It’s no surprise that today’s generation expects instantaneous access to information. Finding answers to questions was once time-consuming and involved research methodologies. Maybe you had to go to the library or bookstore—maybe you even had to handwrite a letter. Now, finding information takes little effort. With a few simple clicks, results appear on the screen.

Educational institutions have a tremendous amount of information to convey, and an audience with little time to spend reading it. Students, whether they’re in elementary school or doing graduate work at university, share a commonality. They are used to using their fingers to search for information using touchscreens, whether it’s their smartphone, laptops, or iPads.

It makes sense that the digital experience also extends into schools. With printing and paper costs becoming an increasingly analyzed budget line, streamlining communications is a valuable cost-savings tool. Using digital signage in schools is an eco-sustainable, effective solution to the many informational needs of those on campus.

Offering much more than a simple directory, youRhere’s interactive information hubs are limitless knowledge banks. Whether helping newcomers navigate their way to faculties and classes, or sharing photos of former alumni, digital interactive hubs have a past, present and future in education systems.

Identifying the multi-layered needs of communication within educational institutions, youRhere has developed software features that provide flexible and affordable signage solutions for schools, colleges, and universities. Rotating messaging is displayed in an engaging format—everything happens in one space. Years of school photos can be digitized and celebrated in interactive displays, encouraging present-day students to engage with the school’s history, and digital signage is a clever way for schools to increase their brand awareness.

“If the school has been around for 50 years, you haven’t got room for that amount of class pictures,” explains Scot Martin, President and CEO of youRhere. “You can put up a touch screen that would allow someone interested in looking at a past class to find them quickly and easily on a single screen.”

Honouring alumni through multimedia photo displays is fantastic for sharing the wealth of graduation photos and historical information, without cluttering walls with aging photos. Awareness of benefactors and their historical influence on the school can also be raised in an engaging, visually appealing format.

“When alumni come back to visit, they are tremendously disappointed if they can’t find anything that helps them reminisce about the old days,” Martin says. “They’re delighted if they can pull up pictures of their team, their classmates, or their favourite teacher. All those things can be searched for and found quickly with interactive digital signage.”

Wayfinding technology allows students to easily locate classrooms, lecture halls, the nearest elevator, and the cafeteria. Students can access maps for the full campus, rather than just for the building they are in, allowing them to better understand the campus layout, including parking facilities. QR codes offer students the opportunity to scan the directions to their phone, ensuring they have consistent guidance even after they leave the digital signage space.

Those with visual impairments can access text to voice options with headphones. Standalone units are virtually height-adjustable, ensuring accessibility is no barrier for anyone in a wheelchair. There are few limitations with digital signage.

After class, live transit information displayed on the interactive hubs makes it easy for students to get home safely without waiting around outside for the next bus, which could be 20 minutes away. Updates on potentially hazardous weather conditions can be clearly displayed on interactive digital signage. In the event of an emergency, displaying critical instructions to students can assist with evacuation efforts. Conveying important health and safety reminders is a valuable use of digital screens in education settings. When you need to inform people quickly, digital signage complements your communication tools.

Over in the student union building, interactive hubs can promote textbook sales, fundraising activities, happy hour and lunch specials. For sports fans, excitement and hype are generated through displays of future game schedules or last night’s game highlights.

youRhere’s digital screens are updated remotely through a simple content management system (CMS). The system is so easy to use, updates can even be completed from a smartphone. youRhere will also provide editable templates, making your latest communication a breeze to convey.

While youRhere’s digital signage offers mega messaging possibilities, the cost is surprisingly small. Screens can be purchased outright or leased and paid for over a contracted period. To offset costs, advertising space can be sold to local businesses, or to advertise local events.

Interactive digital hubs provide a green, sustainable solution to educational communication requirements. Scot Martin is the CEO of youRhere, a leading provider of digital signage solutions for commercial, retail, healthcare, and educational properties across Canada. To learn more, visit www.yourhere.ca

Red Deer Polytechnic Donor and Alumni Wall

In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, fostering meaningful connections between institutions, donors, alumni, and students is paramount. Digital donor and alumni walls have emerged as innovative solutions, breathing life into campus environments while honouring those who contribute to their vitality. This modern donor and alumni wall by youRhere at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) proves just that.

About Red Deer Polytechnic

Red Deer Polytechnic, located in the city of Red Deer, Alberta, is a dynamic institution with a rich history spanning nearly 60 years. It has become a cornerstone of quality education in Alberta, offering a diverse range of programs, including apprenticeships, certificates, diplomas, micro-credentials, and degrees.

