HearALL Assessment Recorder GIVEAWAY!!

Did that title grab your attention?  I have been dying to get my hands on one of these little devices so I was thrilled when Learning Resources offered me the opportunity to review one!

First, I am completely in awe of how lightweight this device is.  It's slightly larger than the iphone in size, but still can very easily be held in one hand.  Despite its lightweight, it is very durable and has no knobs or hardware that could easily break off.  Let's face it, durability is a key when little ones will be using it!

If you're not familiar with this device, it is an "assessment recorder" designed to be used to record students while working in small groups.  For this purpose, it has four omnidirectional microphones (one on each corner) to pick up all of the voices in a small group setting.  PLUS, it automatically reduces background noise so the voices that it picks up are much clearer than I expected!  The buttons are color-coded and large enough for students to use independently.

I've had my eye on this baby for a while and have a LONG list of ways to use it in my classroom!  The possibilities are really endless, but here are some of my favorites:

1.  Reading Groups/Partners - While I'm working with one reading group, this device could be recording another group.  This would allow me to assess how well the other group was working together, staying on task, and also let me hear how they were doing with their reading and what areas/skills we need to work on when I do meet with them personally.

2.  SSR/AR - During Sustained Silent Reading time, I know some of my readers (especially lower readers) could benefit from this device.   I could have them read their book while being recorded, then play back their recording to listen to the story again.  Not only would this let them hear the story, it would also let them listen to their reading and fluency.

3.  Mystery Readers - I could use the HearALL as a regular recorder...having other staff at our school read stories to play back for my students.  They would have a new voice reading to them, and would have fun trying to guess the "mystery reader!"  (The great thing about this is that these files can be transferred from this device to our class computer to keep for future uses!)

4.  Readers' Theater Groups - I use LOTS of readers' theater groups in my classroom and I KNOW that the HearALL would be a tremendous help during these!  I can't always meet with each group every day, but the HearALL could record the groups' practices so that I could listen to them at a later time and know what their goals for the next day should be.

5.  Running Records - Let's face it, running records are so hard to do in the classroom without distractions!  This handy dandy device could record a child reading a selection while you are working with the rest of the class and you could go back and listen to the recording later at your convenience!

6.  Podcasts - I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to do more podcasting with my class this year!  This device makes podcasting super easy!  Recorded files could also be sent to parents via email (some of those cool, fun songs we love to sing!) or placed in electronic portfolios for students (would be a fantastic form of authentic assessment)

Seriously...I could go ON and ON with the ways I could use this in my classroom, but I also want to highlight a few of the cool features:

1 - Plugs right into your computer with a USB cord (included) to transfer the files (PC and MAC compatible)

2 - Does NOT require batteries - charges by connecting to your computer.  Fully charged within a few hours

3 - Can hold up to 62 tracks, regardless of the length of each track!!

4 - Records in either MP3 or WAV mode (your choice)

5 - No required software to install - just plug into your computer and drag the files to your desktop

Does this sound like something you could use in your classroom??  The HearALL Assessment Recorder is available from Learning Resources for $99.99, but you can WIN one for your classroom for FREE!!!

There are LOTS of ways to enter this giveaway below.  Good luck....the winner will be announced on Monday, August 6th!

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