As a school librarian, I will be focusing on assistive technology that can be used in a school setting. I will be reviewing the CIE Soundfield System. This is a form of voice amplification technology which allows the speaker to wear a microphone to transmit sound around the room through speakers. In schools, this is called a classroom audio distribution system (CADS). These specific speakers, amplifiers, and transmitters/receivers are installed like a standard ceiling tile and are relatively easy to install. For classrooms without drop tile ceiling, CIE offers a walled or surface mounting option as well. According to CIE, they do not use the standard FM radio frequency for microphones but, “light to transmit the microphone signal (just like your TV remote control)” (CIE). There are three components to this system; infrared microphone, infrared microphone receiver, sound panel loudspeakers and integrated amplifier. The use of this infrared technology means the signal cannot be transmitted to surrounding classrooms. In summary the CIE Soundfield System works as a “mini PA” system with the option to be installed or carried around classrooms. This allows a kind of “surround sound” where the teacher’s voice comes out of speakers placed around the room at a standard volume, rather than relying on one’s own speech projection.
Compatibility across devices and current technological standards is exceptional. According to CIE, many British schools are integrating their systems into classrooms as new schools are being built and old classrooms are updated. A highlight of the system is the ability to connect with induction loop hearing devices (ie: hearing aids) and the classroom wide speakers. This allows teachers and those with disabilities to customize their necessary accommodations to their specific needs. Lastly, this system is wireless which allows for a sleek and neat design. The Soundfield system is wireless and can be charged on a wireless charging port. While the system is operated mostly wirelessly, the microphone has ports to connect other devices (smartboards, MP3 Players, laptops, etc…) based on other learning devices within the classroom. However, CEI does not have a readily available pricing for its system on their website. A school would have to call to speak with a CEI representative to get a full system rate, or buy parts separately and then install themselves. This makes the system harder to acquire and integrate into classrooms. From reviewing the website a system could cost up to $3,000 per system. This is certainly a barrier to school with small budgets.
Lastly, this CADS system was designed for all users, with special interest for those with hearing disabilities. This system helps teachers with voice clarity and voice strain, helps students with attention disorders remain on task, helps students learning a second language, and reduces background noise for those with additional sensory needs. The CIE system can also be used in office conference rooms, local school board meetings, and in both public and private libraries. This system can be outfitted in any room that may require voice amplification. In my current school library, we have a type of auditory device that has a headset microphone and a speaker that can attach to pants or lanyard that can be worn around the next. This will still create issues around unequal distribution of sound based on where students are sitting. However, for schools without a Soundfield system, this is an adequate alternative. I found this type of auditory assistive technology to be extremely useful in the classroom and well researched across professions. I believe if all classrooms were outfitted with this type of technology, there would be an increase in student learning for students with and without disabilities.
References:
About Boys Town. (2024). Boys Town. https://www.boystown.org/about
CIE-Group—Selling a wide range of Soundfield System Packages. (n.d.). Retrieved February 11, 2025, from https://shop.cie-group.com/shop/audio-visual_1/soundfield_13/soundfield-systems_1000/
Sam Waller, P John Clarkson, James Hubbard, & Dónal Rice. (2020, August 11). What is an accessible product?-e-accessibilitytoolkit.org. ITU. https://web.archive.org/web/20200811063633/http://www.e-accessibilitytoolkit.org/toolkit/product_development_and_design/accessible_product