I’d like to paint a brief picture for you about why headsets for homeschool students is so important. Picture a medium sized room in a house. It contains books, craft supplies, toys, a table and a desk.
Fill that room with 3 children of different ages. One is barely school age, one in elementary school and one heading for middle school. Each have different needs. Imagine one playing with toys on the floor, one sitting on an exercise ball bouncing while doing schoolwork, and one diligently trying to complete their work at the computer. You can image it would be hard for the older one, the one diligently trying to complete their work, to concentrate.
Using Headsets for Homeschool Students
Now add in a quality headset for the older student. Suddenly their experience is much smoother. They can now better hear whatever program or course they are taking online, minimizing distractions, allowing them to be more focused and able to complete their work.
{Disclosure: I received free AVID Products, Inc. headsets and was compensated for my time in writing this review. All views are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.}
In case you hadn’t already thought it, that scenario was our homeschool situation. My oldest would have gone batty without the use of a good headset. That was many years ago when an affordable quality headset was harder to come by. Luckily the technology has continued to move along and there are affordable, quality headsets for homeschool students such as the ones from AVID Products, Inc.
Headsets for Homeschool from AVID Products, Inc.
AVID is a small (30 people) US-based, employee-owned company in Providence, Rhode Island. They have been around for over 70 years, since 1953.
My review is based off the use of two different AVID Products, Inc. headsets. Both my son (21, and an IT professional as well as video game enthusiast) and my grandson (5th grade homeschooler and video game lover) have been using them and so I am sharing my thoughts as well as theirs.
1. AE-36 USB-C Headset with Boom Mic
The AE-36 USB-C headset adjustable headband and mid-sized earcups which provides a good balance of coverage and fit. I found this to be a great option for my grandson with his smaller ears and head.
What my son had to say: “This headset has good quality sound for low cost. And I like that it is USB-C which is a modern quality connector.”
What my grandson thought: “I like these because they fit my head really well and are not too big. They don’t feel too heavy like some headsets.”
My thoughts: I you have an older child with a larger head these may not be as comfortable for them. (You can see the size difference on my son in the photo below) The cushioned ear cup part is too small for larger humans. My 21 year old (obviously he’s older and bigger) found these to be too small for him. Other than that, these are a great headset for a very affordable price! (Currently just over $18)
2. AE-55 USB 2.0 Headset with Boom Mic
Along with the excellent speakers and a convenient USB connector, the AE-55 USB 2.0 Headset is equipped with a bidirectional, noise-canceling microphone and a rotating mic with a full 270 degrees for a custom fit. This is a nice step up from the AE-36 USB-C for not a lot of money!
What my son had to say: “This headset was surprisingly comfortable to wear and I like the built in volume controls on the wire. This makes it a great headset for when you are on the go as well as in a group class setting because you can easily mute yourself.”
What my grandson thought: “While this one is a bit bigger, it is still comfortable and not too heavy. I like the volume on the cord because it makes it so easy for me to mute or adjust the volume if I need to. Plus when I’m in a room with my little siblings the noise cancelling microphone really helps.”
My thoughts: For not a whole lot more than the AE-36 USB-C Headset this is a nice option for older kids. It has a more sophisticated, quality feel to it, with the added volume control on the cord. And at around $24 it is a great headset for the price!
Advice from Avid for Choosing Headsets for Homeschool
When selecting audio solutions for homeschooling, there are several factors to consider as most students may be wearing the headset for extended periods:
- comfort
- durability
- audio quality
To ensure maximum comfort and functionality, look for features such as:
- cushioned ear cups
- adjustable headbands
- noise-canceling microphones
Additionally, consider the compatibility of the headset with various devices, as flexibility is key in a homeschooling environment. A headphone or headset that seamlessly integrates with computers, tablets, and other devices will provide homeschool students with the versatility they need to navigate their digital curriculum effectively.
Discount for Homeschoolers
Use code HOMESCHOOL for 20% off! Expires July 31, 2024
Online Resources for Homeschool to Pair with Your AVID Headset
Homeschooling in the Digital Age
Here we answer questions like:
- What is considered digital homeschooling?
- How can I use digital resources in my homeschool?
- Where do I find digital resources for homeschooling?
As homeschoolers, having the Internet and all that it comes with offers us many more resources than our predecessors had access to. Using digital resources can save time and money in an otherwise full schedule of homeschooling and parenting.
Here are some online resources where using headsets for homeschool would be helpful:
All-In-One Online Language Arts Curriculum with LightSail – A one stop shop for Language Arts where you can combine reading, writing, vocabulary, and fluency for pre-K through high school, all with one unique online program!
Homeschool High School Math with Teaching Textbooks – Teaching Textbooks is an online math program for kids from grades 3+. The most recent 4.0 Version is not totally mobile! 4.0 works with EVERYTHING! {Windows, MAC, Chromebook, iPhone/iPad, and Android phones and tablets} Along with TT 4.0 being completely mobile comes the OFFLINE FEATURE. You can do multiple lessons offline (up to 6 lessons at a time), no Internet needed. This is awesome when you are somewhere with no or poor Internet!
Online Piano Lessons with Hoffman Academy – offers FREE online piano lessons. What a boon for our family! No travel time, no initial cost, no outside timetable. It was a perfect fit! Mr Hoffman is warm and funny and approachable. The lessons are short (about 10 minutes each), so that the student can give full attention to the skill or song.
Digital Homeschool Curriculum We Love – Compass Classroom Modernity digital homeschool curriculum is a video, lecture-based course with a wonderful, Biblical worldview, rich historical reading and projects that reinforce and enrich learning. Modernity is a world history study from the 1500s to the present.
These are only a few examples of online homeschool curriculum where using headsets for homeschool would be beneficial. Be sure to check out more reviews of online curriculum by searching terms like online or digital here at TCC!
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