we have heard it all now!

We Have Heard it All Now!

Classroom Sound Field Reinforcement PilotGwinnett County Public Schools

Wendy MetcalfDirector of School Technology

Greg LaHatteDirector of Broadcast and Distance Learning

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Overview• PurposeTo determine if sound field reinforcement technology (teacher microphones)

enhances teaching and learning

• Phase I (2009-2010) Validation of Independent Research Results5 Schools – 2-3 classroom microphone systems per schoolSubstantial positive benefits reported

• Phase 2 (2010-2011) Product Testing & Evaluation of Large Scale Implementation5 schools – extended to 10-12 classroom microphone systems per school7 new schools – microphone system in every classroom

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Changes Since Last Year

• Microphones are shrinking

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Changes Since Last Year

• Receiver options are adding installation flexibility

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Changes Since Last Year

• Signal pick up advances – automatic volume attenuation, etc.

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ParticipantsCSFR Team MembersTeaching & Learning RepresentativeDirector of School TechnologyDirector of Broadcast & Distance LearningAudiologists

Phase I and Phase 2 Schools

ManufacturersAudio EnhancementCalypsoFrontRowLightspeedPhonakTeachLogic

VendorsRM EducationXEROX Audio Visual Systems

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Participating Teacher Survey Results

Survey Results are Based on 199 Responses out of 454(44%)

• 75% of Students - Benefited from CSFR– Increased Attentiveness– Less Need for Redirection– Increased Comprehension– Increased Participation

• 73% of Teachers - Audio Systems Benefited Them– Reduced Fatigue– Reduced Voice Strain

• 84% of Teachers - Technology was Easy to Use• 64% of Teachers – Used the Technology Daily• 10% of Teachers – Did Not Use It At All

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Ease of Usage & Usage

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Participating School Tech Team Member Feedback

Top 3 Benefits• Reduces Teacher Fatigue• Reluctant Technology Users Were Willing to Adopt• Maintains Large Group Attentiveness

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Participating School Tech Team Member Feedback

Top 3 Concerns• Regular Equipment Adjustments were Needed• Microphone Signal Dropping Off• Difficult to Use in the Media Center Because of the Square

Footage & Ceiling Heights

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How should this be purchased?

• Local School purchase 0%• District purchase allotted amount 57%• District purchase per classroom 26%• Other 0%• None 15%

Moving ForwardPurchase Recommendations (Local School)

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School Walkthrough Observations

•80 Classrooms were visited unannounced

•23 Systems were in use – 29% Utilization

•Strong administration support resulted in higher utilization

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Recommendations

• Develop a plan to seed the technology

• Support schools whose leadership supports / requires teacher participation

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Classroom Sound Field Reinforcement PilotGwinnett County Public Schools

Wendy MetcalfDirector of School Technology

Greg LaHatteDirector of Broadcast and Distance Learning

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