Mic needed

I'm having audio trouble when skyping. Currently I place my students (20) on the floor and we skype whoever we can. The person on the other end has difficulty hearing us due to the fact that the distance the mic on the webcam is located. Wondering if anyone knows of a good mic that can be used with skype in this type of setting? The webcam mic works wonderful when seated directly in front.

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Permalink Reply by Anne Mirtschin on August 27, 2009 at 11:02pm

Hi Tim, I am experimenting all the time with skype. My budget is limited, so we use either a usb desktop microphone, or a headset with a mic attached. The best sound comes form the headset mic, as it is naturally close to the speaker's mouth. When students use a mic, they will often be soft due to a lack of confidence or inexperience.
I know that skype have an online shop so I dont know if their mics are worth getting. However, most of the classes that we skype with, use a headset. The speaker plug is still plugged into an external speaker, so that all can hear.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin H. on August 28, 2009 at 3:45am

I would recommend a Snowflake or Snowball, from the Blue company.
High quality and snazzy looking, too.
Kevin

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Permalink Reply by Anne Mirtschin on August 28, 2009 at 7:12pm

Hi Kevin, are these suggested mics very expensive? Is the Blue company a commercial site in US?

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Permalink Reply by Tim Cress on August 28, 2009 at 8:27pm

Kevin, have you had any experience with this type of mic used in a large group setting?

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Permalink Reply by Tim Cress on August 28, 2009 at 8:24pm

Right now we are working out the kinks and the newness of this with my students. Our hope is to communicate with other schools (preferably 2nd grade) and discuss books, communities, traditions. I think it would prompt it self for writing and reading more about a certain location. There is also a list of authors that are available to skype. Just a thought for now, but I'm sure the possibilities are endless. What grade do you teach?