The Best Ways to Store Headphones in the Classroom
Follow these tips and tricks to easily and safely store your audio hardware. Headphones, headsets, and earbuds have become standard and essential learning aids in the classroom. By enabling students to complete listening comprehension exercises, language fluency tests, and other audio applications, they help turn classroom learning into a dynamic experience. Many teachers and educators invest in a set of headphones for their classrooms; however, these can quickly wear out if they are not stored correctly. Read on to discover the best way to store headphones to keep them out of damage from use and protect their lifespans.
1. Use a storage bag. Many classrooms assign a pair of headphones to each student to use throughout the year. To keep track of whose headphones are whose—and to prevent loose cords from tangling—a storage bag is a useful accessory. Most storage bags come with a panel for students to label with their name, so when headphones are put away, it is easy for students to find their pair the next time. Storage bags come in a few sizes to accommodate different sizes of headphones and are a very affordable choice for computer labs and classrooms.
2. Use a storage case. Many popular headphone brands provide durable storage cases for educators to look after their equipment. Califone and Hamilton Buhl each have examples of hard plastic cases designed to stand up to the rigors of the classroom, and these come in a few sizes to store anywhere from 12 to 30 headphones. These cases provide a way to pack up headphones when not in use and protect them from over-handling; the cases also keep headphone cords out of the way, thus minimizing the chances of cables getting tangled, frayed, or broken. Storage cases are an excellent choice for headphones that are only used a few times a year, such as for standardized testing, and need to be kept safe and out of the way for daily activities. Storage cases also feature handles and can be easily carried from classroom to classroom.
3. Use a storage rack. Headphone storage racks are especially useful for computer labs, language labs, and other areas where headphones will often be in use. Some frames are designed to sit on a counter and hold about 6 to 12 headphones for classroom use, while the most massive rack available can hold dozens of headphones and can be wheeled from room to room, making it perfect for mobile lab activities. Headphone racks are an excellent solution for headphones that are in use frequently: students can grab their headphones from the shelf, use them, and then return them when they are finished. This keeps headphones in one area instead of spread throughout the classroom and can also be used to keep track of headphone pairs to make sure none go missing.
4. Use an earbud case. While most storage options center around headphones, there are also options available for students and classrooms that prefer to use earbuds. If you plan on stocking your class with earbuds and would like a way to store them, there are styles available that come with an individual storage case. Students can store these at their desk, or they can be kept in a classroom storage area. Earbud cases are made of hard plastic, so they easily protect the earbuds from damage. Some cases also provide a way to store cords by winding them inside the case. This prevents pulling or tangling of wires in storage and protects them from premature fraying or breaking, the damage that is often not covered by warranty.
Whichever storage solution fits your needs; Encore Data Products can help! We offer all of the above storage solutions at competitive prices. If you are unsure which solution might be best, our customer service team will be happy to help with any questions you might have. Once you’ve solved your storage needs, you’ll be all set for a successful school year!