Existing instructional audio still valuable in schools with Califone phonograph, cassette player
Posted by Denielle on 6th Mar 2014
What was once old is new again—educators who use older media formats such as vinyl records and cassette tapes can continue to enjoy them with their students with the help of new audio technology. Califone International, Inc., the premier manufacturer of high-quality audio technology for the education market, today announced a significant enhancement to Spirit, a portable cassette multimedia player/recorder, and the release of a new record player.
The enthusiasm for vinyl records has crossed generations, even the “net generation,” as today’s young students are often called, enjoys the unique sound of this format. Vinyl records are a key resource in classroom libraries, not just on collectors’ shelves. Teachers regularly play records of high-quality educational and dance materials that are not available in other audio formats. “I use our Califone Record Player everyday,” stated Rochelle Miller, kindergarten teacher at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, Calif. “Because so much material that’s used in early childhood education is available only on albums, it’s important to my teaching to have this excellent tool available.”
Because of educator demand, Califone has released the new 1005 Record Player, which offers high-quality sound and durable construction to withstand constant use in classrooms and libraries. Califone has modernized the record player with tone and volume controls for language arts and music applications.
Although schools gravitate toward the latest digital technology, educators sometimes experience difficulties transitioning from old to new technology. Schools have made significant investments in cassette tapes, vinyl records and the audio equipment required to play these formats. Under tight budget constraints, educators may not be able to switch to newer technologies as quickly as the consumer market can. Many school resources exist in older media formats and can still be utilized to provide students with a rich learning experience. Showing its commitment to educators’ needs, Califone uses modern technology to make older technology more viable, which is critical to maintaining slim budgets and the value of existing resources.
Califone has made marked improvements to update and enhance Spirit, a portable multimedia player with cassette recorder/player and CD player, AM/FM radio, and built-in listening center capability. The added auto-stop function eliminates a major cause of tape breakage to allow teachers to continue using the materials and medium that they love. Furthermore, the Audio Publishers Association reports that nearly one half of all audiobooks are still sold on cassette. Educators incorporate audiobooks in their instruction because it is proven to foster reading comprehension, fluency, language acquisition, vocabulary development, and improved achievement. Students can enjoy popular texts that are centuries old such as “Little Women” and new bestsellers such as the Harry Potter series on cassette tape.
Educators like the cassette format because it gives them the ability to stop a tape at any point to give students their comments or additional instruction, and then they can immediately restart the tape where they left off. Vocal recordings are also easier with cassettes. Mistakes can quickly be rerecorded, whereas CDs and digital recorders usually only give the option of deleting the whole recording and starting over. Cassette tapes also provide a more affordable alternative to CDs and digital files.
“Whether educators must use existing materials or simply love the record and cassette formats, Califone will continue to develop high-quality audio technology that meets educators’ needs and improves the listening experience for students,” said Tim Ridgway, vice president of marketing for Califone.
About Califone
Califone was founded in 1946 and continues to be a leader in the design, development and manufacturing of audiovisual and supplemental curriculum products for use in education, presentation and professional markets. The company offers a complete line of audio solutions, wireless systems and multimedia products for small, medium and large presentation needs. Califone serves millions of educators and children in the PreK through higher education school environments and has expanded to serve business and industry, houses of worship, parks and recreation and other presentation markets as well.
