In today’s fast-paced educational landscape, technology is transforming the way educators teach and students learn. Interactive digital signage and the corresponding software are leading the charge, enhancing communication and engagement in classrooms, campuses, and learning environments. These touch screen digital signage solutions allow for schools to connect with students in a highly dynamic and engaging way.
Interactive signage is not just about broadcasting information, it’s about creating two-way interactions. With interactive displays and modern digital signage, educators can provide immersive learning experiences, foster collaboration, and enhance communication like never before. Let’s explore how these panels are shaping the future of education.
What are interactive digital signage panels and how are they used?
Interactive digital signage refers to display systems that allow users to interact with content in real time, typically through touch enabled screens. Unlike traditional static displays, these systems encourage active engagement and two way communication, making them ideal for modern educational settings.
Powered by software, these displays serve multiple purposes.
- They provide real-time updates on school events, timetables, and announcements through panels installed throughout common spaces and in classrooms.
- Offering interactive lessons and quizzes to boost student participation and help them retain the information.
- Enabling wayfinding maps for large campuses whether through touch enabled signage or static panels.
- Displaying educational videos, live streams, and interactive learning materials with internet access built into the panels.
The integration of interactive signage is revolutionizing the way schools communicate and teach, ensuring information is accessible, engaging, and easy to understand for all.
Two of the largest suppliers of interactive panels are Clear Touch and Promethean.Both are very popular among educators but a few stand out features are:
Clear Touch Panels:
Clear Touch interactive panels offer high-definition displays and advanced multitouch technology, making them perfect for collaborative classroom activities. They come with software tools designed for lesson planning, annotation, and interactive games. Specifically their A+ flat panel series:
- Provides an immersive experience with 4K resolution, up to 40 points of touch, a built-in top-oriented sound bar and microphone array, and a convenient camera USB port location.
- Can be easily integrated with your existing devices and platforms with the panel’s sleek design, Google applications and Play Store access, powerful Android 13 OS, and a range of connectivity options.
- And is able to transform your classroom into a dynamic and collaborative learning environment with Clear Touch’s award-winning software suite, which includes tools for collaboration, annotation, presentation, and gamification. Add the Adjustable Mobile Stand to increase equity for all users.
Promethean Interactive Panels
Promethean panels provide a robust platform for immersive teaching, featuring tools for dynamic presentations, real-time polling, and lesson customization. These panels integrate seamlessly with educational software to enhance student participation and engagement. Their ActivPanel series has options for every budget, but their LX version allows for future proofing of classrooms.
- Bring future-proof security to your existing tech – An OS-free design means there’s one less device on your network, and one less thing to worry about. No data can be stored on the panel, nor do they need to be updated.
- Streamline your day – Simply select the computing module that works for you Windows OPS-M, EDLA certified OPS-A, Chromebox, or connect your own device – and stay relevant when tech evolves.
- Providing a sustainable solution – The durable, interchangeable design saves energy, money, and reduces waste. Simply replace the connected computing device when needed, not the entire panel.
Read More: Creative Innovations for Teachers in Modern Classrooms
Examples of Uses in Education
Interactive digital signage solutions are versatile and can be utilized in many ways across educational institutions. Below are some practical examples of how they might be used in a typical educational setting:
1. Interactive Touch Screen Displays for Learning
Touch screen digital signage is particularly effective for creating hands-on learning experiences. For instance:
- Interactive Panels: These interactive displays replace traditional whiteboards, allowing teachers to write, draw, and manipulate content digitally and save their work for students to review lessons at a later time.
- Digital Signage: Set up in libraries, lobbies, or classrooms, these screens can display videos, provide search capabilities for resources or display school trivia.
2. Panels for Campus Communication
Schools and universities are increasingly adopting Panels to display:
- Daily announcements, such as upcoming exams and events or the lunch menu for the week.
- Emergency alerts and safety instructions – like alerting of a snow storm later that week with the potential of a delay or cancelation of classes.
- School announcements to foster a sense of community – like highlighting the past week’s sport highlights or upcoming theater performances.
