Revamp the bell By Rosie Clarke, Editor
Has your school considered upgrading its communications system? When deciding on budgets and key purchases to streamline school operations, it’s important to note that IP paging and PA systems have moved on from the classic brass bell that used to signal break times. In fact, IP paging and PA systems have a range of new functions that boost security, enable creative use of speakers for schoolwide events and competitions, more efficient communication between classroom teachers and school administrators, emergency messaging, and more. Yet, few school staff seem to know about these innovative features and technologies. School News investigates how IP paging and PA system designs have evolved to meet new needs in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape…
IP Paging and PA system recommendations for schools: Industry experts sound-off Tony Edwards, Director of Sound Choice Pro Audio, advised us that: “The new technology currently available with IP paging systems is a real game changer for schools. No longer is the school bell just a bell sound. For example, playing a song in te reo Māori during Māori Language week.
Illustration supplied by New Era Technology
“Some of the main features of the new IP Paging systems is the ability for individual classrooms to play their own music through the system speakers. “A teacher can play the audio from their laptop and if a paging announcement is made, the laptop audio will mute and continue once the announcement ends. This saves the school money as
there is no duplication of equipment in the classroom. “It is also possible for school admin or other staff members to listen in on a classroom if a teacher has to leave the room briefly. “Intercom links back to the school admin desk or main office are becoming popular too, as teachers can call and have two-way conversations.
“Unfortunately, schools are unaware of a lot of the features now available, I get a lot of feedback from schools saying that they wished they had known more about the features and costs savings that IP paging systems can offer. The schools get limited budgets, so it makes sense not to have to spend money on different standalone systems that are not integrated with each other.
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Term 3, 2022 | schoolnews.co.nz
