Hear Your Computer Talking
Encouraged by their own innate curiosity and through technological innovations in toys and games, children are learning to use computers at earlier and earlier ages. Clearly the more comfortable they feel using the equipment and software programs, the more confident and competent they will become. In classrooms too, NETS (forwarded by the International Society for Technology in Education) also advocates for the integration of technology.
When it comes to advancing these 21st century skills, or learning how to read or practicing a new language, students are increasingly doing their work on computers, both individually and in smaller differentiated groups, often in computer labs. With more educational programs incorporating the use of audio and other needs for headphones increasing, one of the most trusted headphones used in classrooms and computer labs continues to be the Switchable 3068AV mono/stereo headphone.
Since volume control to help protect student’s hearing is so important, one reason why teachers rely on the 3068AV is its volume control on each earcup. Shared Leta Lemon, a Kindergarten teacher in Phoenix, AZ, “the 3068AV headphones have a volume adjustment so the kids aren’t blasted out by some programs that override the volume adjustment I set on the computers.”
Tech instructors depend on the 3068AV for when students are listening to audiobooks or listening to other content. As tech instructor Jill Huffman from Marysville, OH states, “we purchased one hundred Switchable Mono/Stereo Headphones for use in our K-4th grade Technology Instruction classes. The headphones reinforce the audio content of the lesson for everyone, but they benefit especially those students who can’t read yet or have difficulty reading [so they] can now hear instructions while learning on the computers.”
The large, cushioned earpads on the 3068AV keep individual students who are closely focused on their work from getting sidetracked by exterior sounds. Larry Robinson, K-6 Technology Coordinator from Yelm, WA states that “students use the 3068AV headphones in our computer lab so they can focus better and hear their own computer without distractions.” More attention to the task at hand will give students the opportunity to learn their material better, especially when they are preparing for state-wide testing. “We prepare our students for state testing with a computer program that relies on audio. Their use of the 3068AV headphones has properly prepared them for this testing,” adds Tory Dobecka, a Curriculum Facilitator from Waco, TX.
Particularly during times of tight budgets, expenditures for equipment needs to be done as judiciously as possible, making sure the maximum utility is made from each piece of equipment. The same should be applied to headphones and the 3068AV has a built-in stereo vs mono capability, enabling it to be used for monaural language learning or stereo-based computer applications.
In addition to being used in computer workstations, the 3068AV headphone delivers performance in non-computer related applications as well and is also available group in larger packs with a storage case.
