In Part IV, Ms. Jones explains to her 5 grade class that the newly installed FM (Frequency Modulation) will help Michael hear her classroom instructions and hear his group’s conversations during “Math Duo,” the class team timed competitions that involve students problem solving math problems. Ms. Jones explained that with the loud noises and large classroom where sound is acoustically lost in the thin walls of the classroom, the FM device provides assistance to Michael’s hearing issues.
“But, Ms. Jones,” Alicia asked impatiently, “What does the system do for Michael?”
“Yeah,” the class chimed in, “What does it really do?”
FM systems are important for students for the following reasons:
- The system will allow Michael an opportunity to hear my voice in understanding my instructions anywhere in the classroom.
- It will allow my voice to be heard over the background noise in the classroom especially when the noise is closer to Michael and prevents him from hearing what I am saying in the classroom.
- Michael can now hear his own voice with his hearing-aid and monitor his voice when he’s speaking in the classroom.
- Michael can hear your voices in the classroom and respond appropriately.
Researchers have shown that in order for students to develop speech and language development effectively, they must hear the phonics of words and then mimic those sounds into language. A student’s language development enhances self-esteem, creates social constructs and builds confidence in the classroom which can translate into academic success and access.
Michael is already showing promise of academic success as the team leader of "Math Duo" team #5 which currently has the fastest time in solving math problems in Ms. Jones' 5 grade class. Assistive technology allows the child with disabilities to perform in a mainstream classroom as effectively as his classmates.