The impact of switching from fluorescent lights to full-spectrum fluorescent and LED lighting in schools: An experiment in Victoria Int’l School in Sharjah

Abstract

Human performance is influenced by lighting in many situations. Many studies have investigated how lighting impacts academic performance, focus, and motivation. The issue of color rendering and temperature is becoming increasingly important as high efficiency lamps and government regulations are enforced. For decades, fluorescent lamps have been used in educational systems to provide high-quality, efficient lighting. Fluorescent lamps can negatively affect the built environment as well as the surrounding environment. Several studies have been conducted to show that LED lamps have positive effects in the built environment. Several studies show that LED lamps with high color temperature correlation affect perceptions and actions positively in the classroom and workplace. In the workplace and in school, it can increase engagement and on-task behavior. This study develops experimental research for effects of LED, fluorescent, and full spectrum lighting on classroom’s children. To assess various effects related to classroom lighting on children between the ages of four and seven, an online survey was developed. During the Mother's Day morning tea celebration, a survey was conducted among three classrooms of Victoria International School's Early Learning Center. Results of the study indicate that 5000K or higher LED lighting has a significant impact on perceptions of attitudes and behaviors associated with alertness, focus, and performance in a classroom. Further experimental studies are required to evaluate attitudes as well as behaviors related to classroom illumination and how dynamic lighting affects students.