Essential Classroom Technologies by Henry Thiele

It amazes me that anyone blogging or discussing classroom technologies can ignore the importance of classroom audio technology, a proven educational solution becoming mandatory in an increasing number of schools and school districts. Audio speakers are mentioned in this article posted above, but no microphones, ignoring the fact that one of the most important learning channels, if not the most important, remains the message sent through the ear to the brain. Many audio speakers are placed (incorrectly) at the front of the room, blasting into a teacher's ear and not reaching the children who need the clear, intelligible sound at the back of the room. Why should the position a student is sitting affect their learning environment? Shouldn't all students have equal rights? Audio equipment including microphones, if properly selected and placed, result in a quieter classroom and voice clarity for all students, not just those sitting in front. Research has proven the benefits of classroom audio technology--for the students (higher academic achievement), for teachers (improved classroom management, more on-task behavior, less stress and sick leave) and for the administration(less teacher sick leave-lower operating costs, and resulting lowered budgets), yet often interactive boards and computing devices are nice-to-have products for our visual world and given priority, with complete disregard given to the other important component of the education equation--clear and legible voice sound. Audio speakers, when placed at the front of the room next to interactive boards, are often causing more problems than help. Technology not available only a few years ago is transforming the educational learning space, and microphones are an essential part of this new solution. New technologies avoid interference experienced in older technologies and avoid competing frequencies. All audio sources--computer, iPhone, DVD, streaming video, TV, etc. can be also connected to a correctly selected classroom audio system to provide distributed voice and sound reinforcement, delivered quietly rather than through volume increased old-technology solutions. Classroom audio technology enhances all other classroom technology and learning. The same cannot be said for any other technology.

Essential Classroom Technologies by Henry Thiele

I likewise do not believe in technology for technology sake. In fact for me the only value in technology is in its application. So instead of specific technology, I would suggest that that we focus on the needs. So instead of saying a computer per se, I'd say an internet device that allows the instructor to access web-based materials, research and communications. Currently that is most easily attainable by a computer but an tablet, thin client, game station or internet enabled TV might meet this need in the future. I would also suggest large screen display over projection device. This display might be a flat panel TV/monitor, projector, or distributed video system. Finally, sound amplification should address amplifying sound from various sources including internet, portable media players as well as the instructors or student's voices. I would also add interactive technology for immediate feedback and classroom polling.