When it comes to selecting technology for their school district, IT leaders need to balance multiple goals. They must determine what technology satisfies the district’s short and long-term teaching goals, which technologies educators and students will actually use, and which choices will provide a good return on investment.
Laser projectors meet those goals, offering the efficiency, flexibility and reliability IT experts should love.
An updated view of projector technology
Like most technology, projectors have evolved tremendously in the last few years. Modern laser projectors are worlds apart from the traditional lamp projectors that ran loud and hot and used bulbs that were prone to burn out.
Today’s laser projectors produce big and bright displays that students can see from virtually anywhere in the classroom. Unlike bulky flat panels, many laser projectors have a maximum display size that’s four times the size of 75-inch flat panels. A laser projector’s large and vibrant display can help teachers create innovative and immersive lessons, which is critical for educators working to keep students’ attention and close the learning gap.
Laser projectors bring the world to the classroom. With an internet connection, teachers can use clips from news programs to provide content for discussion, Google Maps and Google Earth for virtual field trips, and bring videos and photos of famous artwork to the class to add depth to lessons. From demonstrating art techniques to annotating a textbook to using photos, videos or music, the laser projector helps educators deliver instruction that makes an impression.
And while teachers and students appreciate the many ways laser projectors enhance learning, school district IT leaders have their own reasons for endorsing laser projectors.
1. Laser projectors = efficiency
School IT leaders realize that laser projectors provide significant efficiency in multiple ways. With no bulbs, the advanced laser technology means laser projectors can last up to 30,000 hours.*
Let’s put that in perspective. The average 11th grader spends about 1034 hours in school in a year. If a laser projector is on that entire time, the laser light engine would last up to 28 years. And, since laser projectors don’t use bulbs, there’s no worry about replacing them or having downtime when a bulb burns out, saving time and money.
IT leaders also value the efficiency that comes with fleet management. For example, with Epson projectors, the IT team can manage, monitor and control virtually any projector on the network through Epson Projector Management Connected. With this cloud-based solution, IT can use a web browser to view usage stats, get error notifications, and set a schedule to turn projectors on and off — ultimately saving IT time, minimizing downtime, and optimizing the life of the projectors.
2. Laser projectors = flexibility
Teachers can use laser projectors in virtually every class, for almost any subject. The classroom laser projector is a true technology “utility player,” allowing educators to bring lessons to life creatively. That flexibility also extends to where laser projectors are used.
Some classrooms don’t have projectors, and not all teachers have classrooms. Moving large flat panels weighing 100 pounds is cumbersome, even when using a cart. But laser projectors weigh 15 to 30 pounds, making it easy for a teacher to put a projector on a cart and roll it to the needed location. This flexibility helps the technology cover more ground.
When IT leaders think about flexibility, they also think about how well the technology can evolve. Unlike displays that lock users into their operating system or proprietary software, laser projectors like Epson projectors, are OS-agnostic and software-agnostic, so they’re compatible with any software or content teachers use.
3. Laser projectors = reliability
In the last few years, technology has developed smaller, brighter projectors. With faster starts, longevity and simplicity, modern laser projectors provide a virtually maintenance-free laser light source.
Even more reassuring is that products like Epson laser projectors that are engineered for reliability are backed by Epson, a brand leader with decades of experience in technology innovation and a commitment to world-class support.
As school tech leaders consider investments, the efficiency, flexibility, reliability, and instructional advantages of laser projectors make them a technology to love.
Ready to learn more about how schools and districts are discovering what today’s displays can do? Check out this eBook with stories from schools across the country that are using Epson laser displays to captivate, engage and inspire their students.
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*No required maintenance for the light source for up to 30,000 hours in eco mode. Approximate time until brightness decreases 50% from first usage. Measured by acceleration testing assuming use of 0.04 – 0.20 mg/m3 of particulate matter. Time varies depending on usage conditions and environment. Replacement of parts other than the light source may be required in a shorter period.
