If you haven’t walked into a classroom recently, you might be surprised how technology has infiltrated our education system. From laptops and tablets to hi-tech projection screens and digital signage, schools are embracing technology and exploring how it can benefit their students. In many ways, technology has revolutionized the way that students learn. It can improve teachers’ ability to communicate with students, enhance the quality of assemblies and performances, and make lectures more efficient and engaging. If you’re interested in enhancing your students’ education, scroll down to learn about some of the top audio-visual equipment for schools.
VISUAL PRESENTATIONS
A variety of audio-visual equipment supports and enhances visual presentations. For example, digital projectors have begun replacing interactive whiteboards in the classroom. Many new projectors and displays have interactive features, including some that allow touch interactivity with a finger (as opposed to a pen) and multiple users. In addition, many projectors allow for wireless collaboration, which makes it easy for teachers and students to connect other devices to the equipment.
VIDEO CONFERENCING
Web-based conferencing systems facilitate educators’ ability to connect with remote speakers, other instructors, and students. For example, a teacher could use video conferencing to host a lecture, to consult with a student outside of class, or to conduct a parent-teacher conference. You could also use video conferencing for special classroom activities, like presentations and interviews with remote speakers.
SOUND SYSTEMS
Sound systems play an important role in many schools, from the ever-present loudspeaker to microphones for assemblies to speakers for musical performances. An up-to-date sound system can allow for efficient communication and increase the quality of presentations.
SCREEN DISPLAYS & DIGITAL SIGNAGE
A screen display can greatly enhance the presentation of information. In addition to allowing for visual presentations, as discussed above, schools can use screen displays on their own. For example, many schools incorporate digital signage to communicate with students, teachers, and staff without printing off new posters each day or writing on a dry-erase board. For example, perhaps your school’s entrance could incorporate a rotating digital sign that welcomes visitors, announces events, lists cafeteria offerings, and includes other important daily information.
STAGING AND LIGHTING EQUIPMENT
In an auditorium, staging and lighting equipment prove crucial. These elements can assist during lectures, presentations, assemblies, performing arts events, concerts, ceremonies, and more. Every school needs basic lighting and staging equipment, but you may wish to invest in more advanced equipment over time to improve the quality of your events.
KIOSKS
Offhand, a kiosk may seem like an odd addition to a school, but in fact, interactive kiosks are an excellent way to quickly deliver information. Colleges, in particular, can make great use of kiosks. Students can utilize kiosks to sign up for activities and purchase books, and visitors can use kiosks to obtain important information. Kiosks can be used in a variety of other ways (and in a variety of other schools) as well.
Although not comprehensive, this list should help you begin your exploration of the benefits of audio-visual technology within the classroom. Through the careful use of these tools, many educators are fundamentally changing the way they teach and, in doing so, improving their students’ education.
If you would like to enhance your school’s education system through audio-visual technology, please contact Southwest Audio-Visual. We provide a variety of A-V products and services, including audio-visual equipment for schools. We can help you enhance your classrooms with projection screens, add digital signage to your cafeteria or gymnasium, and improve your auditorium with stage lighting and professional HD camcorders. We even rent out equipment for special presentations and events, like large stages, risers, screen displays, and sound systems.
To get started, please contact us online or give us a call at 877-887-4900 (Springfield), 636-225-4327 (St. Louis), or 918-381-1964 (Tulsa). We would be happy to help you with all of your A-V needs.