The Simply Smarter Blog

Even in today’s digital world, printers continue to be unsung heroes in higher education. While screens dominate many aspects of learning, the need for printed materials is stronger than ever. From research papers and lecture notes to creative projects and promotional materials, printers provide students, educators and researchers with tangible, high-quality resources that enhance comprehension, foster collaboration and strengthen campus engagement.

Whether creating materials to support coursework or producing prints to promote campus events, printers play an essential role in enriching the academic environment. Check out these 6 reasons why printers are necessary for universities.

During a campus emergency, time is of the essence. Communication during a crisis needs to be fast and accurate so that people can react quickly and appropriately. While the advent of text message alerts has increased the ability to reach individuals directly, texts and traditional audio announcements don’t allow for any visual components in mass communications. Unlike text messages and emails – which can take several minutes to show up on a device, and require someone to be checking their phone regularly and/or have the sound turned on – emergency alerts on digital signage appear within seconds. Additionally, our brains process graphics faster than text, and motion catches the eye, so bright messages with moving HD graphics reach more people faster.  In this article, we explore how digital signage’s versatility can service a wide variety of needs on campus, including using it as a central element in emergency communications.

The world has undergone a massive technology evolution over the past decade and it’s particularly noticeable within the higher education sector. Previously, students would lug around a backpack heavier than them, filled with textbooks, notebooks and supplies. Now, they have slim laptops and tablets full of the materials needed to complete assignments, take notes and collaborate with others in their class. It’s critical for the classroom to evolve alongside students’ tools to create a streamlined, productive learning experience for all.

One way to achieve this is through the addition and/or upgrade of interactive displays within the classroom. While chalkboards and whiteboards have been effective in the past, they do not reflect the rapidly changing technological needs and contemporary classroom environments for students. Interactive displays offer an enhanced learning experience for both students and professors, while also providing the classroom with an updated, modern look.

A reliable laptop is essential for students. Device choice should consider age and grade, balancing portability, durability, and functionality. Laptops offer greater storage, processing power, and access to essential software, and Windows devices are widely used in both education and professional settings, preparing students for future academic and career needs.

Government, education, and nonprofit organizations can overcome budget and staffing constraints by using cooperative purchasing. Cooperative contracts are competitively bid and pre-negotiated, allowing members to buy goods and services efficiently and cost-effectively, while complying with procurement regulations. By leveraging collective buying power, organizations gain access to technology, office equipment, and other solutions without the need to issue their own bids, making procurement faster, simpler, and more reliable.

Digital signage and interactive displays enhance school communication and engagement. Placed in classrooms, cafeterias, libraries, and common areas, they provide important updates, resources, and announcements. Interactive displays also support collaboration and visual learning, helping students and staff stay connected across the campus.