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Seesaw Recording
Seesaw is a great resource for amplifying student learning by making it collaborative and visible. Having students explain their thinking is a great way to solidify their understanding, and share with an authentic audience. However, one of a teacher's biggest challenges is preventing student recordings from being inundated by background noise from a classroom. In addition, contrary to popular belief, teachers are limited with financial resources. This can make it challenging to obtain items that will streamline the learning journey of students.
DIY and Pre-made Options
Search online and you will find many viable options for designing your own inexpensive vocal recording booth. Check out this blog post on The Adventure of 21st Century learning. This post provides step-by-step directions for creating an inexpensive vocal recording booth.
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Here is another tutorial for those that want to build their very own vocal recording booth. While this tutorial incorporates a stand alone microphone, you could simply trade it out for a tablet or phone.
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For those that prefer to purchase vocal recording booths, you can find options on Amazon. Here is one option for around $40. Here is another option for roughly the same price.
Phone vs. Headphones
One of my favorite options is the Native Union Pop Phone. This is available on Amazon and ranges in price from $7.99-$14.99 depending on the color or pattern you select. This simply plugs into your tablet, phone, or computer and allows you to begin recording. Another cool feature is that you can listen to your recording on the telephone. Below are some examples of recording with and without the Native Union Pop Phone.
Recording: WITHOUT Pop Phone
Here is an example of recording without the Pop Phone. Don't mind the music. I needed some background noise to showcase how much of a difference the Pop Phone makes when recording.
Recording: WITH Pop Phone
This inexpensive phone makes a world of difference with drowning out background noise while amplifying the student's voice.
Another option you might already have access to is the earbuds that come with your Apple products. Ask parents for any extra ones they may have at home. No need to have students put the earbuds in their ears. Instead, have them talk into the white, rectangular piece on the cord that serves as a microphone when using the earbuds to complete hands-free calls on your phone. Below are some recordings with and without the earbuds being used.
Recording: WITHOUT EARBUDS
Recording: WITH EARBUDS
Final Thoughts
What did you think? You can definitely tell a big difference in recording without the assistance of a microphone. The earbuds are a great option that you might be able to get completely free of charge from your students' parents. However, the Pop Phone, in my opinion, does a significant job of drowning out background noise. Why not give your students the joy of talking on a "corded phone"?
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