Many higher education institutions have shifted to remote or hybrid teaching models in order to satisfy the demands for in-person instruction while still accommodating students who are unable or choose not to attend in person. For this reason, according to Gartner’s Top Technology Trends in Higher Education, there is a greater focus and higher spending on classroom technology that can help support hybrid and remote learning. However, as normalcy returns, there are now additional questions as to whether instructors will choose to keep teaching in remote and hybrid models, or return focus to in-person instruction only. With this comes the concern of whether or not certain classroom technology for higher education is worth the investment, especially if it will not be fully utilized.

So, how do you determine which technology for higher education is worth the investment and will continue to be a valuable tool? We’ve put together our list of the top technology for Higher Education that is a worthwhile investment in 2023.

Top Technology for Higher Education

Top 5 List: Technology for Higher Education

In order to transform college campuses into immersive learning environments, it’s important to choose education solutions that will not only enhance teacher instruction, but also drive student engagement and help those students to develop skills for a successful career post-graduation. Check out our list below of the top technology solutions worthy of investing in for 2023.

1. Interactive Displays

Interactive displays are an incredible tool for higher education, especially when it comes to offering hybrid learning options for students. ViewSonic interactive displays, such as the ViewBoard IFP62 series, allow educators to fully integrate online teaching into the classroom and to interact with remote students in the same way as the students who are in the classroom. The ViewBoard interactive display can be installed in the front of the classroom and enables teachers to conduct varied interactive teaching. For example, they can make notes on, edit, or create content on the display or image-based materials in real time. They can also create different types of tests, such as multiple answer tests or quizzes. With the availability of three different sizes (65”, 75”, and 86”), the ViewBoard IFP62 Series is a perfect fit for any meeting room, huddle space, or classroom looking for a one-of-a-kind interactive experience.

Additionally, the ViewBoard Cast button eliminates complicated setups, time-consuming installations, and unwanted clutter, giving you more time to create, collaborate, and connect. Connect your device and cast your content effortlessly from your preferred device to your wireless display through USB-C or HDMI cable. Secured with WPA2-PSK encryption, you can present and participate with guaranteed peace of mind.

The accompanying myViewBoard digital whiteboarding software further provides an open environment capable of supporting different systems. Students can take part in remote learning without any restrictions associated with their location. In a virtualized classroom, teachers and students can take advantage of easy-to-use video connections for discussions and collaboration. With the help of a wide range of tools, the platform delivers a fun, interactive, and efficient virtual learning experience. Futhermore, teachers can simultaneously see students in the classroom and students participating remotely, and can synchronously conduct livestreams with the ability to talk directly to students watching the livestream. 1

What’s also great about the ViewSonic interactive displays is that they come with the option to add on the ViewSonic Manager Advancde cloud-based device management software, which makes it easy for IT admins to securely set up, manage and maintain all of the university’s devices and displays from a centralized dashboard.

2. Digital Signage Displays

Instantaneous, efficient, and simple communication is key for communicating school events, directories, and even emergency notifications to students, faculty and staff across campuses.  Commercial presentation displays are perfect for displaying digital signage for campus entrances, quads/hallways/common areas, administration offices, libraries, student centers, lobbies, and even auditoriums. With ViewSonic’s presentation display options, you can easily communicate important messages with simultaneous broadcast to multiple displays from an easy-to-use remote management system. With a premium contrast ratio of 5000:1 and a rapid response rate of 6.5ms, each display delivers a comparatively smoother visual experience for a stylishly effective campus communication tool.

3. Lectern Solutions

Pair the ViewSonic Podium Interactive Display with a projector or direct view LED display to add interactivity to presentations and the freedom of working with a pen in hand for a complete digital teaching solution. The MPP2.0 active pen combines with PCAP technology and Palm Rejection to deliver pinpoint accuracy when writing or drawing so you can optimize presentations, collaboration, and communication with the ability to freely capture and convey ideas in digital form. Unique features of this full HD touch monitor podium solution include:

  • Compatible with all devices that support Microsoft Pen Protocol
  • PCAP touch technology for fast and accurate touch response
  • USB-C for instant plug-and-play connectivity via a single cable
  • Ergonomic flexibility for optimal positioning in any task or setup
  • Extended Windows Ink workspace for digital writing and design
  • Compatible with ViewDirector and myViewBoard software

4. Docking Monitors

With a single USB-C cable that delivers video, audio, data and charging power to peripherals such as tablets and laptops, ViewSonic’s line of docking monitors help students and teachers improve efficiency, lessen clutter in the classroom, and streamline their setup.

  • Rock-solid Connections: Built-in RJ45 Ethernet lets you connect to your wired network and transmit data directly to your computer or laptop via a single USB-C cable — no docking station needed.
  • Ergonomic Design: Featuring height adjustment, swivel, tilt and pivot functionality, ViewSonic docking monitors can be ergonomically adjusted to your exact preference for less strain and greater productivity.
  • Included USB-C Cable: Get everything you need right out of the box. Each monitor comes with a 3′ – 6′ USB-C cable for connecting your peripherals.
  • Single-cable connectivity: Say goodbye to cable clutter and hello to a cleaner desk. One USB-C cable eliminates the need for HDMI, DisplayPort and other cables, wires and adapters.

5. Esports Monitors

Globally, esports has grown into a billion-dollar industry, with millions in prizes, huge viewership metrics, and a surge of player growth. Many universities offer programs for game design and esports competition. There is also the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), which is a member driven organization formed in 2016 that focuses on the positive development of esports programs at the collegiate level, and advocates for members to create varsity programs that include scholarships for its participants and a strong institutional commitment to the sport. NACE is the largest member association of college and university sponsored esports programs that promotes the education and development of students through intercollegiate esports. As of June 2019, over 94% of all varsity esports programs in the U.S. are members of NACE with an ever-increasing number of schools exploring esports.

Since game design and esports are hardware-dependent endeavors, it’s important for universities to provide the best equipment to support student skill development. ViewSonic’s line of esports monitors are the perfect choice for collegiate esports teams with features like:

  • Full HD and 4K (Ultra HD) resolutions
  • Seif 144Hz to 240Hz refresh rates for in-game clarity
  • Fluid gaming and lightning-fast response via SMD FreeSyncTM and VNIDIA G-SYNCTM technologies
  • Flexible connectivity with HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C
  • Ergonomic stands that deliver adjustability and comfort for marathon gaming session

Partner with Parmetech for your Higher Education Technology Needs!

We’ve been helping match our Higher Education customers with the best technology products and solutions for their needs for decades. Whether you have a specific type of technology in mind or have no idea where to start, we’ve got you covered! We recognize that education technology is not ‘one size fits all’ – we can help you choose the technology that is going to help you achieve your specific goals and objectives while giving you the most return on your investment! Give us a call today at (800) 727-6383 or connect with us online to get information on our classroom technology offerings for higher education!

References
1 https://www.viewsonic.com/library/resources/chung-yuan-christian-university-establishes-worlds-first-viewsonic-hybrid-teaching-classroom/