SwitchIt! Opposites
by Gerry Kennedy
For PC Compatible Computers
Early Learning SoftwareSwitchIt! Opposites software, from Inclusive Technology in the UK, is an ideal early learning software package that can be accessed via a range of input devices. It caters to young children and to users who require elementary concept development software. SwitchIt! Opposites is a delightful program. Full of interesting features and wonderful animated sequences, it has some great features. Teachers and parents can offer this software to their children, confident that they will be entertained and introduced to the concept of "opposite".
When you start SwitchIt! Opposites, the first animated screen banner invites you to play. You can work straight away using the default settings, or you move your mouse to the top of the screen to display, a 'menu bar'. You can select one of five activities; big and little, up and down, hot and cold, in and out and open and closed. If you are teaching using COMPIC (or other pictograph libraries), all of the concepts can be related to real life situations at school, in the home and in the community. Simply click on the desired concept to start playing. The "menu" icon takes you to a screen where you customise the program. The Game Options for this exciting package include:
- Colours - you can choose a background colour (from nine choices). The scan box colour can be set as well (i.e. the target has a box outlining it, indicating that it is the current choice.
- Scanning - choose from mouse, double switch or single switch.
- Scan Speed - how fast the target moves.
- Scan Box Sound - you hear the target as it moves to each selection.
- Debounce - how quickly the activity will respond to the input, then re-act.
- Pre-acceptance Delay - the time between hitting the switch, clicking the mouse, or pressing on IntelliKeys and the software's reaction to your input
- Serial Switches - select if you have a switch interface connected into the serial port.
- IntelliKeys - when you choose this option, an automated process sends an overlay to the IntelliKeys with the two switch ports on the board programmed, ready to accept switch input.
- Concepts - choose one of five concepts; select either "random" or "sequential" order.
- Activities - you set up the program so that the user can choose from two, three or 4 items. These can be chosen at random, in a sequence or have one set randomly. An error indicator can also be set.
- Text and Speech - you can elect to voice just the text, just the speech or have both active.
- OK - after setting all of the conditions, you are ready to play again. Alternatively, you can 'Save' the settings.
- Open/Save - you can save a setup by name (for individual users) and then open it at any time.
- Exit - this is where you quit and leave the program.
SwitchIt! Opposites is a well-designed multi-media program for young children and for those require drill and practice activities dealing with early concepts. A range of input devices, including Touch Window, IntelliKeys, single or double switch can be used. It caters directly to users who are physically disabled, intellectually disabled and to those who need adaptive software that caters to specific learning needs.
The fun animated character that appears in each reward screen is consistent with other Inclusive Technology products. Opposites is certainly an appealing program and affords hours of enjoyment and interaction with relevant and appropriate content for both children and adult users.