With a commitment to hands-on learning and a focus on preparing graduates for success, Red Deer Polytechnic serves over 6,300 credit and apprenticeship students, along with more than 3,400 extended education students. The campus has grown significantly since its inception in 1964.

The Red Deer Polytechnic Foundation and Alumni Awards

The Red Deer Polytechnic Foundation, established in 1982, provides an opportunity for supporters, well-wishers, and the community to impact learners by serving as a fundraising arm, attracting increased financial support for learners and programs, and cultivating a committed volunteer base.

Through initiatives such as the annual “Sweaters for Scholarships,” Red Deer Polytechnic encourages community members to donate to student scholarships and to share a photo of themselves with friends, coworkers, or family in a festive sweater on National Ugly Sweater Day to show their commitment. Such initiatives, which see more than $1 million in awards and student scholarships annually, have helped to educate and train students, address labour market demand, and contribute to the economic growth of Alberta and Canada at large.

Additionally, Red Deer Polytechnic boasts a vast network of alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and communities. These alumni serve as ambassadors for the institution, embodying its values of excellence, integrity, and lifelong learning.

The institution takes immense pride in its alumni through two annual alumni awards—the Alumni Legacy Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award—aimed at celebrating their achievements and creating a lasting impact its alumni have on the school community and current students.

As Red Deer Polytechnic continues to grow, the continued support of donors, alumni, and volunteers remains essential to maximizing the unique potential that lies ahead.

The Need for a Digital Donor and Alumni Wall

With a rich history of academic excellence and a commitment to student success, Red Deer Polytechnic sought to create a dynamic space that would not only recognize donors and alumni but also inspire future support and connection.

Traditional donor and alumni walls, while serving their purpose, lacked the dynamism and interactivity desired by the institution.

Red Deer Polytechnic envisioned a space where past achievements and ongoing contributions could be celebrated in real-time, fostering a sense of pride and connection among students, faculty, alumni, and visitors alike. The challenge was to find a solution that seamlessly integrated modern technology with the rich history and culture of the institution.

youRhere’s Solution and Implementation

In pursuit of its vision for campus enhancement, Red Deer Polytechnic partnered with youRhere to design and implement a digital donor and alumni wall that would serve as a focal point of engagement and inspiration. Leveraging youRhere’s expertise in digital signage and immersive experiences, the collaboration yielded a solution that exceeded expectations.

The digital donor and alumni wall seamlessly integrates into the campus environment, blending modern aesthetics with rich multimedia content. Interactive displays allowed visitors to explore donor profiles, alumni achievements, and campus milestones in real time, fostering a deeper connection to the institution’s legacy and impact.

Key elements of the solution included:

Real-time Updates

One of the key innovations introduced by youRhere was the ability to display real-time updates on donations, achievements, and events. Through seamless integration with Red Deer Polytechnic’s existing systems, the digital donor and alumni wall became a dynamic platform for celebrating successes and keeping the community informed and involved.

Customized Design

Leveraging youRhere’s design capabilities, the digital donor and alumni wall were tailored to reflect Red Deer Polytechnic’s unique brand identity and aesthetic preferences. From sleek, interactive displays to vibrant multimedia content, every aspect was meticulously crafted to captivate and inspire.

Results and Impact

The implementation of youRhere’s digital donor and alumni wall at Red Deer Polytechnic has yielded tangible results and a profound impact across various facets of campus life, including:

Enhanced Engagement

The interactive nature of the wall has sparked newfound interest and engagement among students, faculty, and visitors. Whether exploring donor profiles, reliving campus memories, or sharing their own experiences, users have found a sense of connection and belonging that transcends physical boundaries.

Enhanced Campus Aesthetics

The addition of the digital donor and alumni wall has transformed previously underutilized wall spaces into vibrant hubs of activity, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the campus.

Improved Donor and Alumni Recognition

Donors and alumni can now receive heightened recognition for their generosity and accomplishments, fostering a sense of appreciation and connection within the Red Deer Polytechnic community.

Further, alumni can now easily reconnect with Red Deer Polytechnic, fostering a sense of nostalgia and pride in their alma mater while encouraging continued involvement and support.

Student Empowerment

The digital donor and alumni wall served as a source of inspiration and motivation for current students, showcasing the transformative power of education and philanthropy.

Partner with youRhere for an Engaging and Impactful Campus Experience

Ready to transform your institution’s donor recognition efforts and create an engaging, modern, and customizable digital donor wall? Contact us today for a personalized consultation and discover how youRhere can help bring your campus vision to life, one digital experience at a time.

Month: February 2024

Going Places – Prioritizing interactive digital signage in Schools, Colleges and Universities