Gearing Up for ’08-09

Another school year is coming fast and with it another opportunity to review your school's learning environment and examine how it can be improved. Of course, one of the tasks on the review checklist is increasing technology literacy among your students. Califone provides an easy and cost-effective way to integrate technology that supports instruction. Read on to discover how other educators are using audiovisual technology to provide a powerful medium for their curriculum, learn tips on how to create a multimedia classroom, and check out the latest products from Califone.

In-Touch | Case Study

Teacher Tested
Lake Washington School District
(WA) Students Hear Clearly

Lake Washington School District (LWSD), located east of Seattle, was looking for the audio delivery system to complement over 1,500 installed projector systems that would allow educators to use DVDs, VHS tapes, computers and streaming video, and audio enhancement throughout the district.

LWSD chose the wired Califone PresentationPro (PA300+) speaker as the classroom audio system. “The quality and volume of the PA300+ speaker allowed us to only have to install one unit per classroom compared to competing products which would need two units, which would ultimately increase the cost of installation and maintenance,” explained Steve Lewey, Project Manager for LWSD. MORE>>

Plugged-In | New Products

Califone MP3 Player

Introducing the first MP3 player designed specifically for school use! “It's the only player that limits the volume to 85dB… and it costs less than an iPod,” summed Scholastic Tech Tools MORE>>

USB Jackbox

Introducing the first jackbox offering audio output for headphone listening as well as mic inputs to enhance oral skills and is ideal for group podcasting. The unit can greatly benefit those needing additional reinforcement, including English language learners or special needs students. MORE>>

Listening First™ Headphones

Younger students shouldn't have to wear headphones designed to fit adult-sized heads. That's why this popular line of fun and engaging headphones includes three animal-themed offerings. Find out why these headphones made District Administration’s list of top 100 products. MORE>>

Did You Know?

A recent U.S. government survey revealed that 12.5 percent of children ages 6 to 19 (approximately 5.2 million children) have permanent damage to their ear hair cells caused by exposure to loud noises. In addition 15.5 percent of children ages 12 to 19 had some hearing loss in one or both ears, highlighting the fact that noise-induced hearing loss grows more prevalent with age.

Califone is committed to the health and safety of every child, which is one of the reasons why the company works with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to provide products designed specifically to avoid hearing damage.

Source: http://www.childrenshearing.org/custom/hearing_health.html

Innovative Ideas

As 2008 is an election year, encourage your students to create and participate in their own debates. Here are a few helpful hints on how to incorporate technology into speech class:

• Combine language arts skills (writing, dictation) and technology through the use of visual aids. Have groups of students prepare a slideshow presentation to accompany their speeches.
• Discuss and practice the proper techniques for using a microphone at the podium. For example, determine the proper distance between the speaker and the microphone for diction and amplification purposes.
• Using an MP3 player (such as the new Califone MP3 Player), record the debate or presentation. Students can practice recording podcasts, editing them and posting them online to share with their classmates and parents.
• "Area Schools Get A Big Technology Infusion",
  The Birmingham News, April 30th, 2008, By Tiffany Ray