Clear communication is foundational to effective teaching and learning. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), classroom acoustics play an important role in helping students fully engage with instruction and participate in learning activities. When students can clearly hear their teachers, they are better positioned to develop literacy and numeracy skills, maintain attention, retain information, and stay engaged throughout the school day.

High-quality classroom audio is especially beneficial for diverse learners, including students with learning differences, speech or attention challenges, auditory processing needs, autism, multilingual learners, and younger students whose listening skills are still developing.

Decades of research show that classrooms become more engaging and effective when every student can clearly hear instruction. The Redcat all-in-one speaker system delivers evenly distributed sound and exceptional speech clarity throughout the classroom. By ensuring that every child receives clear, consistent instruction—regardless of background noise or where they are seated—Redcat helps create an inclusive learning environment that provides equitable access to instruction for all learners while supporting student success and enhancing the teaching experience.

Format:

The Redcat speaker system is ready for use right out of the box. Teachers can simply place the portable system on a table, mount it on a wall, or use the optional battery for easier portability. An optional wireless Media Connector enables audio integration with laptops and devices without long cable runs, making it easier to integrate classroom multimedia audio sources.

Primary website URL:

https://lightspeed-tek.com/products/redcat/

Problem solved:

Background noise, distance, and classroom layout can make it difficult for students to hear and fully engage with instruction. Redcat helps create a more inclusive, engaging classroom by ensuring clear, consistent audio throughout the room. Students can more easily hear and understand their teachers regardless of where they are seated, helping educators connect with every learner and create a more effective learning environment.

Redcat also helps reduce the need for teachers to repeat instructions or raise their voices throughout the day, helping preserve instructional time and reduce vocal strain.

Does Redcat address core/supplemental/special needs/extracurricular/professional development?

Redcat supports teaching and learning across core instruction, supplemental programs, special education services, extracurricular activities, and professional development settings. By ensuring that every student can clearly hear instruction, discussions, and presentations, Redcat helps educators create engaging learning environments that support participation and success for all learners.

The system is particularly valuable for students with diverse learning needs, including those with learning disabilities, speech or attention disorders, auditory processing challenges, autism, mild hearing loss, and related difficulties. It also benefits multilingual learners, young students whose auditory systems are still developing, and any student who may struggle to hear clearly because of classroom noise or seating location. By delivering consistent, intelligible audio throughout the room, Redcat improves access to instruction, engagement, and participation while helping educators communicate more effectively with every student.

Grade/age range:

Pre-K through 12

Pricing model: Lightspeed offers a flexible pricing structure based on each district’s specific needs.

What makes Redcat unique?

Redcat combines instructional audio, portability, and ease of use in a single all-in-one classroom solution. Unlike traditional classroom amplification systems that may require permanent installation, Redcat can be placed on a table, mounted on a wall, or moved between learning spaces as needed. By delivering clear, evenly distributed audio throughout the classroom, Redcat helps ensure every student can hear instruction regardless of seating location, classroom acoustics, or background noise.

Optional wireless multimedia integration and Bluetooth connectivity make it easy to incorporate digital learning resources into daily instruction. More than simply amplifying sound, Redcat helps create equitable access to instruction by ensuring every student can clearly hear and engage with classroom teaching and learning activities.

Characteristics:

Redcat comes with one Clearmike, a wireless pendant-style microphone, and a microphone charger.

The system’s optional wireless Media Connector also includes Bluetooth connectivity that enables reliable, wireless audio streaming from phones and tablets, making it easier to integrate classroom multimedia audio sources.

An optional rechargeable battery enables Redcat to operate anywhere for up to 10 hours.

An optional handheld microphone, Sharemike, allows student pass-around use so that all students can clearly be heard in the classroom.