ERIC Number: ED530685
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Evaluating Sound Field Amplification Technology in New Brunswick Schools
Rubin, Rhonda; Aquino-Russell, Catherine; Flagg-Williams, Joan
Online Submission, Paper presented at the CASLPA Conference (Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, 2007)
(Purpose) The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of classroom sound field amplification on communication in kindergarten through grade 3 classrooms. (Methodology) Sixty classrooms were involved in the study; half of the classrooms were provided with sound field amplification. The flow of communication was measured through classroom observation. A qualitative component of the study involved semi-structured interviews and open-ended questions with teachers and students. In addition, acoustic measures were recorded using a sound level meter and hearing screenings of the students were completed. (Results) The flow of communication in amplified classrooms improved in most areas studied. Teachers and students felt that the amplification technology enhanced the learning process. Themes that emerged included improved signal to noise ratio in the classroom, enhanced learning, inclusion of students with special needs, more efficacious communication, and learning to use the technology. Acoustic measures showed that students were often working in below standard classroom listening conditions and hearing screenings revealed a prevalence of hearing problems between 12%-29%. (Conclusions) Amplification technology can be beneficial in elementary classrooms. [New Brunswick Department of Education funded this pilot research project.]
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Inclusion, Observation, Semi Structured Interviews, Kindergarten, Acoustics, Special Needs Students, Teaching Methods, Educational Improvement, Program Evaluation, Program Effectiveness, Classroom Environment, Preschool Teachers, Elementary School Teachers, Elementary School Students, Teacher Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Qualitative Research, Learning Processes, Pilot Projects, Comparative Analysis, Technology Uses in Education, Assistive Technology, Classroom Communication, Educational Equipment, Audio Equipment, Audiometric Tests, Screening Tests, Classroom Design, Language Arts, Speech Communication
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Elementary Secondary Education; Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Kindergarten
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A