IT-SD01
5 Users
IT-SD05
Bundle
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.
