Improved Headsets Help Learning
Upgraded headset microphones pick up verbal responses more clearly by deadening extraneous sounds
With record numbers of students learning English as their second language, the importance of establishing a solid foundation has never been greater. Integrated into reading programs and call and response exercises, providing audio feedback of recorded responses can help students learn appropriately modeled pronunciation and speed the language learning process. To help students discern the subtle, but important nuances when listening to their own verbal responses, Califone has upgraded the microphones on all of its headsets to more effectively dampen external noises, enabling more of the student’s voice to be recorded.
The change applies to the rugged 3066 series (offering a choice of dual 3.5mm plugs or a USB plug), the lightweight 3064 series (also with either the dual 3.5mm plugs or a USB plug), the 4100-USB (USB plug only), and the monaural 2964AV monaural headsets (dual 1/4″ plugs).
The back (left) and the front (right) venting hole patterns of the noise dampening microphone on the 3066AV help define its directionality to record voices.
“All Califone headphones and headsets utilize either active or passive ambient noise-reducing earcups to help teach students about appropriate volume levels and minimize distractions so they can stay on task,” shared the company’s VP of Marketing, Tim Ridgway. “Reducing the external noises students hear through the earcups was an important step, the next one was for the microphone to focus more on the recorded voice instead of the peripheral noise.”
We use the 3066-USB in our middle school Intensive Reading classes. Since READ 180 requires headphones with mics, we need a headset that captures student responses with sufficient audio quality and can stand up to the day-in an day-out uses.
“More and more of the applications we use in our district call for interaction from students, working to create 21st century learners,” said Bobby Blount, Director of Technology Services for the 37,000 student Cherokee County School District in Goergia. The district purchased 3066AV headsets after it was recommended by Pearson for use throughout the district with its SuccessMaker program. Still other districts have opted instead to use the USB plug instead for their computer-based speech programming. Shared Delfina Rodriguez, the ELL Intervention Program Coordinator for the Glendale Elementary School District, in Arizona, “We decided to purchase the 3066-USB because we liked that they easily connected to the computer – just plug and play.”
Karen Maguire, the Reading Coach at Oakridge Middle School in Naples, FL said, “We use the Deluxe Multimedia Stereo headsets in our middle school Intensive Reading classes which are part of the READ 180 program. Since the program requires headphones with mics, we need a product that captures student responses with sufficient audio quality and can stand up to the day-in an day-out uses.”
All headsets purchased before December 30th, 2009 will have their warranties extended to two years as part of the company’s Classroom Stimulus packages.
Read a series of articles about features to consider when buying headphones or headsets.
