Surrounding Students With Sound

Monday, October 1st 2007, 10:04 pm

By: News On 6

Technology at Owasso Schools is helping to surround students with sound. News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports itâ€™s a simple idea; if students can hear their teachers better, they'll learn more.

In the computer lab at Northeast Elementary School in Owasso, all students should be able to hear the teacher's instructions. With some kids wearing headphones and the constant hum of computers, it used to be more of a challenge to hear, but no matter if they're sitting here, or there, near the teacher or across the room, this school year is different.

"I just love it. The kids seem to love it. It's just an invisible teaching tool,â€ computer lab teacher SuAnn Moseby said. â€œYou don't even notice that we have it, I'm so used to it."

Teacher SuAnn Moseby is talking about what's called a classroom amplification system. She wears a microphone around her neck and the wireless signal is sent to speakers around the classroom.

"Now I notice that the ones that were in the back of the room, I don't have to repeat instructions for them, because they are able to hear me," Moseby said.

The school says the system can help kids pay better attention, get higher test scores and it increases classroom participation.

Right now, the Owasso school district has the voice amplification systems in each one of their computer labs, from elementary school on up through high school. It's hoped the program can be expanded to other classrooms in the future.

"At the end of the day, my voice is still fresh and that's really wonderful," teacher SuAnn Moseby said.

Reducing the vocal strain for teachers is just another benefit of the program.

Usually the classroom amplification system's cost about $1,100.

Watch the video: Surround Sound In The Classroom