The 3 Gadgets That Make Online Lessons Way Better for Students and Teachers (And How To Get Them All for Less Than $100)
Does online learning make you want to scream sometimes? Trust me, you’re not alone. By now, we’ve all experienced the challenges of learning technology: bad internet connections, audio that cuts in and out, unclear video - any one of these issues can cause splitting headaches for everyone involved. But there are a few easy tech upgrades that will make online lessons much more bearable, and dare I say even...fun?
First of all, there’s no way around it: both teachers and students need high-speed internet to support video calls. Generally 100mpbs is adequate when paired with a modern router/modem. Most internet service providers offer this speed as a second-tier option, so you may need to upgrade.
Once you have a solid internet connection, there are three items teachers and students should invest in to upgrade the online learning experience for everyone: an external microphone, headphones, and a webcam. A microphone and webcam will most directly benefit the person on the other end of the call, while headphones will improve the user’s own experience. Therefore, it’s important that both parties commit to these upgrades in order to create the optimal learning experience.
Here’s a video that demonstrates the difference between using internal vs. external microphone and webcam.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these gadgets.
1. External USB Microphone with Headphone Port
One of the biggest drawbacks to online music lessons is that teachers and students can’t hear each other play their instruments in the same physical space. This separation makes it harder for students to compare their own sound to their teacher’s and copy what they hear. Teachers face the challenge of evaluating students’ sound production and making recommendations based on a digital audio signal - a poor substitute for the way a real acoustic instrument sounds in a room.
To make matters worse, built-in computer microphones are poor quality, due to hardware space requirements and the pretty basic audio needs of most users. A good-quality external microphone goes a long way to improving this audio experience. Simply plug the microphone into your computer USB port. Make sure the microphone is selected in your audio settings for both input and output, so you can use the built-in headphone port to hear both yourself and the person on the other end of the call.
My recommendation: USB Microphone, Metal Condenser Recording Microphone for Laptop MAC or Windows Cardiod Studio Recording Vocals, Voice Overs,Streaming Broadcast and YouTube Videos for $39.99.
2. Over-Ear Wired Headphones
If a tree speaks into an external USB microphone but the tree on the other end of the video call has crappy computer speakers, is it even worth it for the first tree to use a good microphone? And does this analogy make any sense? Probably not is the answer to both.
Point is, built-in computer speakers are, like built-in microphones, not good quality. So I recommend using headphones. The wired over-ear style provides the best sound quality (wireless earbuds may be convenient, but the audio signal is not optimal). Plug your headphones directly into your external microphone, and you should be able to hear both yourself and the person you’re talking to at the same time!
My recommendation: OneOdio Adapter-Free Closed Back Over Ear DJ Stereo Monitor Headphones, Professional Studio Monitor & Mixing, Telescopic Arms with Scale, Newest 50mm Neodymium Drivers - Black for $27.99.
3. External USB Webcam
Facial expressions and gestures help us communicate effectively, but video calls make it harder to see and interpret these cues. Additionally, saxophone students and teachers depend on other important visuals including posture/hand position, fingerings, and embouchure. Teachers must be able to easily recognize and diagnose problems related to these physical factors, while students need to see their teacher’s example of how to hold and operate the instrument.
And - surprise - the built-in webcam on your computer is not great. An external webcam, especially one with a wide-angle setup, provides a clearer picture. Plus if you’re not happy with the way you look on your built-in webcam, an external webcam will give you an instant makeover! Webcams connect through USB and include a no-hardware mount for your laptop, monitor, or desk.
My recommendation: CHWARES Webcam with Microphone,1080P HD Webcam Desktop or Laptop, Streaming Webcam for Computer Widescreen Video Calling and Recording, USB Web Camera Built-in Mic, Flexible Rotatable Clip and Tripod for $25.99.
Bonus Gadget!
If you’ve added the USB microphone and USB webcam, you’ve probably calculated that your new devices will occupy two USB ports on your computer. If you regularly use USB devices, you may find yourself short on USB real estate. A USB expander is an easy and cheap solution. Use one USB port and get 3 more!
My recommendation: Sabrent 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub with Individual LED lit Power Switches (HB-UMLS) for $7.99
There you have it - the total cost of all 3 gadgets on Amazon is $93.97. Throw in the USB Hub and you’ll be just over $100, but your other USB devices will thank you.