Se recomiendan auriculares USB con micrófonos para la mayoría de las evaluaciones de idiomas de Avant. Otras opciones pueden requerir más preparación por parte de los representantes de IT.
Headset Preparation
Antes de realizar las pruebas, un representante de IT debería configurar los auriculares para cada computadora, lo cual puede ser tan simple como conectar el auricular USB.
Utilice el Verificación de Tecnología Avant para verificar que su auricular funcione correctamente.
El Coordinador de Pruebas debe asegurarse de que los auriculares estén conectados antes de la prueba, y que los examinados sepan cómo usar los controles en línea del auricular (si están disponibles).
Configuración del Micrófono de Mac
- Abre tus “Configuración del Sistema“. (Haz clic en el icono de Apple y elige "Configuración del Sistema...")
- Haz clic en “Sonido” en el menú de la izquierda
- Haz clic en “Input” bajo “Output & Input”
- Haz clic en el auricular adjunto para asegurarte de que es el dispositivo de entrada activo (no se recomienda usar el Micrófono Interno en un entorno de laboratorio).
- Ajusta el deslizador de "Volumen de entrada" hasta que el nivel de entrada muestre movimiento durante el habla normal con el micrófono a una distancia apropiada del altavoz.
Configuración del Micrófono de Windows
1. Right-click the Audio icon (in the bottom-right of your screen) and choose “Open Sound Settings” from the context menu.
2. Click the “Choose your input device” dropdown, under “Input”. Choose your desired headset.
3. Click “Device Properties” below the input device dropdown.
4. Click “Start Test” to test your microphone levels. Adjust the slider as needed.
Chrome OS
On Chromebooks, microphone sensitivity cannot be adjusted. If your voice is too quiet, try a different headset or speak closer to the microphone. If recording issues persist, moving the tester to an area without background noise may be needed.
Troubleshooting Checklist
Below are more detailed troubleshooting guides but here is a a quick checklist…
- Asegúrate de que el auricular esté enchufado.
- Unplug and reconnect the headset (for USB headsets).
- Make sure the headset is not muted – many headsets have a mute button on the set itself, or on the wire that is connected to it.
- Verifique que el volumen del micrófono no esté completamente reducido.
- Asegúrate de que el examinado esté utilizando un navegador compatible (Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Safari).
- Intenta actualizar la página.
- Ensure browser is not blocking the headset.
- Si solo uno o dos examinados se ven afectados, intenta con unos auriculares diferentes o una computadora diferente.
- Si los estudiantes inician sesión en las cuentas de estudiantes en las computadoras, asegúrese de que la cuenta de estudiante para iniciar sesión en la computadora no tenga restricciones que puedan afectar la grabación.
If You Can’t Hear Audio
If you cannot hear test audio at all, start with the checks below.
1. Play Test Sound
Play this short sound file to test audio. If you do not hear anything continue reading…
2. Check Physical Connection and Mute Buttons
- Make sure the headset is plugged in securely.
- Unplug and re-plug the headset once.
- Check for mute switches or buttons on the headset or cable.
- Turn up volume using the headset controls, if available.
3. Ensure Computer has the Correct Headset Selected
Even when a headset is plugged in, your computer may still be attempting to use a different audio device.
Mac OS
1. Open System Settings → Sound
2. Select the headset under Output
3. Confirm the output volume is not muted
Windows
1. Open Sound Settings
2. Under Output, select your headset.
3. Play a sound and confirm audio comes through the headset
Chromebook
- Open the system tray
- Select Audio settings
- Choose the headset as the output device
If Microphone Isn’t Recording
If you can hear audio but spoken responses are not recording, check that the browser isn’t blocking access to the microphone.
Ensure Browser Isn’t Blocking Microphone
Browsers need to ask permission for a website to use your microphone (as shown in the screenshot below). Users should click “Allow”.
How can I tell if my browser is blocking my microphone?
In Chrome: Click the icon on the left of the address bar. If the mic icon is turned off (as shown below) turn it on.
In Safari (iPad or Mac): Click the icon to the left of the address bar. Click “Website settings“.
Set microphone to “Allow” (as shown below).
If the browser isn’t blocking the microphone, but you still can’t record check to make sure your operating system has the headset setup correctly and check physical connection or mute buttons.
Audio or Microphone Works Intermittently
If sound or recording works sometimes but cuts out or stops unexpectedly, try the following.
Re-establish the Connection
- Unplug and re-plug the headset
- Try a different USB port, if available
Refresh the Test Environment
- Refresh the browser page
- If needed, fully close and reopen the browser
Temporary audio conflicts can occur if permissions or device control changes mid-session.
Next Steps if Audio Still Isn’t Working
If audio or microphone issues continue after trying the steps above, the problem may be related to the device or headset rather than the assessment itself.
Try a Different Setup
- Use a different headset, if available
- Try a different computer
- Avoid Bluetooth headsets if you have a wired option
Don’t Continue With Missing Audio
If this happens during a scheduled assessment, do not continue testing with missing or partial audio.