Free! CALM COUNTER is a Flash-based web app that provides visual feedback on the amount of noise in your classroom. Setup is simple -- turn down your speakers, connect a microphone, and watch as the speedometer-like indicator rises and falls with noise levels. No worries, if your sans mic (though here's one for less than $10) -- we tried Calm Counter with the built-in laptop mic with no issues. There's even a microphone sensitivity control to optimize the CalmCounter with your hardware (we used Level 8 with the laptop mic) and your own idea of acceptable noise levels. The applications for such a tool seem endless. Perhaps a little gamification for each noise level. Or if you're feeling really gnarly, invite parents to a Google Hangout and let them hear and see when students can't stay calm!
