Have you ever observed children playing computer games? Or seen someone type with the grace of a virtuoso pianist, their fingers moving effortlessly across the keyboard?
Have you ever contemplated the multitude of movements and electrical impulses traversing a person’s nervous system with each button press? After reading this, you might find yourself pondering how many of your cells are engaged in this complex process every time you press a button.
Although we may not often think about it, we actually learn these things over time. However, some individuals have a nervous system that requires months of training, similar to a sport. This condition might be present at birth, such as cerebral palsy, or it can develop later in life as a result of accidents, illnesses, or strokes. For such individuals, assistive technologies (AT) offer tremendous assistance. Through specialized tools and learning techniques, they can gradually practice and improve their independent use of machines, beginning with the fundamental step of pressing and releasing buttons in a sequence of operations.
When using a computer equipped with two switches, the traditional keyboard and mouse are replaced with one or more large push buttons connected to the machine. One of these buttons, knowns as the "Tab" key, facilitates navigation between interactive elements, essentially replacing the pointing device. The other button activates the currently selected object by acting as the "Enter" keyt. To enable this functionality, the program's interface must be designed to respond to the Tab key and visually highlight objects with a colored frame (the anchor).
Now, we will explore digital tools for learning that can be used with two switches. Teachers can create instructional materials specifically tailored for children with physical disabilities, ensuring their ability to learn independently using these tools.
When presenting the tools, we consider the user experience they provide, their price accessibility, the adaptability of the interface, and how well they are integrated into school practice. Additionally, we take into account the benefits of the given application to the teacher.
The following applications are explained below:
Quizizz is a gamified application designed for lessons and formative questionnaires. Its uniqueness lies in the various game features, such as extra lives or all-or-nothing jeopardy options. The interface recalls the visuals of video games.
It can be useful for verbal learning activities like answering via video or audio recording.
The classroom quiz tools which need no introduction (Kahoot and Quizlet) are not the most ideal choice for students with special needs who require switch access, instead we recommend Redmenta. In Redmenta there are 9 types of exercises for switch users. Due to this option, all students in the same group can grow together, making the classroom more inclusive.
Redmenta is an AI-powered tool to provide an active learning experience for students. Teachers can create quizzes, interactive learning materials, and project worksheets from scratch or they can use the AI worksheet generator that can provide materials from any source material and in any language. Sharing any learning material becomes really simple through the utilization of Jumper links, which is like a unique password.
For those who aim to build an inclusive classroom, where children with different needs learn using the same digital tools by differentiated exercises. Also, for those individuals looking for a tool that fosters independent and self-paced learning opportunities.
Link : Clicker - Literacy Software | Crick Software
Clicker is an assistive tool designed to support elementary school students who require assistance in learning how to read and write. When switch access mode is enabled, the program can be used with one or two switches. This offers great help for those who are learning or practicing reading, how to write on computers, or for those who need more practice in writing to be able to maintain the pace of their learning group. With realistic speech potion students receive feedback on their writing and can write complete sentences assisted by the word banks with fewer keystrokes compared to traditional ten-finger typing methods.
Comparison with the other listed tools:
For those who teach in SEN schools or having segregated classes that require different types of assistive technology (AT).
Link: https://learningapps.org/
LearningApps is a user-friendly tool for creating customized learning exercises, offering a wide range of templates to develop your own content, adopt existing materials, or modify content shared by others. Since it is available in manylanguages, there are some countries where teachers have made almost all curricular topics on LearningApps.
For whom do we recommend in one sentence?
If content is available in the desired language, we recommend it for beginner teachers. Horse racing is a great tool for integration since it allows students to engage in collaborative play.
Format: Webpage for every browser on PC
In this app, you can transform your paper-based worksheets into interactive digital exercise books. On a picture or PDF base, you can make checkboxes, drop-down exercises, or even audio assessments for the pupils. Other’s content is searchable, and you can get and give feedback about student’s work.
For those who have decades of prepared materials for elementary school pupils predominantly in paper format, and want to make it accessible with switches.
Integrating universal digital learning tools with assistive technology in an inclusive classroom, presents a valuable and cost-effective opportunity for all students, including those with special needs, to have equal access the same educational resources and materials, therefore promotes equal access, and encourages active participation among diverse learners, and fosters a shared learning experience.
