Signs of the times: Digital displays go to college

“Currently, nearly 400 TENQ coolers are found in middle schools and vocational schools around the Netherlands, offering students the option to fill up their own bottle with sparkling or regular water. Each cooler features a 19-inch LCD screen that plays educational programming, advertising, and user-generated content. Schools have the option to install larger LCD screens near the TENQ unit for increased visibility,” a Scala whitepaper explained.

Texas State Technical College, a state-supported system, won for its online degree program, reportedly one of the only digital-signage degree programs in the U.S.

“The degree includes courses on digital content creation with animation using Adobe Photoshop and Flash, as well as other animation and video software,” a college website promotion explained. “You will learn system design and scheduling using well-known industry products. Many of your courses will be taught using simulations in the virtual environment, Second Life.”

West Texas A&M won with an entry that highlighted the university’s new digital signage system.

“The system provided the solution to the university’s need for next-generation communication and integrates well with the existing network infrastructure and academic learning environment,” according to a university website. “The digital system is user-friendly and bridges the gap between academics and information technology, allowing departments to manage, control, and deliver timely digital content to today’s generation of technology-focused students.”

Although DSE began in Chicago, it is now held annually in Las Vegas. The next expo is scheduled for March 6-9, 2012, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.