From state-funded schools and academies to private colleges and prestigious universities, academic institutions across the UK are leveraging Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to transform their communication systems and support learning. The benefits of VoIP for education are tangible and can help schools stay ahead of the curve in an era where technology impacts almost every aspect of our daily lives.
Thinking about investing in VoIP infrastructure for your education facility? Continue reading to learn more about the ABCs of VoIP for education and discover how it can revolutionise communication in learning environments.
Empower learning with VoIP for education
Short for Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP is a game-changing technology that uses the internet to support voice calls instead of traditional telephone lines. With myriad features tailored to the needs of educational institutions, VoIP can reshape the way schools communicate, collaborate and engage with students, parents, staff and stakeholders.
Below, we take a closer look at the key benefits of VoIP for education:
Never miss a call
Staying on top of incoming calls is a primary benefit of VoIP for education. Academic offices can get exceptionally busy and with traditional phone systems, calls can easily be lost or go unanswered. This can lead to frustration and miscommunication, both internally and externally.
VoIP systems offer advanced call forwarding and routing features that allow messages to be automatically transferred to designated devices or extensions. Whether it’s a parent, staff member or representative from the Department for Education (DfE), VoIP ensures no call goes unanswered.
Cost-effective calling
Education budgets are often stretched thin and finding ways to cut costs without impacting learning is crucial. VoIP for education offers a cost-effective solution by leveraging existing internet connections to make calls. Switching to internet-enabled calls eliminates the need for expensive landline infrastructure and unlocks significant cost savings for schools. On average, VoIP can slash communication costs by around 30%, freeing up resources to allocate to other mission-critical areas.
The benefits are salient for institutions that make regular long-distance and international calls, such as language institutes, boarding schools and specialised academies. There are also big savings on offer for research institutions and universities that run international research projects and student exchange programs.
Easy call recording
Regulatory compliance is a top priority for educational institutions, and effective communication helps schools stay above board. Advanced VoIP for education systems feature easy-to-use call recording functions that make it easy to document and archive important conversations related to student welfare, disciplinary matters, parental input and more.
Maintaining comprehensive call records can help schools comply with regulatory requirements and ensure transparency and accountability in their communication practices.
Device flexibility
Flexibility is paramount in dynamic environments like schools and colleges, where communication needs can vary greatly depending on the situation. VoIP for education offers the freedom to use both traditional handsets and mobile devices to make and receive calls.
This gives users the freedom to choose the medium that best suits their preferences and workflow. Whether it’s a teacher on the go or an administrator at their desk, VoIP facilitates seamless communication across the premises.
Grade-A security
VoIP technology features robust security features designed to help schools meet data protection laws. From parent/teacher discussions about student behaviour to confidential conversations about scholarships and funding, features like encryption and access controls safeguard sensitive information transmitted during calls. This helps schools comply with data protection regulations like the Data Protection Act (DPA) and Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).
Failsafe emergency communication
All schools must have failsafe emergency communication systems in place to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. VoIP for education features like emergency call routing, automatic location identification (ALI) and enhanced 999 services allow schools to quickly respond to emergencies.
Accessibility for all
VoIP systems equip schools with features like real-time text (RTT), captioning and TTY/TDD support to keep communication lines open for students and staff with hearing or speech impairments. By incorporating these accessibility features, schools can comply with regulatory requirements like the Equality Act and the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice.
Transparent budgeting
Transparency and predictability are essential when it comes to budgeting in the education sector. VoIP for education simplifies communication budgets with monthly subscription plans with no hidden add-ons or surprise charges. This predictable pricing model allows institutions to allocate funds more efficiently and plan for future communication needs with confidence.
Future-proof communication
The 2025 Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is looming and educational institutions need to future-proof their communication systems to ensure continuity and compliance. VoIP for education overcomes the challenge by leveraging internet protocol (IP) networks, which aren’t affected by the ISDN switch-off. By transitioning to VoIP now, schools and colleges can avoid major disruptions down the line.
Bundle up
In addition to VoIP services, many providers offer bundle broadband deals that combine high-speed internet connectivity with VoIP telephony services. These bundled packages provide educational institutions with cost-effective, all-in-one communication solutions.
Embrace the future of communication with VoIP for education
As the educational landscape evolves, communication technologies like VoIP can help ensure education institutions stay connected and responsive to the needs of staff, students, parents and stakeholders. From unlocking cost savings and streamlining communication to enhancing flexibility and future-proofing phone systems, VoIP for education is the future of learning.
Ready to harness the capabilities of VoIP and build secure, accessible and compliant communication infrastructure? Get in touch with VS Group today to learn more about VoIP for education and discuss how it can work for your academic institution.
