Assistive Technology in the Classroom

Assistive technology that already exists in classooms or can be requested to use.
Equipment included with a Catchbox  kit. The kit includes a charging dock, a 10 inch foam cube with cover and microphone, an instructor microphone, and a receiver.

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.

Standard sign indicating there is a hearing loop installed and stating to switch hearing aid to the tcoil setting.

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
  • Maine Lounge
  • Mills 103, 127, 129, 210, and the cinema classroom
  • Pickard Theater
  • Pickering Room (Hubbard 213)
Sure brand portable microphone receiver pack with a clip-on lapel microphone with foam cover. with cli

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 knowledgebase.

A portable Windbridge speaker with carrying handle and a headset with microphone.

Portable Voice Amplifier

Information Technology has a few portable voice ampliers 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.