Practical teaching activities

Please choose and complete one or more of the following activities:

1. Supporting software with screen printouts
Create a set of printed resources that could be used to help pupils with visual difficulties make more sense of a program used in a group session.

2. Supporting software with real objects
Assemble a selection of objects for use alongside a computer program to provide additional meaning for a pupil with a visual impairment and / or additional learning difficulties.

3. Switch access
Provide switch access to allow a pupil who can only use a switch to join in with a small group of pupils (some of whom can use a mouse / rollerball) to explore a talking book.

4. Making a presentation
Use a presentation program (PowerPoint, SwitchIt! Maker or similar) and a digital camera or scanner to allow a pupil with severe motor difficulties to show pictures of a school trip.

5. Science experiments
Use switches and toy adaptors to help a pupil control simple experiments with batteries, bulbs, etc.

6. Accessible displays
Make a classroom display more accessible, incorporating simple communicators to provide additional feedback and information using speech and sounds.

7. Tactile overlays
Make a tactile overlay (IntelliKeys or Concept keyboard) to help a visually impaired pupil join in ‘reading’ a book.

8. Giving instructions
Make an overlay / on-screen grid to allow a pupil to give instructions or make comments to others in an art session.

9. Writing about an activity
Make an overlay or on-screen word / picture / symbols grid to help a group of pupils to write about a practical activity where some of the group cannot use a keyboard.

10. A class production or presentation
Use simple technology such as single-message communicators and mains switching units to include pupils with motor and speech problems in a class presentation or play.

Appendix 1 - Key resources

Resources referred to in this Unit

PowerLink
Allows switches to be used to control mains operated equipment.

Single-message communicators
One Step, BIGmack, etc, record and replay single messages or sounds.

Data projector
Can be connected to computer to project a large image – some degree of shade needed. Ideal for large groups, these will also work with a video recorder.

microBoB
Connect up to six headphones or headsets for quiet group sessions.

Touch Monitor
Computer monitor with built-in touch activation.

Rollerballs and tracker balls
A wide range is available to use as an alternative to a mouse; they are easier to use for some pupils.

On-screen grids and talking word processors
Provided by programs such as Clicker, Inclusive Writer and Writing with Symbols 2000. Used with switches, mouse, Touch Monitor etc, to provide word, phrase and symbol access to writing and communication.

Message sequence devices
Allow a sequence of messages to be recorded and played back with switch presses. The AbleNet Step-by-Step and Step-by-Step with Levels communicators can be used to create message sequences.

Overlay keyboard
IntelliKeys or Concept keyboard. With suitable software these provide a simple, direct way of using computer software. Especially useful where tactile and easy physical access is required.

Appendix 2 - Some useful Web sites

AbilityNet – www.abilitynet.co.uk

ACE Centre – www.ace-centre.org.uk
Information and software. Publishers of SAW.

ACE Centre-North – www.ace-north.org.uk

Advisory Unit – www.advisory-unit.org.uk
Information and resources about Windows Switch, Point for Windows, and other software.

CALL Centre – callcentre.education.ed.ac.uk

Communication Matters – www.communicationmatters.org.uk
Information and links about the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) needs of people with severe communication difficulties.

Becta (The British Educational Communications and Technology agency) – www.becta.org.uk
Information on ways of using ICT in education.

Becta Inclusion Web site – inclusion.ngfl.gov.uk

Crick Software Ltd – www.cricksoft.com and www.clickergrids.com
Information about, and resources for Clicker.

Foxdenton School and Integrated Nursery – www.foxdenton.oldham.sch.uk

Inclusive Technology Ltd – www.inclusive.co.uk
Extensive information on a range of issues around special needs and ICT.

IntelliTools – www.intellitools.com
this company’s site has a free Activity Exchange where resources made with their products can be downloaded free of charge

Meldreth Manor School – atschool.eduweb.co.uk/meldreth/
Ideas and information for symbol users.

Widgit Software – www.widgit.com
Excellent site with lots of information about symbols, switch software and techniques for introducing switches and scanning.

Xplanatory – www.canterbury.ac.uk/xplanatory/xplan.htm
pages of resources, information and ideas developed and maintained by the Special Needs Research and Development Centre at Canterbury Christ Church College of Higher Education.

This ICTS website is maintained by Inclusive Technology.