PERSONALIZED COMUTER SWITCH
SOFTWARE FOR ONE AND TWO SWITCH USE MADE EASY
Presenter(s)
Bates Roger
Inclusive Technology
Gatehead Business Park
Delph 0L3 5BX
Day Phone: +44 01457819790
Email: roger@inclusive.oo.uk
This
presentation will show how well designed software can make the creation of
individualized switch controlled learning materials child’s play. There will be
lets of ideas for using the SwitchIT range of programs, SwitchIT Maker 2,
ChooseIT Maker 2 and Jigsaw Maker to create class room activities using digital
pictures, symbols and video. These programs also make it easy to create
off—computer materials such as simple books.
The
programs can be accessed by one and two switches, mouse and are ideal for use
on Interactive White Boards by groups see how students can create their own
video records of achievement using SwitchIT Maker 2.
Ready-made
software has much to offer, ease of use, high quality graphics and is a great
time-saver for busy educators. However there are many children who do not
respond to unfamiliar content but can to familiar things, their own pictures,
video of family members and known voices. The computer is an ideal way to use
such resources especially digital media such as still pictures, sound and
video. Standard software can be used in many instances to access these
resources but materials produced in this way are not always readily accessible
using switches.
The
SwichIT range has been designed to make it quick and easy to create resources,
ideal for the computer novice. The presentation will show how educators have
used them interactively with children, helping them to play a part in making
their own learning materials. The introduction of Interactive Whiteboards into
most
Simple
cause and effect activities can be very effective when they include familiar
materials, digital pictures of familiar people with their own voices will
attract many children who show little or no interest in other materials. SwitchIT
Maker 2 can be used to display symbols, still pictures, sound and video clips
belong with a text caption at the press of a switch, each press advancing to
the next page, a second switch can be used to re—play the chosen page,
introducing the concept of two switch use. Of special interest will be the
opportunity to see how the program has been designed to be used by students who
are able to use the simple interface to make activities for their class mates.
This can be used as a really inclusive class or group session with a data
projector and, if available, an interactive white board. The print option has
been designed to allow you to quickly and easily make a printed book of your
activity which can also be saved as a “player” allow the student to take it home
to use on their own computer.
ChooselT
Maker 2 gives you an easy to use tool for creating choice making activities
with familiar pictures and sounds, an idea way to introduce scanning.
Activities that you create can be accessed using one or two switches, mouse or
touch screen and also offer the option of auditory scanning and a personalized
reward as with SwitchIT Maker 2 a “player” option is included so a student can
take an activity home. The two—switch option and easy to use program interface
make this an ideal tool to introduce single or two switch scanning and the
program contains lots of example activities covering the various stages of
switching skills. As well as a visual scanning indicator you can include
auditory scanning prompts, idea for children with visual difficulties or CVI
(Cerebral Visual impairment).
Finally SwitchIT Jigsaw Maker gives the opportunity for some fun as well as learning, you can create simple on screen jig—saws of up to nine pieces for the student to do using mouse or one or two switches. Different levels of interaction allow the program to work from a simple cause and effect level up to choosing and placing the pieces using single or two switch scanning.