Unified Communications (UC) is revolutionising the way schools across the UK connect, collaborate and communicate.
UC seamlessly integrates various communication tools such as voice calls, video conferencing, group chat and messaging, fostering a positive learning environment that goes beyond physical boundaries.
In instances where students are learning remotely due to illness or perhaps learning requirements, UC plays a critical role in ensuring seamless connectivity and engagement for both students and staff.
In this guide, we explore the benefits of Unified Communications for schools and how your institution can get started.
What is Unified Communications (UC)?
Unified Communications brings together different technologies to run in sync, enabling effective and competitive operations for schools.
Technologies such as voice calling, video conferencing, instant messaging and email, can be easily integrated into a single cohesive platform.
UC streamlines communication by allowing students and teachers to access and manage these educational tools from one interface, regardless of their location or device. This integration can enable real-time communication and collaboration, improve productivity, and enhance the overall efficiency of communication within a school.
Let’s take a closer look at its benefits.
5 benefits of Unified Communications for schools:
1. Enhancing safety and emergency response
Ensuring the safety of students and staff is undoubtedly paramount for all schools.
UC solutions integrate notifications, video surveillance, geo-location alerts, and mass communications to enable swift responses and evacuation procedures during emergencies, such as potential threats on school grounds or even missing students.
With features like notifications on various channels and real-time reporting, schools can quickly communicate important information to ensure the safety of staff and students at all times.
2. Simplifying admissions and enrollment
UC tools also empower schools to actively engage with prospective students, conduct remote interviews, and streamline their enrollment processes. This can be implemented at all levels of education, including primary and secondary school.
With the ability to connect virtually, schools can reach out to potential applicants regardless of their location for, fostering personalised interactions. This approach provides and providing valuable insights into their upcoming school life.
Online registration portals can simplify the enrolment process, allowing potential students and parents to complete the necessary paperwork with ease. This streamlined process may also help schools become more cost-effective and reduce, reducing the need for written responses to applications.
3. Improving remote and hybrid learning
UC systems support remote and hybrid learning models with conferencing, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration tools.
This benefits students who might need to work from home or access resources outside of school hours – like homework or revision material. UC can also be helpful for future-proofing school communications, as made evident by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students and teachers can engage in interactive learning experiences from anywhere thanks to UC, which in turn promotes inclusivity and improves the overall learning experience.
4. Relieving financial pressures on schools
As operational costs rise and government funding becomes tighter, schools across the country face significant financial pressures.
Government funding is expected to increase by £1.5 billion in 2024/25, but mainstream schools are still under pressure from rising costs elsewhere – meaning school spending per pupil is still at an all-time low.
UC solutions offer cost-effective collaboration technology that integrates with existing systems and applications, helping schools optimise their investments and balance budgets.
Schools can also utilise subscription-based UC models or take advantage of cooperative purchasing agreements. This type of agreement is available exclusively for educational institutions, government entities and non-profit organisations, offering vast cost-saving opportunities.
5. Making the most of the latest technology
To maintain their position at the forefront of innovation and attract new pupils, schools must actively keep pace with the rapid advancements in technology.
UC solutions enable schools to easily update their technology through subscription-based models, ensuring access to the latest advancements. This allows schools to implement the latest tech, benefiting their students' learning at no extra cost.
In addition to this, UC systems facilitate effortless scalability, allowing schools to accommodate future expansion plans and adapt to evolving educational needs.
What is Mitel OpenScape Business?
Mitel OpenScape Business could be the perfect UC solution for your school.
OpenScape Business represents a flexible, cost-effective and future-proof Unified Communications (UC) solution tailor-made for educational systems.
This innovative platform enables schools to maintain constant connectivity among staff members and students alike, regardless of their location or device, thereby enhancing productivity, streamlining IT operations and reducing operational costs.
Make Mitel OpenScape Business work for your school
OpenScape offers schools a multitude of benefits, from enhanced safety and streamlined processes to improved learning experiences and relief of financial pressures.
By leveraging UC solutions like Mitel OpenScape Business, schools can create a connected and collaborative environment that empowers students and staff to thrive.
When selecting the right UC solution for your school, our experts at BTT Comms are here to help. Contact us today to explore your best options and enhance your school's communication and productivity.
Call us on 0330 222 0330 or email us at infor@bttcomms.com for further information.