Digital signage is now widely used across the public sector, and in recent years educational institutions have been unlocking the potential of LED display screens. Schools, colleges, and universities throughout the UK are upgrading their facilities and improving the way that they communicate with students, staff, and visitors.

Here’s a look at some of the benefits this technology has to offer educational institutions, with some real world examples.

Interactive learning hubs

LED screens can be integrated with interactive technology to create enhanced classroom learning environments. With a simple touch screen operation, students can take part in educational games and quizzes for an educational purpose that combines learning with fun.

Up to the minute messages

Digital screens can be updated in real time to display information about timetable changes, meetings, clubs and societies, sports events, and so on. This cuts out a lot of manual administrative work and saves on paper and printing. It also means that staff and students will always be viewing information that is accurate and relevant. 

Furthermore, the messages can be enhanced with colourful and eye-catching graphics, which makes it more likely that students will take notice and read important information without the need for staff to constantly reiterate it. 

Wayfinding

Large educational campuses can be a challenge for new students and staff to navigate, particularly as they are typically required to move around several classrooms, labs, or sports facilities each day. 

Real world example

Leicester College is one of the largest colleges in the UK, with over 26,000 students and 1,600 staff. It has recently installed a digital signage network to deliver real-time and relevant information across its three campuses, and to help fulfil its commitments to reducing its carbon footprint by reducing the use of traditional paper and printing methods.

Speaking to Rave Pubs, Harshad Taylor, director of IT at Leicester College, shared insights into the motivation behind this project.

He said: “Leicester College is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint, and we recognized the need for a more sustainable and current method of sharing information across campuses. Traditional paper-based methods were not only environmentally unfriendly but also lacked real-time relevance.”

He added: “Having prior experience with digital signage systems, we sought a solution that could seamlessly provide up-to-date information and engaging content accessible across multiple campuses.” 

Looking ahead, Taylor outlined plans for the project’s expansion: “We have successfully completed Phase 1 of the project, and our aim is to extend the digital signage network to other areas of the College in the future. We see great potential in further enhancing communication and engagement across our diverse campus.”

Larger educational institutions are often fragmented over several campuses, sometimes in different locations across a town or city. This can make it a challenge to create a cohesive message system and foster a sense of community. Now the power of digital screens can help to overcome these physical barriers and enhance the learning experience.