Switch Basics
by Gerry Kennedy
A CD ROM for PC Compatible and Apple Macintosh Computers
Switch Basics from SoftTouch
The Switch Basics CD-ROM has both MS Windows and Apple Macintosh OS versions of this very comprehensive suite of programs. Developed in the United States in 1998, Switch Basics offers a large number of different games and activities that cater to a wide range of switch users. They can be used with IntelliKeys as well, either using the membrane board as one or two switches, or by connecting external switches into the board’s switch ports.
Before you launch the CD, you copy the IntelliKeys overlay files to your hard disk using the Setup program. A set of overlays is packaged with the program.
Upon starting the program, you are greeted with a screen that provides directions for teachers, parents and therapists. You can also elect to view and/or print background information on each activity. The programs are fully described as to their content, switch method, intention and the user skills required. These onscreen files will prove to be very popular as they remove the ‘guesswork’. Teachers can ascertain how and why an activity is chosen and therefore a student’s needs can be more accurately met.
There are nine switch programs. Each concentrates on various aspects of switch use – from introduction with cause-and-effect to more advanced switch training. Switch skills range from minimal, moderate to advanced level using automatic or step scanning. Some activities offer a number of skill levels. Various configuration options provide scope for setting up games to cater individual or group needs.
Some games can be played by two players. This involves turn taking, anticipation, the need for accurate timing and concentration on the task at hand. Students can also be included more fully in mainstream classrooms as they can participate with their peers. It provides interaction between siblings and parents at home using meaningful and enjoyable games. Users are included rather than excluded from tasks.
Options that can be set by teachers or students include the choice of colour, the number of objects and the complexity of the activity. Number of repetitions and cycles range from a few to unlimited in some games. Many activities include ‘errorless learning’ where very young children or students who are older, but are still acquiring switch skills, can achieve without making mistakes. More advanced levels provide for more experienced users. Students of all ages and abilities can enjoy this software as they progress through the vital stages of switch access development whilst being exposed to interesting and challenging games. This suite of programs can be used with adults in training centres or residential units, as the nature and the content of the games are appropriate.
Greater Independence
A great feature is the inclusion of “student control” and “teacher control” options at the start. The user preferences can be set for students so that they can move from one task to another, whilst in ‘teacher control’ teachers can start new activities and set conditions for each student individually. The ‘student control’ option allows students to be more pro-active and independent of their teachers or carers and begin to interact with the software without assistance.
All activities can be accessed with either the mouse, IntelliKeys, switch and touch screens. If you elect to use IntelliKeys, the overlay and switch port settings are sent the board automatically. This is a standard feature now with many special needs products available from Spectronics. It is quick, easy and trouble-free and immediately sets up your programs for instant use, without the need for technical expertise and messing about with cables, confusing connections and driver settings.
When you start activities, you move through a series of screens that configure the activity. You can set options such as the input device, sound effects or music (or elect to have no sound), auditory switch “click” feedback, response times, number of graphics, switch control (e.g. scan rate and speed, continuous or momentary switching) and activity preferences. These are set to according to the intent and purpose of the game. These settings are logically arranged in a hierarchical order and are easy to follow and use. To go back, the Control (Ctrl) key and/or switch must be depressed. This prevents unwanted navigation and students leaving a program inadvertently. Navigation is straight forward and easy to follow.
The music and sound effects are of a high quality. They cater to a range of users, as they are not “child oriented” but more generic in content, musical taste and genre.
The programmers have designed the activities to focus on different aspects of switch introduction and training. The sense of humour and fun is evident. Games incorporate highly visual content that is both appealing and captivating. They will hold users’ attention and encourage participation. Gone are the days of simplistic outline drawings and synthesized robotic voices and sound effects. The sampled music and sound files are of a professional standard. In some games, users can choose between different types of music as well. The scope and breadth of use available in this Switch Basic’s CD is an important feature and is apparent even after a short time exploring its many options.
Activities include
- Aquarium Digitized fish in an aquarium , with three activity preferences, with up to 12 fish added to the tank.
- Tiger Three coloured tigers. Users either hold/ release their switch to make a tiger move about the screen.
- Step Forward Up to six animals (e.g. mouse frog, rooster) jump or step forward on the click of the switch.
- Talking Fish Six primary and secondary coloured fish talk about themselves and their colour – quite amusing!
- Celebrate Six celebrations of occasions are animated, including school bus, snowman and Valentine’s Day.
- Beauty Parlour Build a female face, using simple scan or “row/column”. Face animates with voice on completion.
- Cloud Cover Click from 3-12 times to reveal an animal from behind a graphic of a cloud. Digitised images used.
- Puzzles Automatic scan or click-to-select parts of a puzzle to complete a picture. Can be quite challenging!
- Barber Shop Conventional “simple scan” or “row/column” to complete a picture of a boy’s head. Face animates.
In Summary
This suite of switch games is excellent value for money. The large range of activities, choice of switch modes and user preferences are comprehensive and cater to a wide audience, from young pre-school children through to adult switch users. Professional quality voices, music, sound effects and high quality real-to-life digitised images are used throughout the package. Onscreen and print capable instructions clearly delineate application, intention and use. All activities can be set to accommodate individual or group needs. From start-up, students can control their own learning, if required.