Every child a front row seat

Teachers struggling to make themselves heard can now ensure every child has a front row seat in the classroom, with the launch of the Panasonic Front Row Classroom Sound System.

The revolutionary system offers infrared wireless voice amplification for both teachers and students, providing a practical and cost-effective solution to poor classroom acoustics.

Good listening conditions are essential to children’s auditory development and general learning, yet typically one third of what is said in the classroom goes unheard or misunderstood.

Research has shown that voice amplification is an excellent way of creating an enhanced learning environment, particularly when installation of an acoustic ceiling is not possible.

“We understand that not all schools can afford to have acoustic ceilings installed, or may not have the structural requirements in the classroom to support one,” says Pete Fullerton, sales manager for Panasonic Broadcast Systems.

“The Panasonic Front Row Classroom Sound System incorporates technology proven to help overcome acoustic problems within the classroom,” he says.

NZ students spend up to 75 per cent of their day engaged in auditory learning, and keeping them interested and attentive is proving to be increasingly difficult in today’s louder world.

In a recent survey, 71 per cent of teachers reported that noise generated within the classroom is a problem, and 86 per cent said that noise outside the classroom competed with their lessons.

With that in mind, the Front Row Classroom Sound System is designed to alleviate the strain on both teachers and students.

Initial findings from research on voice amplification technology have shown that the technology dramatically improves listening and reading skills in children. 66 per cent of teachers reported lower noise levels in the classroom, resulting in greater student attention, and reduced disruptive behaviour.

Ninety-eight per cent of students who provided feedback on the technology were positive about it, commenting that it was easier to hear, particularly at a distance, and over competing noises both inside and outside the classroom.

In addition, teachers who trialled the system noted that vocal strain was minimised, and as a result they felt less tired at the end of the day.

“The Front Row Classroom Sound System is proving to be a huge help,” says Baverstock Oaks School teacher, Chris Thomson.

“I have avoided another bout of ‘voice loss’ primarily because of the system,” she says.
“It’s simple to use and makes teaching much more pleasurable. All in all, it’s a piece of equipment I would hate to lose.”

Voice amplification technology is now widely recognised as something which can benefit the entire class, not only those with a hearing impairment.

“We’ve seen how voice amplification increases phonologic skills, student cooperation and engagement, and increased on-task behaviour,” says Mr Fullerton.

Tech & Learning, a leading international resource publication for Education Technology also rated voice amplification technology as one of the ten most important technology investments in today’s classroom.

Developed by RAMSA, the company responsible for the crystal-clear sound at the summer and winter Olympic Games, the Front Row Classroom Sound System is simple, lightweight, and unobtrusive.

The system consists of a convenient hands-free pendant for the teacher, a hand-held microphone option for the student, infrared sensor, amplifier and wall-mounted speakers.

The wireless system allows teachers to roam freely around the classroom, as 71 per cent of teachers surveyed described “walking around” as their usual position in the classroom.

The technology does not interfere with other transmitting devices, and is easy to install.

A basic Front Row Classroom Sound System costs less than $2,000 each, excluding installation costs, making it a viable option for many NZ schools.

Panasonic is also giving away three systems via www.panasoniceducation.co.nz

With an aim to have a Front Row Classroom Sound System in every school within three years, Mr Fullerton says Panasonic is committed to making every NZ classroom a better place to learn.

“We want to ensure that children are getting the best from every lesson, and The Front Row Classroom Sound System can help achieve that.”