Cowra Public School has become the first local school to install an amplification system in every classroom, enabling a more ergonomic environment for staff and students.
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The Red Cats amplification system consists of a microphone and speaker set up to ensure every child in the classroom can clearly hear all of the teachers instructions.
The system also allows for teachers to refrain from straining their voices, leading to a healthier classroom for everyone.
Emma Tree is a Teacher of the Deaf in Cowra and surrounds, and says that the amplification system will help every child in the classroom, not just those who have been identified as hearing impaired.
“1 in 4 students in Australia has a conductive hearing loss at any one time,” she said.
“This can be due to glue ear, the common cold or infections, and is especially prevalent in winter months.
“This means that roughly six or seven students in the classroom have a type of hearing loss at some time in the year which may cause gaps in their learning.”
The amplification systems provide surround sound to the students, and aim to breach these learning gaps.
Ms Tree says that although the system is designed with children with hearing impairments in mind the whole class will benefit.
“Students with normal hearing will still be able to appreciate better/clearer access to the teacher’s voice,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter where the children sit, they will still be able to hear.
“When students can hear properly they are more likely to participate.”
Heather Peterson teaches year one at the school, and says that the technology has already proved useful in her classroom.
“It is really good, all of the children can hear me when I give them instructions,” she said.
The amplification system helps to decrease the strain on the teacher’s jaw, throat and vocal cords.
According to Ms Tree when the teacher’s voice is amplified five to 15 decibels above ambient noise the instruction is heard better as it suppresses the children’s sensitivity to normal classroom sounds such as fans, heaters and computers.
Principal Brad Tom is excited to be the first school in the region to identify and act on the need for this technology in every classroom.
“We did have a few portable units, which was great, however that only helped the students who were identified as in need, with a system in every classroom nobody misses out,” he said.
The amplification consists of speakers and a portable microphone which hangs around the teachers neck like a lanyard.
Forbes North Public have also invested in the technology.