Digital natives are used to receiving information in a flurry of rapid updates triggered by alerts and notifications. Their minds process information quickly as they scroll through simple messages, engaging images, and quick videos. Schools understand this and are investing in and implementing hardware that mimics what everyone on campus is familiar with: digital screens.
Digital displays placed in high traffic areas of a campus such as building entrances, hallways, classrooms, etc., give those walking by the information they need when they need it. Content administrators have learned to create simple, short and direct messages so that information can be grasped at a glance.
What kinds of information can be shared campus-wide on digital screens?
- Greetings and welcome messages for visitors
- Daily and weekly lunch menus including updates
- Times of parent-teacher-student meetings
- School and student club staff meetings and minutes
- Special recognition for class and/or student achievement
- Calendar of special events and sports activities (weekly, monthly)
Screens can also help boost student participation in school-related activities such as Spirit Weeks, fundraising opportunities, and school-wide special events like STEM nights and art fairs. When messages are accessible and widespread, building a strong school culture is more likely.
To help ensure that relevant information is seen by as many people as possible, a digital signage solution must have visually bright, anti-glare screens that do not distort images, text or video. These advanced displays will also feature color calibration, fine-tuning of image quality and a flicker-free display so that messages are clearly visible without interruptions or glitches.
Smooth and user-friendly messaging capabilities will also appeal to school administrators and teachers who have access to the content management platform. For example, the MimioDS displays include the award-winning CleverLive platform that allows administrators to create, schedule, and deliver information using pre-made templates or custom content. Teachers with user permissions can also customize their classroom content, such as morning messages, question of the day, science lab data, streaming videos, and more.
Because digital signage can convey all types of information, districts invest time and effort in finding a comprehensive solution that includes campus security. With the growing need to alert the campus and community of emergency events, a digital signage solution that includes silent alarm or teacher mic alert capabilities is essential. For example, the state of Texas has proposed a School Safety Standards Rule to “keep schools safe and ensure minimum safety standards to keep students and staff safe” in their public schools. To learn how Texas does it, click here.
While the use of digital signage isn’t necessarily new to K-12 schools, how and why districts and schools are using them to benefit their staff, students, and surrounding community is changing. . Considering the value of a digital signage solution and how it can adapt to future needs is worth the time and effort invested.
To explore the Mimio DS series and find out how it can help districts and schools create a more interactive and informed campus environment, click here – Mimio DS series.
To learn more about Boxlight’s strong portfolio of award-winning solutions, visit www.boxlight.com.