Examples of High Tech Communication Tools
High tech devices: Switches
Switches are used as a communication tool for students who are nonverbal. Switches can be customized so the students can communicate for one specific item. Audio can recorded so that when the switch is triggered a recording of the item will play. When a switch is programed for one item it can not be used again for another item. For example, if a student needs to use the bathroom they would trigger the switch and the audio would play "I need the bathroom.". If the student hit the button again the same recording would play. The student could have more than one switch, each meaning two different things. One may state "I need the bathroom.", while the other plays the recording "I am hungry."
A switch will not work unless it is connected to a computer and connected to a Switch interface box. A switch also requires specific software or the computer or the Switch Interface box will not recognize the device.
A switch will not work unless it is connected to a computer and connected to a Switch interface box. A switch also requires specific software or the computer or the Switch Interface box will not recognize the device.
High tech devices: Proloquo2go
Proloquo2go is an application found an the iTunes App Store for iPads. The software is similar to a communication board like PECS or GoTalk. Proloquo2go can be modified to fit either multiple symbols on the screen or just one. The application is capable of creating folders so the teacher can store the student's symbols in an easy to access place. Once the student has selected the symbol that they wish to use if they tap the top of the screen where their chosen word is the software will read the sentence aloud the student so the can attempt to replicate the sound that was produced. Students are capable of accessing multiple words in the palm of their hands, and because the software is on an iPad the communication software can go with them throughout the classroom and school so they can effectively communicate with their peers.
(Dell, Assistive technology in the classroom: enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities, 2012)
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