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Tech Setup and Troubleshooting eSpark Reading Lab
Tech Setup and Troubleshooting eSpark Reading Lab

Make sure eSpark can hear students read.

Carly Slovenec avatar
Written by Carly Slovenec
Updated over a week ago

With the eSpark Reading Lab students to receive instruction and feedback on phonics. In order for this to work, eSpark must be able to hear students read aloud.

This article includes set up instructions and troubleshooting tips for tech teams and teachers.

For Tech Teams: Enabling microphones for all students

To set classrooms up for success, tech teams can enable the microphones on student devices.

Chrome Settings

  1. Though your Google Admin console, enable the microphone permissions for [*.]esparklearning.com on all student Chromebooks.

  2. Set the microphone input levels for all devices. We suggest setting the microphone input level to 80%.

iPad Settings

The eSpark Reading Lab works only on iOS 17 or later.

To get iPads ready for the Reading Lab, please allow Microphone access for Safari on all student iPads.

For Teachers: Troubleshooting microphone issues

If eSpark isn't able to hear your student when they speak, try these steps:

Step 1: Make sure the microphone is not blocked for eSpark

When eSpark asks the student to use the microphone, it's important they click Allow. If a student clicks Block by mistake, you can help them fix this using the steps below.

Chromebook

  1. Go to espark.app on the student's device. Open the Reading Lab activity.

  2. Click the microphone picture at the top of the screen next to the URL.

  3. Click Always allow.

  4. Click Done.

  5. Refresh the page and try the activity again.

Mac

  1. Go to espark.app on the student's device. Open the Reading Lab activity.

  2. Click the View site information icon on the top of the screen to the left of the URL.

  3. Toggle the Microphone setting to On.

  4. Refresh the page and try the activity again.

Step 2: Check the device and/or headphone microphones

If the student has headphones plugged in

  1. Unplug the headphones.

  2. Refresh the page.

  3. Try the Reading Lab activity again using the device's microphone.

If the student does not have headphones plugged in

  1. Plug a set of headphones with a built-in microphone into the device.

  2. Refresh the page.

  3. Try the Reading Lab activity again using the device's microphone.

Step 3: Check the microphone's input level

Chromebook

  1. On the bottom right side of the screen, select the time.

  2. Click Settings.

  3. Under “Device,” click Sound.

  4. Under Input, drag the Volume slider to adjust the input volume. We suggest moving the slider towards the right but not to the highest level.

Mac

  1. On the device, go to the Apple menu > System Settings, then click Sound in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)

  2. Click Input on the right, then select the device you'd like to adjust (you'll see options for the device itself as well as any connected microphones).

  3. Drag the Input volume slider to adjust the input volume. We suggest moving the slider to the the right but not to the highest level.

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