Set up Reading Assistant Plus equipment

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Set up the lab

To improve the audio quality in the lab or classroom (or anywhere your students use the component), we suggest that you follow these recommendations when setting up the work area for Reading Assistant Plus:

  • Arrange the seating in the lab so that your students can quietly listen and read aloud without distraction and without too much noise.
  • Do not place students next to loud equipment that may be producing a hum.
  • Do not allow power cords from other computers to cross each other.
  • Do not seat very soft-spoken students next to very loud students.

Set up the headset

Before the student can start using the component, you'll need to connect and position the headset properly. Then, when the student starts working on the Read and Record activity, he or she will need to allow microphone access in the web browser, and then complete the microphone check.

Because the Reading Assistant Plus software uses speech recognition and verification technology, the quality of the audio signal greatly impacts the user's experience with the component. Correct microphone connections and headset placement are essential for a clear audio signal.

Note: Use the headsets and adapters approved by Scientific Learning. See Approved Reading Assistant Plus headsets.

  1. If present, make sure that the colored dot on the microphone (found on the plastic collar next to the foam microphone cover) is facing the user and has not rotated. If the dot is facing in another direction, twist the microphone so that the dot is again facing the student.
  2. Have the student place both hands to the sides of the mouth (as if shouting) and move them away. If this can not easily be done without bumping into the microphone, it is too close; have the student move it farther to the side of his or her mouth.

Note: Once positioned correctly, students should not touch the headset or move the microphone. Moving the microphone while reading will not help the software hear the student; it will only add noise to the audio.

Control the volume from the headset

In addition to controlling the sound volume through the computer, the headphone playback volume can be adjusted by using the volume controls on some of the headsets. Please note that adjusting the volume using these controls can lead to issues if the volume accidentally gets turned down all the way. If a student has a problem with the audio, make sure to check that the volume control on the headset is set properly.

Store the headset

Store the headset with the microphone boom still in the bent position—this will reduce the need for microphone positioning adjustment for the next user and will limit wear and tear on the headset.

Troubleshooting

See the following topics for help: