Acoustics - listening and learning

Soundfield Systems/CADS (Classroom Audio Distribution Systems)

Soundfield systems and CADS aim to evenly distribute the sound of the teacher’s voice, around the room, by means of a microphone and a speaker or speakers, so that all pupils can hear the teacher clearly. Research has shown that the use of soundfield systems can improve concentration of pupils, improve academic performance, keep noise levels down, improve behaviour, and especially benefit those who are deaf, have difficulties listening in noise, as well as a range of other needs.

Over the past three to four decades Soundfield/ CADS technologies have been progressively developed and refined to facilitate high quality speech intelligibility for all pupils, whatever their quality of hearing. Details of these developments along with the consideration of research evidence findings can be found in the following publications:

• Preston, C., Younie, S. and Turner, R. (2015) ‘Listening to Learn: an evaluation of classroom audio distribution technology for enriching teaching and learning’ A MirandaNet Fellowship publication in association with Lightspeed Technologies

• Smaldino, J. and Flexer, C.(ed.) (2012) ‘Handbook of Acoustic Accessibility: Best Practices for Listening, Learning and Literacy in the Classroom’. New York: Thieme Medical Publishers (ISBN 978-1-60406-765-1)

Below is a list of suppliers’ websites that carry research and reports about that company’s products in relation to this topic.

• Connevans
• CleverTouch 
• Gordon Morris 
• Roberts Audio Solutions 
• RGSoundSolutions 
• Phonak support pages