New classroom amplification system projects teacher’s voice while reducing vocal strain
CALGARY, Alberta --- June 9, 2008 --- SMART Technologies announces SMART Audio, a classroom amplification system designed to improve the audibility of teacher and student voices. This new system gives teachers the freedom to move about the classroom with a wireless microphone and be heard clearly by every student, reducing the distracting effects of ambient noise. Numerous studies show that classroom amplification systems can lead to improved performance on standardized test scores, decreased referrals to special education services, improved attentiveness and fewer teacher absences due to vocal cord strain and related ailments (Research Services, 2007).
SMART Audio includes an infrared (IR) receiver, a wearable wireless teacher microphone, a hand-held wireless student microphone, a ceiling-mounted IR receiver, two microphone chargers, four rechargeable ‘AA’ batteries, and a choice of four ceiling- or wall-mounted speakers. If you choose not to install the ceiling-mounted IR receiver, the other receiver contains an internal IR sensor, so you can easily place the receiver on a desk or audiovisual cart to simplify the system’s installation. Because SMART Audio uses IR technology, multiple systems can be used in the same school, and they will not interfere with each other or with other devices, such as cell phones. If a SMART Board interactive whiteboard is present, students and teachers can use the Recorder feature in SMART Notebook software to record their voices for later playback through SMART Audio’s speakers. Other multimedia devices, such as a DVD player or VCR, can also be connected, enabling audio files to play through the speakers.
“Educators have asked us for a simply designed classroom amplification system that allows for freedom of movement in the classroom,” says Nancy Knowlton, SMART’s CEO. “The introduction of SMART Audio reflects our continued commitment to meeting the real-world needs of educators who want to enrich teaching and learning with technology.”
Components
Wireless microphones – One teacher microphone that is worn on a belt or around the neck and one hand-held student microphone, allowing users to move freely around the classroom with no reduction in sound quality. Both teacher and student microphones have integrated IR transmitters.
IR receiver – One IR receiver that processes and amplifies audio signals for output to the speakers. Includes volume dials, tone control, two auxiliary inputs, an auxiliary output and four speaker terminals.
Ceiling-mounted IR receiver – Mounts to the ceiling to provide superior IR reception in instances where the IR receiver cannot be used.
Batteries – One battery charger and two AA rechargeable batteries for each of the teacher and student microphones.
Speakers – Four high-quality ceiling- or wall-mounted speakers that spread sound evenly throughout the classroom.
Features
Multimedia-device compatibility – SMART Audio is compatible with audio files from a computer, portable MP3 player, CD or DVD player, or VCR.
Wireless IR technology – Integrated wireless technology enables teachers and students to speak while moving freely around the classroom.
Tone control – The tone of the audio output can be set to the user’s preference.
Integrated audio mixer – Students and teachers can speak simultaneously. Teachers can speak over video and audio.
Integration with SMART products.
SMART Board interactive whiteboards – SMART Audio can be integrated with any computer-enabled SMART Board interactive whiteboard that runs SMART Notebook software.
Pricing and availability
SMART Audio will be available August 2008 at a suggested education price of US$1,099. The system is available from SMART authorized resellers. For more information, specifications and a list of SMART authorized resellers, visit www.smarttech.com.
Image
To download an image of SMART Audio, go to SMART Audio (front view).
