hearAll Assessment Recorder - good tool for assessing students in groups

The hearAll Assessment Recorder from Learning Resources is a digital recorder that has four microphones so that it can capture sound from all directions. It charges via a USB connection to your computer, which is also how you transfer files from it. A full charge should last about 4 hours of recording. It works with PC's and Macs, is compatible with MP3 and WAV files, has 128MB of memory for up to 3 hours of recording, and is easy to use. It also has a built in speaker to listen to files.

The files can be downloaded from the device onto your computer and then shared with other teachers, parents or specialists, as well as added to a student's e-portfolio.

It can be used to record group discussions for later assessment, language and speech learning and practice, and much more. A teacher can listen to the recordings to make sure all students were participating, to evaluate speech or language skills, and it's great for practicing foreign language skills. 

It's very easy to use. It has a small screen and only a few buttons for recording, navigating the menu, and for controlling the volume. 

It has a list price of $99, but can be found discounted often. While that may seem expensive, the four microphones are unique to it and truly allow full capturing of audio. 

Disclosure: I received a free hearAll recorder to review for this article.

Easi-Speak Digital Microphone/Recorder - easily record audio

The Easi-Speak Digital Microphone/Recorder, from Learning Resources, is an easy to use wireless microphone that records and stores sound files. It can store up to 4 hours of audio and the files can be transferred to your computer via USB cable and then saved or shared.

It is very easy to use. One button to record and then simply play back and listen through the built in speaker. The battery is sealed and rechargable through the included USB cable and works with PC or Mac computers. Files are uploaded as either WAV or MP3 files and can be saved for digital portfolios, played back for practice, or shared. The built in speaker allows you to instantly play back and review recordings.

So, why would you want one of these? The Easi-Speak Digital Microphone/Recorder can be used for students who don't want to talk in front of the class, to record students practicing speech in language arts, for speech therapy, for practicing public speaking, and to record audio for projects.

It is designed for ages 4+ and up and is portable and easy to use right out of the box.

It has a cover for the USB port that is attached to the microphone by a string so it won't get lost, along with a lanyard so that it won't hit the ground if a student drops it. While it is designed for younger students, it worked well with high school students who used it to record audio for a project they did.

It could also be used by a teacher to record audio in a class for absent students to be able to listen to later.

Durable, easy to use, built-in rechargable battery, and very useful.

Check it out: http://www.learningresources.com/product/teachers/shop+by+category/simple+technology/easi-speak--8482-+usb+recorder.do