Thursday, November 24, 2005

Team Member Award Win

BECTA ICT in Practice Awards Winners Learning Assistance 2005
Special award

Pam Ibbotson Special Educational Needs Support Service, Wakefield.
Pam impressed the judges with her highly developed ICT skills and an extensive knowledge of access and software to support the curriculum.
She is able to create appropriately individualised learning resources from the outline requirement provided by her line manager. She demonstrates original and innovative thinking and application of the knowledge of what a wide range of software and hardware can provide.
The production of an accessible SATs test for a child with physical disabilities and the application of head-pointing software with a young person with complex access needs are quality examples of her innovative practice. Pam’s work indicated a thorough thinking through of what was required and meticulous attention to detail.
The quality and level of ICT application was significant in terms of providing materials to support individual needs. In addition, Pam's performance indicated an ability to set smart targets, monitor progress and use this to inform future work.


Check out the BECTA web site for this award.
http://www.becta.org.uk/corporate/display.cfm?section=21&id=3460

Friday, November 18, 2005

Making Clicking Easier

Making Clicking Easier - Mouse Click Interface

This device mimics the LEFT CLICK and RIGHT CLICK function of a mouse. Allowing these functions to be controlled by an independent hand held push button or switch.

Designed to work alongside another computer pointing device. This could be a head pointing camera, joystick or even another mouse.




Example
This device originally was developed to allow a child to LEFT CLICK with a foot switch. The unit was used in conjunction with a head pointing camera device. This allowed the child independent control of the PC.



Mouse Click Interface

The Mouse click Interface was made in PS2 and USB variants.



It is recognised by the PC as a standard ‘Human Interface device’.
And should be plug and play from Windows 2000 onwards.

Connects easily to any Push Button with a standard 3.5mm Mono Jack.
See Below.

Wakefield MDC

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Electronic Dice

Electronic Dice

We have recently purchased some electronic dice that can be activated by a switch. They are brightly coloured and give audio feedback.

Students unable to throw a dice can now participate in board games and maths activities requiring this. A double dice throw is achieved easily with the addition of a chain connector.


The electronic dice are reasonably priced and can be obtained from http://www.oneswitch.org.uk/