Once I started to fiddle with the assistive learning software known as "Boardmaker", I instantly thought of how it could be integrated within an E-learning environment using WebCT/Blackboard & Adobe Connect.
Let's start from the beginning - Boardmaker is a software that can be used with a mouse or keyboard, or as a precursor to switch capabilities. It's website describes it as " widely regarded as the essential tool for adapting symbol-based printed activities for students with special needs. A symbol database combined with an easy-to-use drawing program, Boardmaker features more than 4,500 Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) in 44 languages, all in both color and black-and-white..."
Boardmaker is filled with descriptive images (4500 is A LOT of images to choose from!) used to represent a person/s, place/s, or doing and using things. It's quite amazing how this very simple, extremely visual, and user friendly software can represent and create endless opportunities for communication. It provides multiple layering for the creator of the 'boards or books'. Not only can you customize the link, but you can create action buttons (just like in PPT) and you can also import customized photos using the easy accessible and GUI style toolbar. The creator/user can move from board to board of symbols and phrases while making sure that cognitive and task ability needs are being met.
It's highly recommended to KNOW YOUR STUDENT/CLIENT prior to developing boards; not only will this provide for a broader scope of their cognitive abilities, but it's just simply more personal and customizable that way.
The control interface is used to connect the computer with the 'board', determining which key is going to be the SWITCH. Tell me - What do you think of this switch? "I'm lovin' it!"
Now, here is where I thought of an Elearning integration...students could participate more easily within an online educational forum using this type of software, although the instructor would need to provide advanced materials and questions, the student could link in through Adobe Connect and participate in interactive webinars, videoconferencing and just simple F2F discussion. This means planning, planning, planning..and an in depth assessment of the students technical capabilities...but it could work.... I continue to ponder my adult educational work that lies ahead!
Shelley,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed learning from you in both classes. It was great to have the adult learning perspective. Sometimes "At Risk" students wind up going to adult ed classes later in life and experience school differently than when they were children.