Educators See Increased use of Classroom Audio

Califone announced today the results of an online survey asking educators about their expected use of audio with classroom learning. ”Teachers and administrators have shared that they expect continued increases in the use of personal sound fields as well as classroom-wide audio amplification systems,” shared the company’s vice president of marketing, Tim Ridgway.

Based in part on an online poll conducted for three months ending January, over 63.4% of respondents replied they expect the use of classroom audio-related technology to “increase significantly” from how much it’s being used currently. In addition, 18.3% of participants anticipate it to increase “only slightly,” while 11.8% expect it will stay “the same”.

The increase in each category reflects a growing understanding that audio is being used in classrooms in different ways. The term “personal sound fields” applies to either an individual or a small group of students listening to an audio device, or learning center, usually with headphones to avoid disturbing classmates. A benefit to teachers of using this approach is it allows for more individualized learning, whereby students of similar abilities can be grouped for an activity. Previous generations of students often used portable media players such as phonographs or cassettes, while students today are including CDs and digital content delivered through MP3 players or computers.

Numerous studies are verifying the benefits of classroom-wide audio amplification systems. Teachers and speech pathologists alike have reported use of such systems to include increased on-task behavior and student attention to oral instruction, improved comprehension among ELL students, and reduced vocal strain and fatigue for teachers. Others see advantages of such systems with English language learners. Cites Debra Drysdale, principal of George Washington Carver Elementary School, in Yuma, AZ., “I know that the ability to discern between the end of one word and the beginning of another is critical to learning a new language,” Drysdale said. “We wanted to eliminate the guesswork that comes from learning a new language.” Others such as Jim Dieckmann, a Library Media Teacher from Clear View Charter Elementary School in Chula Vista, CA., stresses the use of classroom amplification systems to educators because they “allow the teacher to effectively reach all students in the classroom, including hearing impaired students.” Schools and districts have also installed speakers to support recently acquired whiteboard and student response systems.