Technology helping to break down barriers

Students in schools in the Nelson community are to benefit from new technology that makes it easier for students to listen and learn and teachers to teach, thanks to a partnership between Oticon NZ and the Hearing Association Nelson.

FrontRow Active Learning Systems are being installed in 10 schools in Nelson through an initiative with the Hearing Association and funding from the O’Brien Charitable Trust.

“The FrontRow Active Learning Systems create a quieter learning environment, that makes listening and learning much easier,” says Oticon general manager and audiologist Karen Pullar.

“Research in NZ and overseas shows that this technology makes a significant difference in listening and reading comprehension, vocabulary and mathematical skills.”

The FrontRow Active Learning systems have been developed specifically for classroom and educational use to help every student and teacher remove barriers to learning from noise.

The FrontRow systems feature “OptiVoice” with special high frequency consonant emphasis, ensuring the teacher’s voice is clearer not louder.

“We are proud to be working with the Hearing Association in Nelson and the local community to make a difference to the learning of young Nelson students,” says Ms Pullar.

The systems which include speakers for voice amplification and microphones for teachers and students come in three models:

• FrontRow to Go – the portable, easy to move FM system.

• FrontRow Tempo – the traditional FM system with four wall mounted speakers and teacher body worn transmitter.

• FrontRow Pro Digital – infrared technology with the ability to integrate multi-media equipment.

More information about the FrontRow systems can be found at: www.gofrontrow.com