Today’s college students are more on the go and tech-savvy than ever before, changing the way and speed at which they communicate with the world around them. These students are no longer looking at the community bulletin board for information – they are conditioned to video, screens, and Internet-based information made available to them directly and in real-time. As centers for growth and innovation, colleges must adapt accordingly. One of the ways universities are doing this is through the use of digital signage. Digital signage gives schools the ability to interact and communicate with students, faculty, and community members in a modern and attention-grabbing way. Here are five ways this technology is being used on college campuses.
Wayfinding
Campuses can be difficult to navigate, especially for prospective students and visitors who may not be familiar with the area. Placing layered digital maps in high-traffic areas can make it easier for people to find their destinations. And with mobile integration, individuals can have step-by-step directions sent to them via text or email.
Recruitment
In addition to providing navigational services, university administrators can use digital signage solutions to recruit prospective students who visit campus. For example, colleges can strategically place interactive kiosks throughout a campus tour route, giving those visitors and their families an opportunity to sign up to receive important applicant information, financial aid deadlines, and other recruitment announcements.
Event Calendar and Important Student Information
Keeping students informed is essential to academic performance, community participation, and public safety. Digital signs make it easy for schools to communicate with students regarding upcoming events, important deadlines, schedule changes, community news, and emergency announcements. And with deadlines constantly looming over students’ heads, digital signage can serve as an additional reminder of upcoming due dates, such as registration and/or tuition deadlines.
Queuing and Check-In for Student Services
From career services to the registrar’s office, college campuses are abuzz with busy administrative offices. These departments can greatly benefit from the use of interactive kiosks. Whether through queue management or self-service check-ins, kiosks can assist in minimizing student wait times, improving staff productivity, and aid in the collection and monitoring of important data.
Printing
Libraries and computer labs commonly serve as the primary printing stations on college campuses. However, interactive printing kiosks are becoming increasingly common. These kiosks can be installed throughout campus, providing a convenient and easy way to print class assignments, registration documents, financial aid forms, research papers, and much more.
Colleges and universities are quickly recognizing the numerous benefits interactive technology provides to students, faculty, and staff. More and more schools embrace digital signage and interactive kiosks as a way to streamline processes, improve communication, and bring the entire campus community together. And because these networks can be overseen by a single university staff member or department, managing content is easy, no matter how small or large the campus.
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