In the modern society, schools are incorporating technology to enhance interactions, participation and cooperation. A technology that is slowly finding its way within classrooms and learning institutions is digital signage. What is more, far from being mere eye candies these dynamic displays can potentially transform the processes of information exchange in educational contexts. Here are the facts that every teacher should be aware of this revolutionary technology.
1. Digital Signage Enhances Communication
These include the conventional bulletin board and paper fliers, which are static, likely to wear out or get torn, and are generally ignored. These methods are substituted with bright and active screens that convey information in digital signage. Students are capable of using digital screens to inform their teachers about the next activities, deadlines or to present achievements of other students.
For instance, a digital screen in the lobby of the school may display daily programs, menus or quotes to encourage the students. In communication, teachers should work with administrators to forward important messages to the appropriate persons within a short span of time to avoid circulation of the wrong information.
2. Classroom Participation
You should not think of digital signage only as a solution for hallways or common areas, as it might be very useful inside classrooms as well. Digital screens can be used by teachers to teach lessons, present visual materials or even to give a quiz if need be. Multimedia in the form of videos, animations, and slideshows can help make lessons more appealing to students, while at the same time helping those with different learning disabilities.
In this case, imagine being able to teach a history class where a timeline of events is shown or a science class where the feed from a live experiment is shown in class. Digital signage transforms a page of information into an active, dynamic part of the lesson.
3. Redundancy in Information Management
School digital signage software enables the teachers and the administrators to make changes from an online interface. No more changing of posters or producing countless handouts. It only takes the click of a button to add new announcements, modify existing schedules or post new content according to present requirements.
This is especially advantageous during emergencies or when there is any change in the schedule. Digital signage makes it easier to provide up to date information and announcements across the campus.
4. Promoting Interaction and Innovation
Teachers can engage the students through participation in the creation of the content for the digital signage, in groups. For example, students can use graphics for school events, develop videos or present personal works. Not only does exhibiting student work on digital screens increase student self-esteem but also fosters ownership of the learning community.
Further, digital signage can also be used as a medium to link up different subjects’ projects. A digital storytelling project for instance can encompass writing, art, and technology.
5. A Cost-Effective Solution
Although the investment in digital signage at first may be costly, it is usually cheaper in the long run. Schools end up with reduced costs in printing and the disposal of disposable products. In addition, the fact that the software is based in the cloud and the hardware is relatively long-lasting means that it can grow with a company.
6. Main Issues for Teachers
· Ease of Use: Select interface friendly digital signage software which does not necessitate much special computer knowledge.
· Content Strategy: Always ensure to plan for the content as to make it as new as possible and interesting to the readership.
· Inclusion: Make certain that the signs are also for the benefit of the deaf, blind and those with poor vision by using speech to text or high contrast signs respectively.
Digital signage is not just a form of communication: it is a means of enriching learning, promoting creativity and creating community. In this way, the use of this technology will allow teachers to engage students more effectively, organize the classroom and turn it into a technology-enhanced classroom. For more information about digital signage in education get in touch today.
