Getting a classroom audio system installed is an exciting thing. Audio systems offer many benefits to students and teachers like increased student achievement, greater student engagement, and improved teacher vocal health. All those benefits sound great, but how can teachers make the most of their systems?
There are a few keys to effective use of a classroom audio system. They can be classified in three different areas: when to use the audio system, how to make the system most effective, and integrating audio systems with other technologies.
When should the audio system be used?
There may be a question of when to use a classroom audio system. Should it be saved for the most important, life-altering lessons? Should it only be used when a teacher is tired or needing a boost? The answer, of course, is no. Classroom audio systems should be used every day. All lessons and discussions are important, and students need the opportunity to hear it all. Also, teachers use a lot of energy every day; they might as well conserve the extra used to project their voice to their class.
Another great use of a classroom audio system is during classroom discussions. Teachers can pass around a student microphone to help students be heard. That microphone can also help manage the discussion, like a talking stick—whoever has the microphone gets to talk.
There are times during a school day when it’s best to avoid using the teacher microphone—small group work, one-on-one discussions with a student, or stepping out into the hall are times when the microphone should be muted. The whole concept of the classroom audio system is ensuring all the students can hear through the entire classroom, so anytime everyone doesn’t need to hear, the microphone should be turned off or muted.
How can the system be most effectively used?
One key to effective use of an audio system is to speak in a natural voice. The audio system does the projecting, so teacher volume doesn’t have to be raised. This gives teachers an opportunity to talk in calm, soothing tones, which is very effective for students. Sensitive students especially appreciate the calm tone.
Another thing to be mindful of is the volume of the microphone and full system. When set properly, teachers generally can’t hear themselves through the speakers. Setting the system with a colleague can help assure the right volume level is set, keeping the audio pleasant for the students.
Something to avoid with an audio system is wearing loose jewelry or lanyards. Teacher microphones generally clip on a lapel or are worn around the neck, and jewelry or lanyards worn near them can hit or brush up against the microphone, causing distracting noises.
Integrating technology with audio systems
Classroom audio systems generally offer integration with multimedia for an enhanced learning experience. Watching a presentation or movie on a screen is a lot of fun and can be visually striking, but what if everyone can’t hear the sound or the quality is bad? Connecting an interactive display or mobile media cart to a classroom audio system provides quality audio for everyone in the classroom, ensuring students have the opportunity to get the full effect of presentations.