Research shows that quieter classes are more productive

Classrooms can be noisy places! Recent research in America and Britain has shown that most classrooms have ambient noise levels above the recommended levels set by The World Health Organisation, American Speech-Language Association, ANSI (the American National Standards Institute) and the Department for Education and Skills. Imagine then, the levels when the rooms are occupied! Talking and discussing are an integral part of today’s Learning and Teaching. Pair and group discussion are common place in nearly every lesson.

Read our White Paper on Classroom Acoustics - The Effects on Standards & Pupil's Learning

What is HowLoud and how can it help?

HowLoud is friendly, flexible and fun software, which monitors the noise level in the classroom, helping to create a quieter, calmer climate for learning. Use it as a classroom aid, not to stop your pupils talking, but to encourage them to be aware that good listening only occurs when the noise level is at an acceptable level.

HowLoud is ideal for use with an Interactive White Board (IWB) or with a laptop and projector combination, as the whole class can easily see the displays.

Features at a Glance
	Perfect for Interactive White Boards
	Pupils self-regulate their noise level
	6 colourful, simple displays
	3 configurable noise thresholds
	Easy setup and operation
	Save configurations for different classes and teachers
	NEW - Teaching Support Pack

Using a simple three colour ‘traffic light’ coding, green (for quiet talking / whispering) , amber - (getting louder, but bearable), red – (too loud!), it will help train your pupils to self regulate the noise level in the classroom. Click here for screenshots of the different displays.

It can be easily configured for different groups or age ranges and can be used in many different ways. Set the level you want for each lesson or activity. Use it as an activity break and get into the red zone! Use it to help develop public speaking skills!

NEW - Teacher Support Pack

HowLoud now comes with a Teaching support pack for Key Stages 1 & 2 which contains PDF and excel files for data recording and charting of results!

What equipment you need to get the most from HowLoud

Most PCs and laptops come with built in microphones, but these can pick up noises from the computer's fans and so pick up unwanted noise. Ideally you may want to purchase an omni-directional stereo microphone that is compatible with your machine which can be placed in a position that picks up the overall classroom ‘buzz’. Most in-built laptop microphones work without any problems.