Jackie Pop – Technology Grant Application Assignment

Description of the Technology

I am proposing a grant for a class set (30 total) of “Ailihen MS300 Wired
Headphones with Microphone Folding Lightweight Headset.” This headphone set is
designed with children in mind, as it is comfortable, durable and adjustable.
Students can adjust the headband to ensure proper fit and the headphones can be
folded, which is optimal for limited amounts of storage space.

Estimated Cost
The total estimated cost for a class set of the Ailihen MS300 Wired
Headphones is $726.90. The breakdown of the cost is as follows:

● Headphones: $21.98 each (x30 = $659.40)

● Estimated Tax: $67.50
● Shipping & Handling: Free

Total $726.90

Alternative Options Explored

Prior to determining that these headphones are the most applicable to my
students’ needs, I investigated alternative options as well. These options include
the “LilGadgets Untangled Pro Wireless Bluetooth Headphones” and the “Cyber
Acoustics Stereo Headset.” The “LilGadgets Untangled Pro Wireless Bluetooth
Headphones” were at the top of the list with the Ailihen headphones, as they are
also a well-made product that would be perfect for my students’ needs. These
headphones did not end up being the front runners because they each cost $49.95
and they are not foldable, which would make storage difficult. The “Cyber Acoustics
Stereo Headset” was the other option investigated. These headphones each cost
$12.50. While they are less expensive, they are far less practical for my students.
Unlike the Ailihen headphones, the Cyber Acoustics headphones do not include a
rubber headband for added comfort; their microphone is not seamlessly integrated
into the volume control, but rather sticks out of one of the earmuffs, which
increases the chances of damage; and, like the LilGadgets headphones, they are
not foldable. Due to the fact that the Ailihen headphones are comfortable, foldable,
and well-designed to fit students’ needs in terms of adaptability and durability, the
Ailihen headphones were determined to be the most applicable for my students.

Instructional Use
My school has been determined to integrate technology into each classroom
and recently became a 1-to-1 school. This means that each student at my school
has their own iPad/Chromebook (depending on grade-level) assigned to them.
These headphones will be used for various purposes. When my students are
working independently on their Chromebooks, they will be able to use these
headphones to watch educational videos, listen to virtual instruction, etc., without
distracting other students. These headphones will also be used when my students
complete digital assignments that require a microphone to amplify their voices.
These types of assignments include: creating videos, tutorials, podcasts, or digital
stories. These headphones can also help with assignments, such as the Longitude
and Latitude lesson that my students will complete.

Rationale for the Technology

Currently, my students all have their own Chromebooks, which is extremely
beneficial, as they are able to work independently and at their own pace.
Unfortunately, without headphones, the only way my students are able to hear the
sound on their computers is if they turn the volume down nearly to the minimum
level. This means that many students must lean in very close to the computer in
order to hear the sound which is not an ideal way to use a computer. Additionally,
even at the almost-lowest volume level, a classroom full of roughly 30 whispering
computers is not all that quiet, which negatively affects my students. For example,
a student who is working independently on one assignment can easily get distracted
by their neighbor who is working independently on the same assignment, but at a
different pace. Therefore, these headphones will reduce distractions. Additionally,
with the attached microphone, students will be able to record their voice for various
projects, without the background humming of a busy classroom.

Benefit to Students
As previously mentioned, there are many ways in which students will benefit
from these headphones. They can work comfortably and efficiently on their
computers, without worrying about distracting peers (and without getting distracted
themselves), and they can produce work that clearly amplifies their voice with the
built-in microphone technology. Lastly, these headphones can be used simply as a
tool to help certain students focus. In past years, I have had students who have
benefitted from having headphones on, even when the headphones were not
attached to anything else. Simply wearing the headphones helped students tune
out distractions around them, allowing them to focus on their learning, which is an
added bonus to these headphones, which is also an applicable modification to assist
my students with special needs.
Level of Use of the Technology
The level of use of these headphones will really vary from day to day,
depending on the lessons and activities completed, as well as the individualized
needs of my students. They can be used for all subject areas, as I try to integrate
technology into each subject. These headphones will allow my students to use their
Chromebooks more effectively and efficiently.