When To Upgrade Your Jackbox
Does the type of connection between a jackbox and your audio source make a difference?
If you’re a teacher of an elementary or middle school class or a library media specialist, chances are pretty good that you regularly use a jackbox as part of an audio-based center for language learning or reading assistance. (Califone distinguishes a “learning center” from a “listening center” by whether or not the audio source such as a multimedia player is included in the package. A listening center includes four or six headphones and a jackbox to connect with your own boombox or computer.)
An earlier article weighed some practical pros and cons between using 3.5mm and USB jacks for headsets, so how much of those same reasons also apply to jackboxes? Since they both involve listening, quite a bit. Like the headphone, jackboxes have traditionally been used for the one-way flow of audio from the source (cassette players back in the day, computers or MP3 players today) to the listeners. For helping to boost student reading skills or assisting with their language learning, the one-way downloading of audio through either a 1/4″ or 3.5mm stereo or mono jack is fine.
Either of these two jack sizes were still adequate after a second jack was added to a headphone to introduce two-way audio, allowing a vocal response to be recorded. But with the advent with distance learning applications, the requirements for headsets are changing to reflect the need for transferring increased data. Now with multiple students involved in real-time audio activities such as gaming, or the use of Skype, either a second jack needs to be added to a jackbox, or a faster connection is necessary.
The first jackbox to offer two-way audio and with a faster USB jack
The USB jackbox solves this problem by taking advantage of the larger data pipeline provided by the faster USB connection. Coupled with dual 3.5mm plugs to receive up to six headphone and microphone users, groups of students can now participate in a VoIP call or group podcast such as what’s being accomplished in the Fairfax County Public Schools.
So if your activities will be limited to one-way audio from a computer or media player through the jackbox and headphones to students, then the traditional 1/4″ or 3.5mm jacks remain the jackbox standard. But if you’re intrigued by the increased possibilities new technology can offer, consider the USB jackbox instead.
Click to read an article about jackbox volume control.
Tags: audio-assisted learning, classroom, computer, differntiated learning, Distance Learning, Headsets, jackboxes, learning, learning center, monaural, mono, podcast, read alongs, skype, stereo, usb
