With testing standards being so important to each child’s educational future, it’s important to make their environment as test-friendly as possible. One of the best ways to do this is by ensuring students have access to quality distance learning headsets (these headphones aren’t limited to distance learning either; the right headphones can be used in the classroom as well). With proper headphones, students of all ages can see their test scores improve while teachers can administer tests much more easily. Read on for the most effective ways to complete school testing with the right distance learning headphones.

Make Sure They’re Comfortable

Testing can take as little as a few minutes or as long as several hours, depending on a student’s age. Having to wear something that’s uncomfortable while testing can lead to fidgeting and squirming, taking students’ focus off their test and onto their headset. Ideally, children will use on-ear or over-the-ear headsets, although older students may feel more comfortable with earbuds, with plenty of padding to stay comfortable while taking their test. A good distance learning headset will feature cushioning on the headband as well as the ear muffs to ensure a comfortable wearing experience.

Prepare to Sanitize

If you’re testing in person, make sure to sanitize everything in-between students. Cards and paper items should be laminated or placed in plastic to easily be wiped down while headphones need to be thoroughly sanitized with a wipe or rubbing alcohol mixture between students. By properly sanitizing, you’re preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Look for a Mic

Whether testing in-person or remotely, student headphone sets will need a mic, especially for tests like the WIDA which require student responses to be recorded. Look to find a mic that’s easily adjusted and provides clear sound. There’s nothing worse than needing to readminister a test because the mic was providing feedback or delivered poor sound quality.

Think About Background Noises

As schools find themselves in unique situations, it’s not uncommon for testing administration to take place in buildings like gyms, cafeterias or at home. These rooms typically aren’t made with the best sound quality in mind, and students commonly get distracted by echoing, rustling, or neighborhood noises. Look for a headphone set that cancels out background noises to ensure students are receiving the optimized testing environment no matter where they are.

Compatibility 

There’s nothing worse than discovering headphones won’t work with a tablet, Chromebook or even a certain program. Make sure the headphones you choose for your students feature the correct plug-in and work with the testing program you’re utilizing.

When testing with long-distance headsets, it’s important to remember that a quality set can make anywhere the ideal testing environment. By following the tips above, you’ll find student test scores soar while keeping everyone safe and healthy.