Tunable Lights for A Better Learning Environment

Fifth graders in Ms. Jones’ science and math classes at Dale B. Davis Elementary School in Carrollton, Texas are unusually curious about measuring color temperatures using the Kelvin scale, and the number of lumens emitted from the bulbs of their classroom lighting system. Since when do fifth graders study such science? Generally, they don’t, but this classroom has a new BLT Series Tunable White Luminaire system manufactured by Lithonia Lighting from Acuity Brands.

Today’s schools are adding smartboards, tablets for student use, and flexible furniture, but many classrooms across the country still have outdated fluorescent lighting with no dimming capability. The old on/off toggle, sometimes combined with shaded window, is a poor tool for helping to manage the moods, alertness and readiness for learning.

Outdated lighting systems are also maintenance intense and energy inefficient. The school district’s current fluorescent lights deliver less consistent illumination and require frequent maintenance according to Victor Melton, Energy Manager for the school district.

Catherine Hollenshead, engineer with Estes, McClure & Associates, brought the Tunable White lighting system with LED and flexible controls to Davis Elementary as part of a research partnership with Acuity Brands. Tunable White creates a more ideal classroom learning environment. It allows the light color temperature to be adjusted to optimal light levels for specific classroom activities.

One system with simple controls allows the teacher to create scenes by controlling the intensity of lights as well as dimming in selected zones. For example, the teacher can dim the lights at the front of the room when the class is utilizing a whiteboard or A/V screen.

Jenna Jones, fifth grade math and science teacher at Davis Elementary, confirms, “It’s not just the grades. It’s how they feel. They feel more in control. If they feel in control, they will focus more and get it done. That’s when they’re going to be really successful.”

Ms. Jones says she can change the lighting scene in her room at the touch of a button, which helps the students focus on the task at hand. She now adjusts the lighting four to six times each day.

www.acuitybrands.com

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • University of Connecticut Upgrades Basketball Facility’s AV Systems

    The University of Connecticut recently partnered with Metinteractive to upgrade the AV systems of the Gampel Pavilion basketball facility on its campus in Mansfield, Conn., according to a news release.

  • Texas A&M Adds ALPR Technology to Parking Solutions

    Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, recently integrated automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) technology into its parking services and enforcement strategies, according to a news release. The university’s Transportation Services division deployed Genetec AutoVu ALPR to manage the campus’ 36,000+ parking spaces.

  • Spaces4Learning Launches 2025 New Product Awards

    Spaces4Learning is now accepting entries for the 2025 New Product Awards! The program’s goal is to honor the outstanding product development achievements of manufacturers and suppliers whose products and services are particularly noteworthy in helping to improve K–12 and Higher Education learning environments.

  • Illinois Elementary School Breaks Ground on Campus Expansion

    Heather Hill Elementary School, part of Flossmoor School District 161 in Palatine, Ill., recently broke ground on a new addition to the school focused on student support and security, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects & Engineers for the expansion as part of a longer-term facility planning and modernization initiative.

Digital Edition