1 User
IT-SD01
5 Users
IT-SD05
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SwitchIt! Diggers
For computers running MS Windows 95/98 and Mac OS
Early Learning with Switches
SwitchIt! Diggers is part of a series of software that has been
released by Inclusive Technology (in the UK) to assist users who use
a single switch, (or two switches), mouse, Touch Window or
IntelliKeys. This fun package provides opportunities for both
learning concepts and developing switch skills for clients of all
ages, based on a theme of `diggers`. The brightly colored graphics
are generic in design and are clearly drawn using predominantly
primary colors.
The actions and switch prompts and auditory cues cater to a large
age range, including adults who have an intellectual disability. The
objects are stimulating with animation, visual and sound effects as
well as appropriate music.
The software is packed on a CD-ROM. It can be purchased as a single
licensed version, a 5-user pack, 10-user pack or as a site license.
The software is very reasonably priced. It suits users from
pre-school, through to children in early intervention centers and
special school settings where a number of groups or classes could
use it on a daily basis. Users may elect to use one or two switches,
an IntelliKeys membrane board, mouse, `switched` mouse, keyboard or
touch window. The various access settings are easy to use. User
preferences can be saved as separate files and loaded each time a
new user plays.
There are ten digger activities. The user may elect to be rewarded
with just one `press` or touch/click of the mouse (i.e. instant
reward and gratification), or three or five presses of their
preferred device. The sound effects, visual and auditory prompts are
clear and unambiguous. The figure ground (i.e. visual complexity of
the screen) is excellent. These uncluttered screens can be altered
at any time with choice of background color options. This provides
color differentiation and activities that accommodate children or
users who are vision impaired. You can change the color of the
switch (or switches). If a user does not respond or press their
device, an auditory and or visual cue can be introduced to the
activity. This prompt acts as a gentle reminder to participate and
press the switch or device.
The activities include animated objects that are typically used for
digging.. The ten pictures can be set up to appear sequentially or
at random. Sequential order assists those users who require
consistency, or familiarity. It also provides for "what`s next" type
questions to promote short term memory, attention and recognition of
objects and shapes. The Random mode alleviates boredom and
predictability for other users. This flexibility is important and is
a great feature. Each image or picture can be printed as well. This
allows teachers to include the graphics in other programs (for
example, writing tasks) or print them and include in communication
displays, books and overlays.
Each `scene` or activity begins with a blank screen. A picture of a
switch appears, prompting the user to `press`. If the user does not
respond in a given time frame (which can be set by the teacher,
aide, parent or therapist) then an auditory and/or visual prompt
alerts them to participate and therefore engage in the activity. A
beep, `swoop` or siren sound effect is played, with the image of the
switch appropriately animated. The ten vehicles include:
As with all of the SwitchIt! Series, the software has various input
options. "Menu" has two choices, Preferences and New Scene. The
option, New Scene, progresses to the next sequential or randomly
generated scene. The Preferences option has two parts. The first
provides options to turn scenes on or off. You can also elect to
turn sound effects on and off . You can also load and save
preferences. This innovative feature allows you to set up the
program settings, input and scene options as well as sound effects
for a user and then save it as a `profile`. Each time the user
begins using the program, you can load his or her preferences. This
saves time and frustration for busy staff in schools and provides
for allocating individual settings over a period of time to show or
demonstrate progress.
Access Options
You can use mouse switches, or auto-run the serial switch program
(it looks for an attached switch interface. Select the Auto-load
IntelliKeys and it will send an overlay immediately to the
IntelliKeys keyboard (if it is attached). `Steps to Build` include
1, 3 and 5 steps. The background color can be set to one of ten (10)
different colors. The left switch and right switches can be set to
one of seven (7) colors. Pauses ranging from 5, 10, 15 and 20
seconds can be chosen with visual and aural reminders turned on or
off. A `time to remember` setting provides for users who take time
to respond or attend, especially young children or for those who
need to lift their head, look, think, then respond with their
device. The SwitchIt! Series has become increasingly popular.
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