all the screens with a management software that can be used to monitor each display and remotely control them.

For schools looking for a neat, easy to set up digital signage system that allows complete control, then the Samsung MagicInfo is an ideal choice.

For more information contact SchoolCare on 0845 86 22 661.