Assistive Technology in Classrooms and Event Spaces
Catchbox Microphone
The Catchbox is a soft foam throw-able microphone that can help amplify student and instructor voices and be a fun teaching tool to increase discussion and interactive participation activities in medium to large classroom spaces. There are Catchboxes set up in various classrooms that are connected through the room's sound system.
Hearing Loops
Hearing loops, or induction loops, are available in some classrooms and event spaces. They are a type of assistive listening tool that sends presenter and audience sound directly to a person's telecoil-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants for improved sound clarity and understanding. If a person does not have a compatible hearing aid and/or would like hearing assistance in a space, portable hearing devices are available.
Hearing loops are available in
- Gibbons c102 and c108
- Hatch 212 and 214
- Lancaster Lounge
- Main Lounge
- Mills 103, 127, 129, 210, 220 and the cinema classroom
- Pickard Theater
- Pickering Room (Hubbard 213)
Instructor/Presenter Microphones
Most classrooms are equipped with clip-on microphones for instructors and presenters to use. It is strongly encouraged that microphones are used even if you think your voice is loud enough. This will benefit people who are hard of hearing and/or help if there is background noise in the room. Not sure if your room has an instructor microphone? Visit the list of classrooms and the technology available in the IT knowledgeable.
Portable Voice Amplifier
Information Technology has a few portable voice amplifiers with speaker headsets that are good to use in spaces where there are no speakers or microphones, outside field work, tours, or holding outside classes. The audio from a microphone is sent out through a small speaker to the audience. Note: This is not a two-way sound system and only projects the audio of the person using the microphone.