TTAC logo

 Training and Technical Assistance Center
Old Dominion University
T-TAC/ODU

Assistive Technology Network E-News
Volume 2, Issue 1
September/October 2005
Publication information: Copyright "ATN E-News" 2005.  All Rights reserved. Copies may be distributed without alteration electronically free of charge. This newsletter may be reproduced without alteration, for non-commercial purposes without prior permission. "ATN E-News" does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.

Welcome to the Assistive Technology Electronic Newsletter designed to provide educators with tips and tricks when integrating technology in the classroom.

Contents: 

  • Visual Learning and Supports
  • Tips from our Subscriber

Visual Learning

For many students who are weak auditory learners, visual supports become increasingly important for following directions, learning concepts, and communication.  Visual supports can be gestural, pictorial, written words, or a combination.  In the past, BoardMaker, from Mayer-Johnson, has been the dominating product.  However, other companies have acknowledged the need and developed products that are quickly becoming available.

Why is it important to have a variety of pictures?

People tune in and understand visually depicted concepts differently.  Some children only need to see a roof to understand it's a building that sells pizza or a large M for hamburgers, chicken nuggets, and fries.  Others may need to see a photograph of a pizza in order to get the idea.  Although we tend to believe there is a hierarchy to understanding visually (i.e. objects - TOBIs* - photographs - line drawings, etc.) there is no research or documented studies showing the efficacy of such thought.  If the student does not understand the meaning of the visual support, we teach the meaning by consistently using the visual support during meaningful activities.  If we are teaching the meaning, we should be using a variety of graphics depending on the ability and interest of the child. 

*TOBIs - "True Object Based Icons" Usually larger than the normal two-dimensional picture and are cut out in the actual shape of the object.  The symbol and shape are thought to give the person additional information for understanding.

What are we teaching by using visual supports?  Are we teaching the graphic or teaching the concept/label?

For some students, the type of visual support becomes important. Whether it is the student's visual perception, visual acuity, or cognitive ability, the visual should be specific to the student to provide the best-meaning possible. Take a little extra time when deciding upon what visual to use when teaching
Examples of pictures for "bedtime"...
graphic of bedtime
BoardMaker
www.mayer-johnson.com		 graphic of bedtime
OverBoard
www.gusinc.com		 graphic of bedtime
QuickPics
www.speechtx.com/Technology/QuickPics.exe
photo of bedtime
Picture This      www.silverliningmm.com		 graphic of bedtime
MS ClipArt online   office.microsoft.com/clipart		 graphic of bedtime
EyeCons
www.kidaccess.com
Examples of sign/gestures for "bedtime"...
ASL sign language
ASL
www.handspeak.com		 simplified signs
Simplified Signs   www.simplifiedsigns.org
Examples of written words for "bedtime"...

bedtime

Times New Roman

 bedtime

Tahoma

 bedtime

ABCPrint

Tips from Subscribers

Using the Dana as an AugCom device – With the new voice output and Write OutLoud applet, the Dana can now talk as you type.  Just plug in some small Ipod speakers and start typing.  THANKS Diane Lucas, your gift is on the way.

LightWriter $7,000.00
Dana $610.00

For more information on the Dana, visit their website at www.alphasmart.com
What's New in Microsoft Word 2003

Reading Layout If you are opening a document primarily to read it, Reading Layout view optimizes the reading experience, by splitting the screen into two side-by-side panes, each displaying one document screen. All toolbars are hidden except for the Reading Layout and Reviewing toolbars.

The Document Map or the new thumbnail pane may also be displayed, so you can quickly jump to sections of the document.

To view a document in reading layout:
** Click on View | Reading Layout.

Note: Although Reading Layout view does not provide access to all the editing features, it allows you to highlight portions of the document and add comments or make some changes.

To close reading layout:

**Click on the Close button on the Reading Layout toolbar.

To enable / disable reading layout by default:

1. Click on Tools | Options to display the Options dialog box.
2. Click on the General tab.
3. Tick or untick the Allow starting in Reading Layout check box.
4. Click on the OK button.
To compare documents side-by-side:

1. Ensure that the documents you wish to compare are both open.
2. From one of the documents, click on Window | Compare side by side with....
3. Select the name of the other document to display it alongside.

http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/InformationServices/Training/FlexibleTrainingSolutions/Office2003/MSWord2003-whatsnew/

THANKS Donna Waldman! For bringing attention to new MS Word tools, your gift is on the way.