Classroom Amplification: An Easier Way to Be Heard

The need for teachers and students to hear and be heard is a centerpiece of the Calypso School First Foundation’s Be Heard | School Grant initiative

With classroom amplification more popular than ever before, Calypso Systems, a leading developer of multimedia technology solutions for K-12 classrooms, is leading the charge for integrated amplification systems in the classroom with its Be HeardSchool Grant program.

Amplification: A simple, cost-effective solution
As class sizes grow and background noise in classrooms increases, a voice amplification system must provide high-quality sound that improves communication and collaboration, particularly in aging school buildings. A variety of recent research studies have consistently shown that sound-field reinforcement enhances classroom performance through increased student knowledge and attention.

“For years, pedagogical researchers have demonstrated a direct link between technology and improved learning outcomes,” said David H. Parish, Ph.D., president of Calypso Systems. “Finally, educators are beginning to understand the myriad benefits of an affordable classroom amplification system. It’s one of the easiest, cost-effective and cross-curricular technology solutions available to cash-strapped school districts today.”

More than 300,000 U.S. classrooms now use some sort of amplification in the classroom, helping K-12 students and their teachers focus on listening and instruction amid the din of noisy HVAC systems, poor acoustics and other distractions.

Some amplification solutions, like the Calypso WCM-RF system, are even fully integrated with other classroom technology and feature digital equalizers that provide customized sound quality for a variety of environments. Such integrated systems help ensure the focus stays on teaching and learning and not on over-complicated technology. For example, when teachers comment during DVD playback, the WCM-RF system has the capability to automatically lower DVD volume, then return the volume to a normal level once the teacher is finished speaking. This capability frees the teacher from cumbersome pausing and restarting the DVD while switching audio channels.

“Classroom audio has come a long way from the days of simple hand-held microphones and infrared listening devices,” Parish said. “Our hope is that new technology will facilitate even greater communication and collaboration between teachers and students in the classroom.”

Be Heard | School Grant program now accepting applications
The grant program will award more than $120,000 worth of classroom voice amplification equipment to 35 classrooms in each of three K-12 institutions this year. Created to highlight the need for high quality, reliable and affordable voice amplification systems, the program seeks to enhance teacher/student communication and collaboration.

Applications will be accepted between Feb. 8 and Apr. 30, 2010, with winners announced May 18, 2010. For more information about the Calypso School First Foundation and to apply on-line for the Be HeardSchool Grant, please visit http://www.calypsosystems.com/grant-apps.

About Calypso
Calypso Systems, headquartered in Woodbury, MN, is a manufacturer of a full range of open architecture control, user interface, audio, microphone and connectivity products designed to create integrated classroom solutions for teachers, students and administrators. Calypso products are sold exclusively through commercial audio-video electronics dealers throughout North America and around the world.

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