Califone 1776 - Manual (Page 13)

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Vi s i t u s o n l i n e a t c a l i fo n e. co m
Expanded Uses for the Spirit™
Listening Center Use
Your Spirit™ can also be used as part of a classroom or library-based listening center. By
plugging a jackbox into the 3.5mm plug on the 1776, you can create a customized
activity for learners of similar abilities for differentiated classroom instruction.
Shown here is the 1776PLC-6, which includes a 10-person jackbox
(1210AVPS shown right) and six 3068 Mono/Stereo headphones
(3068AV shown right). Also available but not shown is a
4-person center (1776-PLC).
Classroom-wide Applications
Schools are confronted with multiple audio issues affecting their teachers and students. A 1995 study by the General Accounting
Office (GAO) found noise to be the single most prevalent problem in American schools. The Centers for Disease Control
estimates up to 15% of the school age population have permanent hearing loss. As administrators strive to meet NCLB goals,
they must also address groups with diverse needs such as ELL, ESL and
students with special needs. Teachers need to convey audio information to
students in all of these groups in a clear, concise manner. Given that children
have not yet cultivated listening skills like adults have such as blocking out
background noise, they require a better signal-to-noise ratio for enhanced
hearing and comprehension. However, if the subject matter is unfamiliar
or competing environmental noises are too distracting, students aren’t
going to be able to listen and focus on what is being said.
Our Classroom Infrared Audio System can help teachers teach and how
students learn through two key features. Califone has eliminated interference
and enhanced reception by doubling the amount of ceiling sensors found in
a traditionally sized classroom. Twice the number of sensors as other
systems means better audio coverage from the wireless mic. The second
enhancement is the introduction of “array” speaker technology to
classroom audio. Array speakers (such as what’s seen in concert halls)
produce a different sound pattern than traditional ceiling speakers.
Instead of their broad indiscriminate pattern, Califone array speakers
create a narrow band of sound that is focused directly at the students.
By not bouncing random and confusing sound off the walls and
windows, the array sound pattern improves the critical signal-to-noise
ratio with its more focused and concise message while only marginally
adding to already elevated background noise levels.