Effectively, digital signage translates as increased enrollment figures and better school reviews. Learn how your institution can harness the power of digital signage to gain a competitive edge.

The emergence of a digital media culture has effectively forced educational institutions to embrace digital signage. Why? To keep in touch with audiences that are becoming increasingly hard to reach using traditional methods.

As a result of this need, digital signage use across the education sector is becoming increasingly popular and currently ranks in the top ten of the fastest growing markets implementing digital signage networks. Equally, the extent to which digital signage is sold into the education sector makes it one of the world's major digital signage markets.

The digital generation is constantly barraged with digital information. Therefore, without digital signage your educational institution risks getting left behind, unable to compete in the communication stakes. In the end, you face the prospect of losing touch with an evolving audience.

Your educational institution has to embrace digital signage in order to become a modern, stimulating environment in which to learn, work and reach out to the wider community. Literally, digital signage will change the way in which your educational institution is perceived.

It's an unfortunate fact, but the education sector is now more competitive than ever. Take a high school for example, whether openly or subconsciously, from the moment a parent, potential student, inspector or visitor enters that school’s reception area it’s under scrutiny.

The absence of digital signage means the school could struggle to meet the informational needs of this varying audience, and gives the impression that creating a stimulating environment is not high on the agenda. In contrast, a high school with digital signage enhances the image of that school.

In competitive terms, the presence of digital signage outshines the cluttered, ancient school noticeboard, which is dull, uninspiring and often displaying outdated information. Effectively, digital signage translates as increased enrollment figures and better school reviews, because first impressions count.

Much like the phasing out of the blackboard to make way for interactive white boards, digital signage marks the dawn of a new era for the education sector.

Digital signage cuts cutting costs

The installation of digital signage immediately cuts costs. How? By reducing paper & printer use. Over the lifespan of a digital signage unit, your educational institution stands to save thousands of pounds on paper and printer toner.

Additionally, you would no longer have to rely on third-party advertising methods to reach your audience. Eliminate the need to advertise events in local newspapers and reduce your advertising spend.

Digital signage enhances the learning experience

Children and students are familiar with technological interaction, and introducing digital signage to your facility will serve to enthuse them in a classroom or lecture theater setting. Visual stimulation appeals much more than a lesson, or lecture, confined to a text book.

The digital signage system that you implement doesn’t have to be complex. All you need is a screen, media player and protection for your display, then you’re pretty much all set.

It improves information dissemination

A particular benefit for larger institutions, you can distribute targeted information quickly. Having a network of digital signage displays positioned strategically enables you to display multiple messages, simultaneously targeting the right audience in the right location.

In one all-encompassing campaign you reach staff, students and visitors, minus the hassle of assembling an army of leaflet distributors to hand out information. Everything from canteen menus to promoting university proms can be displayed using digital signage.

It improves your image

Imagine, a parent enters your institution’s reception area and they’re greeted by an eye-catching LCD digital signage display showcasing the work of students and proudly displaying your achievements.

Digital signage makes you memorable when first impressions count, a deciding factor if trying to persuade a parent to send a pupil to your school, or convincing a student to enrol at your college or university.

A strong image also motivates your current crop of students, boosting morale and self-esteem. Students feel a sense of recognition, after all, what student doesn’t want their achievements taking centre stage?

It improves safety

For speed of information distribution to all areas of an educational facility, digital signage can save lives. In the event of a fire, for example, digital signage can serve as an exit guidance system.

It makes you money

Installation of a digital signage network gives you the opportunity to rent out a display to selected product and service providers.

For example, if you're a university campus, there are businesses that would pay a handsome sum to access your student demographic with a targeted advertising campaign.

The great advantage of making your digital signage available for rent is that you can quickly make a return on investment. Beyond that, revenue generated will boost your institution’s coffers.

Credit: by Daniel Waldron

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