The average age of public school buildings in the United States is nearly 50. And while the 1970s and 1980s certainly had their charms, the technology used during that era (film strips and opaque projectors) would hardly engage today’s students.
That’s why many school districts are making significant investments to add more interactive technology and audiovisual systems into the classrooms and mixed-used spaces that foster student learning and development. This includes updating aging communication infrastructures, creating immersive education experiences, and building more opportunities for students to collaborate digitally with teachers and fellow students.
It’s no surprise, then, that education is one of AVI’s fastest-growing verticals as school districts, colleges, and universities push the boundaries of what’s possible to keep educators and students engaged.
Audiovisual Technology Trends in Education
Here are just a few of the trends we see in the education market:
Trend #1: Interactive flat panel displays
Chalkboards had their moment. Now, it’s all about interactive flat panel displays (also called smart displays). These tools give teachers more opportunities to deliver instruction, increase student involvement and drive classroom engagement. Use cases include real-time collaboration (e.g., breaking students into groups for research and problem solving) and teacher-student interaction (e.g., sharing and co-creating documents and presentations).
Related reading: Technology at Rockford Public Schools Aims to Engage Kids
Trend #2: Paging and intercom systems
The need for schools to communicate has moved beyond morning announcements. Today, faculty and staff want to quickly share critical information in various ways. And they need options for targeting information to single classrooms, groups of classrooms, or every location on campus. Use cases include sharing pre-recorded content, notifying faculty and students during severe weather, medical emergencies, fires, facility lockdowns, and more.
Trend #3: Large venue projector systems
Just like employees crave different workspaces depending on what they’re doing, students enjoy getting out of the classroom to engage in different learning styles. In response, school technology administrators are transforming gymnasiums and auditoriums into immersive experiential spaces using large venue projection systems like the LU interactive projector. These solutions are highly customizable and, because they’re cloud-based, are easy to update when new features are added. Use cases include interactive fitness classes, live content streaming, backdrops for plays and events, and more.
Trend #4: Digital scoreboards and video displays
Used for indoor and outdoor events, these next-gen scoreboards allow schools to share more game-related content and create excitement among players and fans. And some schools even pay for the system or generate revenue by selling advertising space to local boosters. Use cases include sharing player stats and highlights, projecting key moments, instant replays, and more. Plus, the displays can be used for large meetings, events, and presentations or to live-stream graduation ceremonies.
Trend #5: Digital cameras
Previously, many schools used cameras solely in a security context. But now, they want cameras with more functionality for a broader range of uses. The latest digital pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) cameras do more than simply monitor a hallway or cafeteria space. They can also create richer experiences for people joining events from different locations. Use cases include school board meetings, where cameras can follow from one speaker to the next or pan the entire scene for a better, in-context view. As a bonus, because PTZ cameras are controlled remotely, they don’t interfere with the meeting experience for people in the room.
Bonus Trend: Classroom Furniture
Our customers are also updating their schools with more flexible and innovative furniture. From common areas to libraries, media centers, and classrooms, today’s education space planning goals include:
- Helping students feel comfortable academically and emotionally
- Encouraging collaboration and socialization
- Offering quiet zones
- Developing soft skills
- Fostering leadership skills
Through our partnership with MooreCo, AVI offers education space planning services, complete with no-cost renderings. This helps schools see how new furniture options would look in their space.
Need audiovisual support for your school system?
AVI helps educators and students connect, collaborate, and solve problems in new, more meaningful ways. If you’re ready to enhance your learning experience and prepare students for today’s collaborative workplace, we can help. Our proven process starts with your goals and ends with solutions that create human impact.
We’re highly experienced in the K-12 and post-secondary markets. In 2022, AVI Systems expanded its ability to serve schools, colleges, and universities by acquiring CIM – an audiovisual company with decades of education-related experience.
