In the last episode of Innovation unpackaged podcast, host Bobby Brill interviews Mark Jones, vice president of sales for First row, a company that specializes in audio technology for effortless communication. Mark has worked in the educational technology industry for 20 years, specifically focusing on the benefits of audio in the classroom.
Mark highlights the critical role of audio in the classroom by addressing three main barriers to learning: environmental noise, distance, and developmental nuances in children's auditory areas, which fully mature by the age of 15. microphoneTeachers can ensure that their voice is evenly distributed throughout the classroom, allowing all students to hear clearly.
Mark emphasizes that audio in the classroom is not just about amplification, but also clarity and distribution. He explains that the soft consonant sounds in words are crucial to understanding meaning and that children need to hear them clearly to develop their language skills. By using a microphone, teachers can project their voice without straining and students can easily hear and understand the instruction.
The conversation then turns to the role of technology in education, particularly in the context of the pandemic and the shift to hybrid learning. He explains that during the pandemic, audio systems in classrooms were essential for engaging students both in person and remotely. The microphone allowed teachers to move around the room and work with students while still being heard clearly by everyone wherever they were learning from.
Mark also addresses the barriers to implementing classroom audio in schools. He believes the key issue is a lack of awareness about the benefits of audio and the relatively low cost of the technology. He highlights that investing in a classroom audio solution It is a simple and effective way to improve literacy and language acquisition for all students.
The conversation closes with a discussion of how classroom audio integrates with other school technologies, such as intercom systems and emergency alert systems. Mark explains that FrontRow systems can be integrated with other technologies, ensuring communication and security measures work together seamlessly.
This episode of Unbox Innovation highlights the importance of audio in the classroom to improve student learning outcomes. Mark Jones provides valuable information and emphasizes the simplicity and effectiveness of this technology. Watch the full episode here:
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