Digital signage uses computer software and LCD displays to provide scrolling information and announcements to viewers. It can display content such as daily announcements, school calendars, sports schedules, news feeds, and interactive polls. Schools can set up digital signage relatively inexpensively using a computer, LCD display, and free or low-cost digital signage software. Setting up relevant and frequently changing content is key to engaging viewers.

1. What the heck is
Digital Signage?
ACTEM’s MAINEducation 2009
Presented by:
Kerry Gallivan
Maine School Administrative District #75

2. What is digital signage?
Los Angeles Airport

3. Freeport High School, Freeport, Maine

4. Noble High School (MSAD#60), North Berwick, Maine

5. Requirements
• LCD or plasma display
• computer with digital signage software
(Aerva, InfoCaster, PowerPoint)
• moderate computer skills

6. • web-based
• simple deployment
• scalable
• web 2.0 “widgets”
• interactive

7. Web 2.0 widgets

8. Freeport High School
• Aerva computer/software
• 42” LCD display (no tuner/speaker) and mount
• VGA cable and network connection (IP)
• installation (in-house)

9. Content
Daily announcements
Sports schedules / news
Calendar items
College visits
Art gallery
Graduation announcements

10. Daily announcements
example
RSS feed from
freeportpublicschools.org

11. Sports schedule
example
RSS feed from
highschoolsport.net

12. School calendar
example
RSS feed from
freeportpublicschools.org

13. Art Gallery
example
a quicktime movie of student
art work

15. College visits
example
screen shot of the college’s
website

17. Graduation
announcements
example
student’s yearbook photo

18. Text Messaging Interactive Poll

19. Editing
Interface

20. Keys to success
• RSS feeds
• good location (library, main
entrance, guidance)
• rotate content - keep it fresh
• involve the students

21. K-12 Schools with Aerva Digital Signage Systems
Noble High School, ME
Freeport High School, ME
Cape Elizabeth High School, ME
Cambridge Public Schools, MA
Westborough Public Schools, MA
Holton-Arms Acedemy, DC

22. Costs
• $800-$1,000 42 LCD display, mount and cable
• $1,199 for Aerva computer / $499 per year
• installation (done in-house)
• $5,000 set-up fee plus monthly fee* SMS apps
* commercial rates, ask Aerva for K-12 rates on SMS

23. Feel free to contact me!
kerry@kerrygallivan.com
http://ambientawareness.info
Twitter: kerrygallivan