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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