SMART releases white paper on impact of classroom amplification systems

SMART Technologies announces the release of its white paper, ìWhy Classroom Amplification Systems Help Teachers Teach and Students Learn: Preventing teacher vocal disorders and helping students hear in the classroom.î The white paper points to research on how classroom amplification systems can increase student comprehension while decreasing the number of teacher sick days. Classroom amplification systems also help students with minor, even undiagnosed, auditory problems, those sitting at the back of the classroom and students learning a second language. The white paper addresses a timely topic in todayís classrooms, which are more interactive, more densely packed with students and often in buildings with more ambient noise from heating and cooling systems; fans in computers, printers, copiers and projectors; and the clicking of keyboards and mouse devices.

ìWhy Classroom Amplifications Systems Help Teachers Teach and Students Learnî explores research on the effects that three different forms of sound obstruction have on students and teachers in classrooms. Building design, classroom size and reverberation can all have negative effects on the way a teacherís voice carries. As a result, students and teachers face many challenges. Students may process less than 30 percent of what they hear. In acoustic dead zones, that percentage can drop to zero. Teachers also suffer from vocal strain and noise-related stress. The white paper refers to numerous studies showing how amplifications systems can improve student performance on standardized test scores; decrease student referrals to special education services; improve reading fluency and literacy skills; increase participation, productivity and on-task behavior; improve attentiveness; and reduce teacher absences due to vocal strain and related ailments. The white paper is available at www2.smarttech.com/resources.

ìClassrooms today are noisy places where class discussions, group work and ambient noise from HVAC systems or multimedia devices all contribute to hearing difficulties and vocal strain,î says Nancy Knowlton, SMARTís CEO. ìThis white paper demonstrates the educational value of integrating classroom amplification systems to help students and teachers alike.î