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Microphones and Masks: Problem-solving Back-to-school 2020 (Post #1)

7/23/2020

7 Comments

 
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Image credit: Image by Sumanley xulx from Pixabay

​One of the big challenges with wearing a mask is being heard and understood. This may be particularly problematic for "face-to-face" learning this fall, when children are necessarily very spread out. Reading aloud, for example, to a group that is widely spread throughout the room would have its own challenges without a mask.

​In the video below, I show you how to use a personal voice amplifier while wearing a mask. The microphone is not a perfect solution to the challenges of teaching while wearing a mask, but it seems to offer quite a bit of volume and clarity. I also think it will reduce the fatigue of trying to project your voice through a mask all day, perhaps making this tricky back-to-school a tiny bit easier.


​There are a number of these devices available online, and the one I have is not a particularly sophisticated piece of equipment. I was excited, however, to see how well it worked while wearing a mask. Here are a few tips:
  • When the microphone gets near the speaker, you will get screeching feedback, similar to when you use a handheld microphone near a full-sized amplifier. I've found it works best to attach the speaker to your waist and put on the headphones before turning the volume up.
  • The microphone rests on your right ear, so it competes with your mask, as you will see in the video.
  • The device I have charges with a USB connected to my computer. I have never used it for a full day, but I have used it for many hours at a time and I have never had to recharge it. Amazon says that it stays charged for 8 hours and requires 3-5 hours to charge fully.
  • Here is the device on Amazon. (This is not an affiliate link.) It runs around $60.
  • Anything that bumps the cord will be amped. When I first experimented with it my earings were bumping the wire.
  • If you choose to put the microphone inside your mask, please consult with someone to make sure you aren't creating gaps in your facial coverage.
7 Comments
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Black Friday link
8/19/2020 04:56:33 am

This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn?t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you?ll definitely discover it.

Reply
Eric Johnson
2/6/2021 09:18:10 pm

Where can I find this product? It looks like an excellent answer to the problem of projecting your voice with a mask on.

Reply
Jan Burkins
2/7/2021 07:30:47 am

Eric,

Here is a link to the one I have. It works really well and seems relatively affordable.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QXZTG2H/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=Op1JVF3TYOrNOiy-5K5w5g&hsa_cr_id=9992577720201&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=1d79bfe8-cce0-42b6-ac3c-320dc02b37b8&pd_rd_w=MZAab&pd_rd_wg=m5iPN&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_0_img

Best,
Jan

Reply
Orville Lawrence link
6/11/2021 08:16:04 pm

Missouri employment benefits

Reply
Ann Anagnost
7/18/2021 12:07:25 pm

Thank you for this. It answered my questions about how to teach with a mask on!

Reply
pandoopada link
1/27/2022 12:33:26 am

I struggle a lot placing my microphone nicely. You've done a good job. This guide was really helpful. Thank you and keep up the good work.

Reply
Ajay link
3/21/2023 02:33:44 am

Thanks for sharing informative article, I really like this post.

Reply



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