Panasonic Puts Every Child In A Front Row Seat

Media Release
6 November 2009

Panasonic Puts Every Child In A Front Row Seat

Every child deserves a front row seat in the classroom – and now Panasonic is making it possible, with the introduction of the Front Row Classroom Sound System.

Good listening conditions are essential to children’s auditory development and general learning, yet typically 1/3 of what is said in the classroom goes unheard or misunderstood.

With that in mind, the Front Row Classroom Sound System has been developed to provide a practical and cost-effective solution to poor classroom acoustics.

Research has shown that voice amplification is an excellent way of creating an enhanced learning environment, particularly when installation of an acoustic ceiling is not possible.

New Zealand students spend up to 75% of their day engaged in auditory learning, and keeping them interested and attentive is proving to be increasingly difficult in today’s louder world.

In a recent survey, 71% of teachers reported that noise generated within the classroom is a problem, and 86% said that noise outside the classroom competed with their lessons.

“The Front Row Classroom Sound System is designed with both teachers and students in mind,” says Pete Fullerton, Sales Manager for Panasonic Broadcast Systems. “We understand that teachers are straining their voices to be heard, and that children are not necessarily in an optimal acoustic environment.”

“National and international trials have found that the voice amplification technology in the Front Row Classroom Sound System can be a significant improvement for both the teacher and the child.”

Developed by RAMSA, the company responsible for the crystal-clear sound at the summer and winter Olympic Games, the Front Row Classroom Sound System is simple, lightweight, and unobtrusive.

The system consists of a convenient hands-free pendant for the teacher, a hand-held microphone option for the student, infrared sensor, amplifier and wall speakers.

The wireless system allows teachers to roam freely around the classroom, as 71% of teachers surveyed described “walking around” as their usual position in the classroom.

The technology does not interfere with other transmitting devices, and is easy to install.

Initial voice amplification trial results have shown dramatic improvements in listening and reading and a high acceptance rate by teachers.

“The [Front Row Classroom] Sound System is proving to be a huge help,” says Baverstock Oaks School teacher, Chris Thomson. “I have avoided another bout of ‘voice loss’ primarily because of the system.

“It’s simple to use and makes teaching much more pleasurable,” Ms Thompson says. “All in all, it’s a piece of equipment I would hate to lose.”

Research has also proven that voice amplification can increase phonologic skills, student cooperation and increased on-task behaviour.

Tech & Learning, a leading international resource publication for Education Technology also rated voice amplification technology as one of the ten most important technology investments in today’s classroom.

A basic Front Row Classroom Sound System costs less than $2,000 each, excluding installation costs, making it a viable option for many New Zealand schools.

With an aim to have a Front Row Classroom Sound System in every school within three years, Mr Fullerton says Panasonic is committed to making every New Zealand classroom a better place to learn.

“We want to ensure that children are getting the best from every lesson, and The Front Row Classroom Sound System can help achieve that.”

ENDS

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