Wireless for Sound

Technology has just made another step forward in our classroom with the installation of our new Flexcat system from Lightspeed Technologies.  This is more than a public address system

The purpose of Flexcat is not to make the teacher louder.  I'm not simply trying to talk over the noise of the classroom.  In fact, after much research of classroom sound systems, I've found no other that fills the niche that this one fills.

Flexcat is a two-way communication system created specifically for schools.  To my knowledge it is the only system that allows a teacher to listen to small group conversations with the purpose of monitoring the thinking and collaboration progress. The video accompanying this post explains.

While Flexcat does allow the teacher's voice to be distributed more evenly in the classroom, it will also allow me to address targeted locations within the room, as well.  If only one group needs to hear my comments, there is no longer a reason to interrupt the entire class to make myself heard.  With a simple push of a button, my voice can be heard over a speaker in one group, while the speakers located elsewhere remain muted.

Likewise, I can now listen in on the conversation of a group from across the room.  No longer do I have to be physically located with the group to help it - or to know that the group is working well and I just need to butt out. Yes, like any other technology or tool, this one could be used punitively and become a detriment to classroom management, but used effectively, the Flexcat system is a total collaborative tool.  Now I can be present with one group while standing with another.  And if I need to break in with a suggestion or motivation, I can.

An honest teacher realizes that conversations change when students know they are being monitored.  Flexcat is not designed to be Big Brother, and the teacher is not designed to be a spy on his students.  Instead, it is a tool to sustain the conversations on the right track for longer.  Less distraction and side-talk makes for more engagement time for my students, thus advancing their achievement in many subjects.

The manufacturer claims Flexcat also provides the chance to engage shy and soft-spoken students.  With the remote control, I can now allow a student to address the class from his/her table without putting him/her on the spot.  Other groups can have the benefit of listening in on a group that is making good progress.  I don't always have to worry about my teacher voice being heard in the nooks and crannies, but to hear other students is important as we foster collaboration and student-driven learning.

As we go forward, I hope Flexcat makes me a better educator.  I hope it helps build more positive relationships with students.  And with creative use, Flexcat might be used in my classroom in ways the manufacturer has never imagined.