from George Washington <[log in to unmask]>

Do you want to offer him a trial of our $30 headset?

George

-----Original Message-----
From: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of LLTI Editor
Sent: Saturday, July 16, 2011 6:00 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: #9680 Headsets for language and cultural learning

David Parks <[log in to unmask]>

Hello All,

We are in need of new headsets, for student and faculty use in a computer classroom/language lab setting, and I'm looking for your insight on both specific headsets and headset effectiveness.

The short, is that I'm looking for:
- the most effective headset for language and cultural learning.  Mostly from an audio listening and recording standpoint.  (Mostly leaving things like durability out of the discussion for the moment.)
	Listening to:  pronunciation, music, news, films, etc.
	Recording for:  oral exams, digital storytelling, pronunciation exercises, etc.

What I have in mind, is accurate but enjoyable reproduction of pre-recorded audio, quality recording, and headphones that are comfortable for extended periods (e.g. watching a film).   I'd like something in-between the quality of general use (lab) headsets and broadcast headsets;  Something like Sony MDR-7506 headphones, with an AT2020USB mic built-in. (that would look funny, wouldn't it...)

Also, does anyone know of any studies that have been done on how headset quality, both playback and recording, affects language and cultural learning?  

For instance, any $20.00 headset might be good enough, if you're just looking for intelligibility of playback and recording.  But, what if you're looking for accuracy (all of the highs and lows of speech or music) and enjoyment of the experience also?  I just listened to a few different styles of music through a "normal" USB lab headset and the voices were intelligible, but the overall sound was not at all pleasant.   It seems to me, that audio playback and recording quality affects the learning environment and therefore the quality of learning.

Any specific recommendations?  Any general thoughts?

- We're using Mac Minis, so we'll need either a USB headset, or an analog to digital mic preamp of some sort.   (e.g. Sanako SLH-07, Griffin iMic, Shure X2U)
- one combination I'm looking into is an Audio-Technica BPHS1 Headset,  paired with an M-Audio "Fast track" 

Thanks much for any feedback.
David


David Parks
Assistant Director, SILC Learning Support Services
School of International Letters and Cultures
Arizona State University
Office 480-965-6120

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