3. Digital Displays for Wayfinding
Navigating large school campuses can be a challenge for new students or visitors. Interactive digital wayfinding maps simplify this process, offering touch-enabled directories that guide users to classrooms, libraries, and other facilities.
An example of wayfinding software is the Samsung MagicINFO, which provides a cloud-based solution for displaying content across multiple screens. In a scholastic setting, a MagicINFO setup would enable you to simultaneously adjust the contents of every screen. For instance, if a teacher were to call out for back-to-school night, you could eliminate that classroom from the wayfinding map, preventing parents from going to the wrong room.
4. Gamified Learning Experiences
Interactive panels also allow for teachers to incorporate games into their lesson plans. Educators can gamify learning through quizzes, puzzles, and interactive exercises, enhancing student engagement and retention by making the topics more fun.
5. Virtual Field Trips
Through interactive displays, students can explore new places without leaving the classroom. Virtual field trips bring the world into the classroom, offering immersive, educational experiences through touch screens and videos. Bringing experiences to the classroom also enhances the inclusivity of activities. For example, those with limited mobility or hearing impairments can be included with their usual accommodations already set up within the classroom.
Read More: Back-to-School A/V Trends for K-12 Schools
Setting Up Interactive Displays in the Classroom
Implementing interactive digital signage in classrooms or campuses requires careful planning, but advancements in technology have made the process simpler than ever. Here’s how educators can get started:
Hardware Requirements
To set up interactive digital panels, schools need the following components:
- Interactive Panels: Touch-enabled screens, such as smart boards, tablets, or kiosks.
- Media Players: Devices to manage and play interactive content on the screens.
- Mounting Solutions: Stands, carts, or wall mounts for flexible installation and each classroom can utilize a different solution to best fit their needs.
- Touch Interfaces: These ensure smooth interactivity, allowing students and teachers to interact with the content intuitively.
Software Requirements
Using the right software is essential for creating, managing, and updating content on your panels. Features to look for include:
- User-friendly interface for ease of lesson creation.
- Cloud-based management for real-time updates.
- Interactive tools for quizzes, videos, and animations to gamify learning.
- Compatibility with touch screen devices.
- Integration with learning management systems (LMS) for seamless content sharing.
Difficulty Level and Installation
Installing digital signage panels is easier than ever, thanks to plug-and-play systems. Schools can work with a professional audio visual integrator like Pro AV Systems to ensure seamless installation and minimal disruption. The complexity largely depends on the scale of implementation, but most solutions can be up and running within days. Pro AV will also work with your schedule and can install equipment after school hours ensuring no disruption happens during the school day.
Benefits of Touch Screen Digital Signage for Educators
The adoption of interactive digital signage offers numerous advantages for educators and students:
1. Enhanced Engagement
Interactive displays encourage students to actively participate in lessons. Quizzes, games, and videos keep students engaged and excited about learning.
2. Real-Time Communication
From announcements to emergency alerts, digital screens ensure information reaches students, staff, and parents quickly and effectively.
3. Improved Collaboration
With touch enabled tools, students can work together on projects, share ideas, and interact with digital learning materials.
4. Dynamic Learning Materials
Educators can use digital signage software to display videos, live streams, and interactive lessons, catering to different learning styles.
5. Cost-Effective and Sustainable
Digital signage reduces the need for printed materials, saving costs while being environmentally friendly.
6. Accessibility for All Students
Interactive signage ensures all students, including those with disabilities, can access information and learning materials through customizable interfaces and tools. Additionally, choosing an adjustable mount enhances the inclusivity of the panel as well.
Conclusion
Interactive digital signage is transforming the education sector by improving communication, enhancing engagement, and modernizing the classroom experience. From touch screens to interactive digital displays, these tools empower educators to create engaging and collaborative learning environments within their classrooms.
As technology continues to evolve, investing in panels is a step toward a more connected and immersive educational future. Whether you are looking for a single classroom solution or a campus-wide implementation, Pro AV Systems is here to help.
Take the next step in enhancing your school’s learning environment. Request a Quote or Contact Us Today to explore how Pro AV Systems can help!
