Page 2 November 1 , 2012 Anza Gives Teachers a New Voice By Dylan Little vocal strain on teachers. Second grade teacher inside to project sound evenly throughout the (requiring a hearing aid) can link up with the At its meeting last week, the Wiseburn Renee Amaral shared that before using voice room and a small wireless microphone (which audio from the teacher’s microphone and have School Board heard a presentation from Anza projection she would end the school day hoarse, comes in either a lapel mount like on a talk it sent directly to the student’s hearing aid. The Elementary School Principal Sarah Nitsos on but after trying it out, her voice is less strained show, or a boom mike like a pop star would hub also lets a teacher use the system to play voice projection technology being rolled out by her job. “Over the years, it’s been a bit of wear during a performance). The speakers and audio from films shown in the classroom or in classrooms. These voice projection speakers a strain on my voice,” she said. “It’s been my microphone are both designed to reduce stray even just an mp3 player with some thought- help students hear lessons and keep teachers first year using this and I’ve noticed a lot less noise, both from feedback and clothing noise. provoking music. “I can play some inspirational from having to shout over their sometimes strain and my voice is less hoarse at the end The system also reduces audio interference music on my iPod, but because it’s on the noisy students. of the day.” by using automatically calibrated radio same system I can talk over it without making Anza has started purchasing Phonak inspiro Because the system doesn’t just amplify communication instead of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth constant adjustments to the volume,” said Nitsos. systems for its classrooms. These are similar to sound, teachers can use their full range of or infrared which are all more prone to signal However, voice projection systems like this a PA system except instead of amplifying the vocal expression to instruct the class and still loss or interference, especially in a school one have a strike against them being adopted teacher’s voice, they instead “wash the room” be heard by every student. Chris Jones, Director environment where many similar systems at more schools, as they are fairly expensive. with a teacher’s voice--projecting his or her of Curriculum and Instruction, said that allowing will be used in a relatively small area. Jones Anza’s first order was about $18,000 for 12 lesson at 10 decibels above the ambient noise teachers to stop shouting lessons and instead said reliability was another important factor classroom systems. These were paid for using of the classroom. The staff at Anza hopes this talk at a normal, or even quiet, volume was in selecting how to move forward with voice fundraising money from the school’s Jog-a- extra voice equipment will help students with another key reason to introduce this technology. projection, because a system that was hampered thon and PTA. Nitsos hopes that this year’s ADD or undiagnosed hearing loss. “It’s about being able to be a quiet teacher,” by spotty connections and audio noise could Jog-a-thon will help provide the money to Nitsos estimates a surprising number of said Jones. “It’s about being able to whisper do more harm than good. “When it’s cutting finish rolling out the systems at Anza, as she students may have minimal but untreated hearing and be heard all over the room. It’s designed in and out, that’s more distracting than not thinks they are well worth the investment. “I loss. Students with hearing loss are at risk of to make sure the signal stays above the noise.” being able to hear,” said Jones. would just tell anyone who would best listen losing vital instruction and may be giving up Amaral agreed with Jones. She said knowing The technology is also easy to use. The how great they are,” said Nitsos. some learning because of the difficulties in that she can be heard by every student in her wireless microphones are controlled by a small The Board also seemed interested in keeping up with challenges while missing classroom without shouting has been a great transmitter that teachers say can just be slipped purchasing more of these systems after hearing chunks of directions. However, Nitsos and other help to her. “I know when I’m talking up into a pocket or hung on a lanyard and forgotten about how helpful they’ve been at Anza. Board teachers at Anza have noticed improvement for here that you can hear my back there,” said about. “Teachers can completely forget they member Dennis Curtis noted that Anza does those students with slight hearing loss. “We Amaral. “It’s been a great investment and I’m have this on,” said Nitsos. “It doesn’t need have a reputation for exploring new technological have students with that in-between hearing loss glad I have it.” any fidgeting or tinkering.” approaches to teaching. “Anza always seem to and this really helps,” said Nitsos. The inspiro system consists of a single The system also includes an audio hub so be the tip of the spear as far as technology,” The inspiro system also “greatly reduces” speaker cabinet, with multiple vertical speakers students with more severe hearing problems said Curtis. • Are you the El Camino College Alumni picture of health? -------- Portraits of Success -------- “I had the best experience playing football and going to school at El Camino College. Times were different back then, but the people, atmosphere and energy you feel when walking on the campus are the same. It’s an ideal place to start your college career.” Photo by Andrew Eccles Dan Heck “Colorectal cancer oftenhas no symptoms, Leuzinger High School Class of 1968 so please get tested. I did.” Defensive Coordinator, Katie Couric, Co-Founder El Segundo High School EIF’s National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance If you’re over 50, get screened. 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