Califone Blog

Studies about classroom acoustics have shown that excessive noise and reverberation can interfere with speech intelligibility, resulting in reduced understanding and therefore reduced learning. In many classrooms in the United States, the speech intelligibility rating is 75 percent or less, meaning that listeners with normal hearing can understand only 75 percent of the words read or spoken. (more…)

Slotted earcup baffles add to the durability and longevity. 2nd installment of a series on headphones and headsets.

Whether for a language learning exercise or a differentiated group read-along for beginning readers, if the headphone or headset isn’t working properly, then everyone loses. Lost time from down equipment can be frustrating, costly, and can even delay the timetable of scheduled learning activities. Before the buy decision is made, one detail to consider that will reduce the chance of a broken headphone are protective slotted earcup baffles. (more…)

Added features for Classroom Performance and Safety

Califone announced several improvements to its Spirit^® (1776) Multimedia Player/Recorder. Already one of the most widely requested boomboxes within school and district bids, the new features increase its durability and usefulness for language learning, read-alongs, and library listening. (more…)

No other media player remote offers as much flexibility.

Typical remote controls for consumer-oriented media players might offer basic “play”, “stop”, and ”start” functions – which are adequate for the occasional home use they were designed for. But teaching requires lots more versatility and flexibility. (more…)

7th in a series of articles about boomboxes

While Califone media players are often used in classrooms for language learning and class projects, they are also relied on to teach dance. (more…)

While infrared technology is not new, it still plays a valuable role in enhancing student learning in the 21st Century. Two of the benefits of a wireless over a wired learning center include providing a more comfortable learning experience with freedom of movement, and creating a safer classroom environment (no cords to trip over). (more…)

School applications for headset technologies are skyrocketing, whether for classroom-based language learning or virtual courses taught from the other side of the country, or beyond.

English Language Learners represent the fastest growing segment of the school-age population and now account for nearly 19% of school age children, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). As projections suggest that the ELL population will continue to increase (approximately 20% of the workforce and half of the population under 18 in the next 20 years), school districts are examining how this increase will affect the educational environment in the future. (more…)