Seven beacon characteristics and nine high-potential higher ed uses—from campus tours to class attendance.
Beacon characteristics:
- Small: Beacons are credit card-sized and can adhere to shelves or walls.
- Low-cost: A single beacon costs around $30.
- Low-power: Beacons emit location via a low-energy Bluetooth signal.
- Versatile: Beacons can be placed around campus or within specific buildings.
- Easy maintenance: Batteries need replacing about every two years. (Student employees can handle the task.)
- App-based: Users must opt in to beacon notifications via an app, which may be provided by the vendor.
- Emerging tech: Apple introduced iBeacons in 2013; there’s no mass adoption yet.
High-potential higher ed uses:
- Self-guided campus tours
- Dining discounts
- Campus store promos
- Event check-ins
- Indoor building navigation
- Museum, landmark or exhibit information
- Stadium or crowd-flow management
- Class attendance
- Building access
LINK TO MAIN ARTICLE: Beacons beckon on campus
Lynn Freehill-Maye is a writer who lives in Beacon, New York.
