US-based Smart Technologies, a leading provider of collaboration solutions, has launched its classroom amplification systems.

With speakers installed throughout the classroom, the Smart Audio 340 and 360 systems amplify teacher and student voices, reducing teacher vocal strain, and ensuring that everyone can clearly hear what is being said from anywhere in the room, a statement said.

Smart Audio 340 features seamless integration with Smart Notebook collaborative learning software. Touching the Smart Audio icon found in Smart Notebook software brings up an intuitive user interface that enables educators to control up to five separate audio inputs with the touch of a finger.

Adjusting the volume is quick and simple, saving valuable class time while maintaining lesson flow.

Smart Audio 360 is designed for educators who do not currently use Smart Notebook software. The system includes a wall-mounted control unit that features an LCD screen and control dial that enables users to access and adjust settings.

The 340 and 360 systems include a wireless infrared microphone that can be used by either the teacher or the students; four speakers; a control unit that provides a USB interface to the computer; and a room module that combines an amplifier and an infrared sensor. Additional wireless infrared microphones are also available.

Both classroom amplification systems integrate with existing school infrastructure, such as paging and intercom systems and room control systems. Paging input is built into the classroom amplification system’s room module, which enables school-wide announcements to be broadcast through the system’s four ceiling- or wall-mounted speakers.

“Many students struggle in the classroom simply because they cannot hear the teacher while teachers often struggle to speak above the normal classroom noise,” said Nancy Knowlton, Smart’s CEO.

“The next generation of Smart Audio offers two alternatives – each providing an easy-to-use solution for educators to improve student attentiveness and engagement and decrease teacher vocal chord strain,” she added.

Both the Smart Audio 340 and 360 classroom amplification systems are expected to begin shipping globally in the summer of 2011. – TradeArabia News Service