Sit in the back row of an elementary school classroom, and the teacher's voice may fade out easily.
Students who have learning disabilities, hearing impairments, attention issues or are learning English as a second language are particularly prone to daydreaming when it's hard to hear. To keep students focused, Foothill Elementary this year installed amplification systems in its kindergarten, first-grade and second-grade classrooms.
"There's no more back of the room," said Scott Schwartz, a speech language pathologist at Foothill. "It's not only about hearing, it's about attention and behavior."
Schwartz researched the system and successfully applied for a $4,000 grant through the Century Link Teachers and Technology Program. After learning more about the systems, the school's Parent Teacher Organization agreed to raise the rest of the money. Because the school's classrooms are old and required some retrofitting, the systems cost about $1,000 per classroom.
Starting last year, Lafayette Elementary began fundraising with a goal of installing amplification systems in all its classrooms. So far, the school has added the systems to more than half its classrooms. Money has come through a grant from Walmart, donations from local businesses and money raised by the Parent Teacher Association.
"It is something we really feel is an important addition to classroom success," said Elaine Krassowski, a speech language pathologist at Lafayette Elementary.
Several other Boulder Valley schools also use the system in classes with hearing impaired children.
While gadgets like e-readers and iPads are getting the most attention, Schwartz said, research on their effect on student achievement is scarce -- while research shows classroom amplification systems do improve achievement. As an added benefit, the systems also reduce voice stress and fatigue for teachers, cited as a common problem by speech pathologists.
"It's the biggest bang for your buck for technology," Schwartz said.
He said the company that installed the infrared systems measured the sound level in an empty room at 50 decibels -- conversation level -- thanks to a noisy heating system.
To use the system, teachers wear a lightweight , wireless microphone shaped like a necklace. There's a mute button for one-on-one or small group work. Teachers also control the volume, with the goal of making it loud enough for just a little extra oomph.
At Foothill, teacher response has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers said the systems have reduced the need to repeat directions, get kids moving faster during transition times and improved attention levels.
"I love it," said first-grade teacher Erin Eissinger. "It really does help command their attention. They seem to be clearer on directions. The kids ask for it if I don't put it on."
Teachers said they also let the students use the microphones if they're reading out loud, helping other students pay attention and hear the often soft voices of new or nervous readers.
"First-graders love to share their work," said teacher Jeanne Naber. "Now, we can actually hear them."