By Sheila Anderson
Valley City Times-Record

In Nancy Ost’s first-grade classroom, students no longer struggle to hear their teacher.
Ost’s classroom has been equipped with sound-field technology as part of a pilot program.   Soundfield technology consists of four speakers placed in each corner of the classroom, an amplifier, the collar type microphone worn by the person speaking and a handheld microphone. The sound-field systems are similar to PA systems.Bryan Kriewald, Valley City Public Schools technology coordinator, said this technology is most important in primary classrooms. Children are still developing listening skills and misdiagnosed hearing problems can be a problem, as well. 
Ost said students are able to hear her voice in all areas of the classroom. This means she can get a student’s attention without raising her voice.  
The handheld microphone makes it easy for children to speak in front of the class. Ost said it is used for news sharing, story time, and spelling games and activities. Ost added that children have not been shy about using the handheld microphone.   

For full story, see Tuesday's edition of the Valley City Times-Record.