Finding the right ed tech tools can help students and teachers focus, collaborate, and create. By redefining the relationship between IT departments and educators, a strong partnership prevails where effective communication and problem-solving fosters meaningful collaboration.

In this article, Bedston Burrell shares

• how to implement effective two-way technology communication;
• how IT teams can become problem-solvers; and
• how to avoid tech fatigue.

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As K–12 institutions continue to expand their digital footprints by adapting new technologies, concerns of ransomware attacks also continue to grow. In fact, according to SonicWall’s 2023 Cyber Threat Report, ransomware attacks were up 827 percent in 2022 for K–12 schools. How then do schools mitigate vulnerability?

In this article, Suchi Rudra shares how schools can safeguard against cyber threats by

• using next-generation firewalls;
• securing connections;
• implementing incident response planning; and
• automating daily cybersecurity tasks.

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According to the World Health Organization, the volume of a classroom should be less than 35 decibels for good learning conditions. But today’s classrooms are much noisier. The average classroom today can be as loud as 77 decibels – that’s equivalent to the sound of a vacuum cleaner!

The rise in 1:1 device policies, new instructional methods and changing dynamics in the classroom make now a great time to evaluate how noise impacts students – and educators. Cutting noise pollution can help everyone in a classroom hear and be heard in ways that can also personalize learning. There are learning outcome advantages too. Students need instruction to be 15-20 decibels louder than background noise to support higher learning recovery rates. Headsets help students focus by removing those external distractions.

Educators looking for ways to lower noise pollution and keep students focused can try one or more of these tips, tools, and tactics.

Mute machines and devices

The technology and devices in and around learning environments in school or at home contribute to continuous background sounds. The beeps, buzzing, and whirring from these devices might seem par for the course, but they can distract students.

What to do

District and school leaders should factor in sound output when evaluating school equipment. Paying attention to noise levels as well as features that easily mute notifications and other sounds can help lower the overall classroom noise.

Provide microphones

Students need instruction amplified 15-20 decibels louder than background noise. Without that amplification, learning loss can occur. A microphone can help the teacher’s voice cut through classroom noise pollution.

What to do

The Yeti Microphone provides broadcast-quality sound to give educators confidence that students can clearly understand information and instructions.

Improve acoustics

Classrooms are often built to maximize space, but that’s often done at the cost of sound. In districts or schools, administrators and school leaders can help teachers modify classrooms to reduce the impact of noise. If teachers are leading classes in a remote or hybrid style, tip sheets can be created so teachers can set up personal spaces properly.

What to do

For both in-person and remote settings, adding rugs to bare floors, hanging curtains over windows, or putting soft materials like felt or cork on walls can improve the acoustics of a room and reduce noise.

Use an app

Apps are handy for many aspects of classroom management. That’s the case for reducing classroom noises as well. Educators can choose from a variety of paid and free apps to help manage classroom noise.

What to do

There are many available apps that measure and display noise levels. The visuals in the apps range from stoplights and bouncing balls to smiley faces so educators can choose what works for their classroom best.

Hand out headsets

By reducing background noise, headsets can help students differentiate between ambient noise and educational content they need to hear. They also make audio clearer. So whether students need to hear instructions from a teacher or educational technology, headsets, especially those designed to wear for extended periods of time, can help students hear with greater ease and less frustration throughout the school day.

What to do

The soft foam padded ear pads in Logitech Zone Learn create noise isolation and keep students comfortable. Plus, the headset has adjustable side arms to fit students’ heads.

Taking just a few of these steps can make a big difference in cutting noise pollution in schools and districts, while boosting focus and stamina among students.