Expanded Learning Centers Allow More Students to Participate
6 and 8 position jackboxes offer cost-effective solutions for computer-based classroom listening centers
Enhanced audio-based technology has created new ways for non-powered listening centers and jackboxes to strengthen differentiated group learning. Califone International, Inc., has upgraded and expanded its line of Monaural and Stereo Listening Centers, empowering educators to use (computer-based) small group learning to meet varying student’s needs.
Califone offers a variety of learning centers that feature either monaural or stereo headphones, and several systems have been upgraded. These learning centers are ideal for tutorials, literacy groups, language lessons, story time as well as special education and ELL learning applications.
• Stereo Listening Centers are now available with six or eight positions in addition to the existing four position listening center, which includes six or eight stereo headphones (2924AVPS). They are expandable to include additional students if needed with the 10-position jackbox with volume control (1210AVPS).
• Monaural Listening Centers are available with six or eight positions, which include six or eight stereo headphones (2924AVP) and an 8-position jackbox with volume control (1218AVPY). The 1218AVPY is now standard for all monaural centers and replaces the 1208AVPY, which did not feature individual volume controls.
“Increased uses of computers within classrooms has been well documented,” shared Tim Ridgway, VP of Marketing for Califone. “But this is the first instance of an audio manufacturer focusing on the effects of computers on classroom language learning patterns.”
Based on results from a recent month-long survey on Califone.com, more than two thirds of respondents use classroom computers for audio-assisted language learning or reading activities for more than 30% of their available time. “This demonstrates how much computer-based learning has become an integral component in the classroom, substituting for traditional media player-based centers,” said Ridgway. “These 21st Century listening centers allow teachers to create small group lessons around the computer – leveraging the power of educational software, online activities and edugames to engage students at their level.” In addition, Califone offers four other learning centers to aid classroom learning:
• The first USB-based Listening Center is built around a USB equipped jackbox which also has ports for connecting audio input from up to six students, enabling true two-way group podcasting. This makes it ideal for students to design and develop podcasts, practice their language skills and discuss lessons with other students such as Fairfax County Public Schools in Fairfax, Virginia.
• The Sound Alert™ Monaural Listening Center is an eight position listening center that warns the teacher and student through a bright red LED light when the audio is louder than the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s recommended 85-decibel level. This visual clue helps students learn safe listening practices. The center includes the Sound Alert Jackbox and eight 2924AVG monaural headphones.
• The Listening First™ Stereo Listening Center is designed for younger students, featuring primary colors and child-sized headphones.
• The Wireless Computer Listening Center is a flexible, computer-oriented learning center designed to increase the student-to-computer ratio. The expandable package includes four infrared headphones and a single USB transmitter, which plugs into any computer and transmits wireless stereo to each headphone within its five-foot line-of-sight range.
