Reducing Noise with Ambient Displays

SUMMARY

Existing Knowledge:

1. Classroom noise negatively affects learning performance and student engagement.

2. Teachers traditionally moderate noise using verbal cues, but alternative approaches are underexplored.

3. Ambient Learning Displays (ALDs) have shown potential in reducing noise by providing real-time visual feedback.

New Insights:

1. Introducing ALDs in secondary school classrooms resulted in reduced noise for groups with moderate noise levels.

2. Students reported improved awareness of noise levels and their impact on learning when using the ALD.

3. A strong negative correlation was found between perceived noise and students' perceived learning performance.

Putting Research into Practice:

1. Implementing ALDs: Deploy ALDs in classrooms to provide real-time visual feedback, helping moderate noise levels.

2. Teacher Training: Equip teachers with strategies to integrate ALDs effectively and encourage consistent engagement.

3. Custom Feedback Design: Calibrate ALDs to specific classroom conditions, using intuitive color codes to maximize effectiveness.

Reference:
Tabuenca, B., Börner, D., & Kalz, M. (2021). Effects of an ambient learning display on noise levels and perceived learning in a secondary school. IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies. https://doi.org/10.1109/TLT.2021.3056038

Cite/Refer this summary: Ross, E. M. and Malar, D. B. J. (2025). Reducing Noise with Ambient Displays. Excellent Educator, 2 (2), 5.