Classroom Noise Level Management

Summary:

Here are three of my favorite web tools that I use in my classroom to help manage the noise level during coding activities with robots or large interactive group projects. All of these web tools are free and can be used on any web browser and device.

Analysis:

• Can be used to help control the noise level of the classroom when working on group projects.
• Visual feedback can reduce overall classroom noise.
• Positively influences the behavior of all learners.

How it works:

• It is free noise meter app that can be used on any browser.
• As the sound increase, colorful balls will bounce around the bottom of the screen.
• You can choose from a variety of fun themes
• Make sure you adjust the sensitivity level of your computer's microphone

Pros:

• It is a fun app for younger grades
• It is free

Cons:

The balls can be distracting to some students

How it works:

• The app is basically a visual meter
• When the volume is low the arrow stays in the green and yellow area. The background has blue sky with a happy emoji.
• When students get too loud, the arrow spike into orange and reds level and the background turns orange and the emoji turns into a crying face.
  

Pros:

• It is a simple visual tool that promotes students to encourages students to stay in the acceptable range
  

Cons:

• Free version, teachers must register first to use
• The graphics are geared for younger students

Web tool that was created by Laurens Koopers, a teacher from the Netherlands it includes several digital widgets.

How it works:

• Connect your device to a projector, launch the browser, and go to the website.
• Chrome browser is recommended, but it works on any web browser
• It has 12 different web tools embedded in one website (language, background, random name creator, sound level, QR code creator, drawing tools, text, work symbols, traffic lights, timer, clock and calendar, & exit poll.

I will review just a few the top five features:

Sound Level: Allow the site to use your computer's microphone. Set the maximum noise level you want in the classroom. The tool will show a red or green progress bar to let your students know if they need to be quieter.

Random Name Creator: Create a .txt file with all of your students' name and upload it. Then it will randomly select a student. There is also a dice feature that allows you to roll one, two, or three dice for a random number.

Timer: Teacher will set the amount of time and it will count down. When time is up it will play the sound that you pick.

Exit Poll: It allows the teacher to create their own question and poll the students . The students select one of the five face choices to indicate their response.

Work Symbols: It allows for a visual reminder to indicate how students should be working in class: Silence, Whisper, Ask a Neighbor, or Work together.

Pros:

• All the tools can be moved around the screen to wherever you want them
• You can have multiple tabs and windows open at the same time
• It works on all web browsers

Cons:

• The text box fields do not save, if you close the window. You can however, copy and paste information into a Google Doc.