Big:Calc
by Gerry Kennedy
Big:Calc by Don Johnston
For Apple Macintosh Computers
Big:Calc, by Don Johnston is only available for Apple Macintosh computers. It caters to all ages, as it is an enlarged talking calculator, with a range of calculator “faces”.
It can be a very large, simple calculator with just the basic digits and operands displayed. It can also be a powerful Business Calculator, or a Number Line or as a calculator displayed as a Pyramid. The clear voice gives you auditory feedback as you enter and work with numbers.
Teachers and users can change the font, size, background and key colours at any time. Students of all ages can elect to speak buttons, numbers, function buttons, results, or the entire equation. You choose between its “identities” from six layouts.
Each layout can be viewed either horizontally or vertically. Big:Calc can be used with any software application, with cut, copy and paste features.
It has been designed to accommodate the different needs of users who have special needs. It can be used with Discover:Kenx or with Discover:Switch with a switch (as it has built-in scanning) or with IntelliKeys.
Big:Calc is so flexible as it can be set up to provide users with their “own” individualized calculator, that responds directly to their needs. It is also very handy for people who reverse numbers or confuse maths operations. The program can handle whole numbers and numbers with decimal places. It is really handy with budgets and totally money.
Big:Calc is quite a unique product. It will only run on a Macintosh computer and there is nothing similar on the Windows platform. The program accommodates users who are elderly or who have a vision impairment or who use a single switch. You can quickly change the font size and colour to increase visibility and figure ground discrimination. The built-in scanning provides for switch access. It is easy to learn and use. You can use it alongside other programs (e.g. Write:OutLoud or MS Word) to calculate and then use the result in a document or word processing task. It is extremely flexible!
The speech and screen layout options let students work according to their preferred learning styles. The auditory cues help students who reverse numbers to determine their keystroke accuracy. As we use calculators in our schools and in society so frequently, students of all ages need to know how to properly use one in everyday situations. Big:Calc can help as it is a user friendly program that encourages students to focus on problem-solving. Students will thoroughly enjoy using the speech, especially students with dyslexia.