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The Impact of Classroom Audio

TESTIMONIALS
  • We have decided to use Lightspeed in all the schools...the REDCAT proved to be a great option for the schools and the State Department staff is very pleased about the project
    B. Hunter - Superintendent, Alabama
  • Classroom audio systems have more impact on student learning than any other single piece of technology in the district.
    L. Hicok - Principal, Iowa
  • Words cannot express my satisfaction with the REDCAT sound system. It not only impacted a hearing impaired student, but all of my first graders became more attentive listeners and learners as a result of this product.
    D. Hippensteel - First grade Teacher, Missouri
  • The REDCAT system is amazing. In a world that keeps adding more to our job, it is nice that your company helps to make it easier. It works fantastically for me. Thank you for everything.
    T. Vaughaan - Second Grade Teacher, Oregon
  • The REDCAT offered something that other companies haven't been able to - an all-in-one system - with only one speaker that fills the room with equal sound. It is a high quality product and makes great fiscal sense! From the beginning (the) equipment far exceeded my expectations.
    S. Dornback - RISD Audiologist, Texas
  • The REDCAT is a truly fantastic piece of equipment that is proving to be an outstanding instructional tool for our schools.
    T. Dougherty - Superintendent, New York
  • We heard the REDCAT and immediately placed our first order. The sound quality, ease-of-use and the quick set-up, is a major benefit to us.
    K. Healey - Purchasing Agent, Utah
    
Action Research Paper by Roger D. Turner MA, GRSM, ACM, ARAM, Adv. Dip., Educational Consultant, RDT Consultancy

Overview
Over the course of the Academic Year 2008-09, 62 classrooms in 7 primary and 7 secondary schools were provided with a portable infrared Soundfield Classroom Audio Technology (CAT) System.  The equipment comprised a small microphone worn round the teacher’s neck, a handheld microphone for learners and a REDCAT all-in-one infrared flat panel CAT speaker placed at the back or side of the classroom.  The equipment works by evenly distributing the teacher’s voice round the classroom, so that all learners can hear at the same level, no matter where they are sitting.

This research study aimed to find out what, if any, impact this would have on learner achievement, teacher well-being and the efficient use of lesson time.  Teachers and pupils were asked to complete a questionnaire at the end of the research period, focusing on their assessment of pupil behaviors, perceptions of using the system and the impact it had on them.

The following report contains all of the raw data gathered, along with analysis and other supporting information. The study found very clearly that the Soundfield system brought considerable benefits to students including:
  • Improved hearing and understanding of teacher instructions
  • Improved on-task behavior
  • Improved self-confidence when speaking to the whole class.

For teachers, the key benefits of the system were judged to have been:
  • Less repetition of instructions;
  • Less vocal fatigue and tiredness;
  • More time to support individual and small groups of learners.


DOWNLOAD RESEARCH STUDY