If you’ve been asked to research classroom audio systems, here’s a cheat sheet you can utilize.

Word to know: amplitude (loudness) – a quality of the soundwave.

When we crank up the speakers, we’re adjusting the air pressure of the sound waves produced. Most speakers are amplified, meaning they use electricity to blow up the signals. Such speakers are called “active speakers.”

If volume is an option, or there’s an electrical plug, the speaker is most likely active. If there are no ways to activate the sound, then it’s a classroom audio system with passive speakers. These speakers require an additional amplifier.

More vocab: Self-powered speakers

Self-powered speakers often come in pairs for the stereo effect. This means the left and right are powered and present two different audio channels. The soundwaves blend together for a strong impact for the listener.

How are speakers designed? In general, the speakers have a cone, an iron coil, a magnet, and a housing (case/shell). When the speaker gets the input, it magnifies it back and forth. This vibration is set out by the sound so we hear the soundwaves.

Getting such a device in a school makes perfect sense. Sometimes the classroom is too big or the students are too rowdy. By using a speaker, you can be sure that everybody hears you just fine. This is helpful in more ways than one, fellow educators.

References: www.owi-inc.com.