Technology

Activslate

These are small lightweight 'slates' that can be passed around learners, allowing them to interact with a computer, similar to the way that people interact with interactive whiteboards.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Apple Mac

Apple Macs are an alternative to Windows-based PCs, and although slightly more expensive they are better at dealing with multimedia, easier to learn and use, and their reputation is that they go wrong far less often. Modern Apple Macs interact with other systems. Image courtesy of Apple.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a mechanism for wirelessly connecting devices over short distances. For example a learner could send an image from the mobile phone to a computer for free, or a tutor could use bluetooth to send learning materials to learners' own devices, or more usefully receiving learning materials back.

Case studies which employ this technology:

100% Retention Rate! (Hull College)

CopySCAN software

CopySCAN software is a piece of commercial software that will scan and convert different forms of media input into a variety of more accessible outputs. For example it will copy columnised newspaper or magazine text into a single columned output either as a PDF for reading or an MP3 to listen to.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Using technology to support learners outside of the classroom

Digital Magnifier

Portable devices that have a screen on one side and a lens on the other. The lens can be pointed at something which then appears on the screen, which the learner can manipulate in terms of changing the magnification, colour, contrast etc. This allows a learner to access printed information that is for example in a table, or can be used in the community for example to read prices in a supermarket.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Using technology to support learners outside of the classroom

Digital Notepads

A device allowing someone to write on paper with a pen, but in a way that as well as the paper version the information is recorded electronically into the device to be downloaded later, and if neat enough the writing can be converted into typed text.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Using technology to support learners outside of the classroom

Digital still camera

Digital cameras store images digitally rather than on film, giving the benefit of being able to see the image on its built in screen immediately, as well as making it easier to use the images once taken.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Dragon Naturally Speaking software

Dragon Dictate is a piece of software that allows a user to control their computer and 'type' by using voice alone. This is beneficial to some learners that have difficulty typing, it can speed up the typing process, and reduce injuries such as repetitive strain. Image courtesy of www.nuance.co.uk.

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Enterprise equipment

This is equipment that helps the learners to create products for their social enterprise projects. One example is a large-format printer for making posters or canvasses for sale.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Employability skills through Enterprise (Henshaws College)

EZ keys

EZ Keys for Windows is a text based communication and computer access package. It allows a user to communicate and to control the computer by means of anything from a single switch to a keyboard.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Enabling Learners to Communicate (East Riding College)

G-force software

G-force is a music and audio visualisation software that enables sounds to be translated into abstract artwork. It can be used as part of an iMuse (interactive multi-sensory environment). This has been used successfully by HollyBank Trust, especially with their pre-verbal learners who have created saleable works of art with the software.

http://www.soundspectrum.com/g-force/index.html?src=home

Case studies which employ this technology:

Art, therapy and work with iMuse (Hollybank Trust)

GPS device

A GPS or global positioning system is a handheld device that is able to locate your position and provide walking or driving directions to another destination. These devices are proving very popular for travel training. They can also be called 'sat nav' (short for 'satellite navigation'). cc image by anya1986

Case studies which employ this technology:

Supporting transitions (Wakefield Council)

Head mounted camera

Small, lightweight cameras that can be mounted on someone's head, or on a piece of equipment (e.g. an attachment to a wheelchair). A learner can film without having to hold the camera in their hand, meaning that they can record evidence of something that they are doing (as it leaves both their hands free). It also allows someone without the manual dexterity to hold and position a camera to capture footage, by just looking at the target. Image courtesy of http://www.digitalblue.org.uk.

Case studies which employ this technology:

iMuse

iMuse stands for Interactive Multi-Sensory Environments and is used for improving the quality of life of people with special needs and the elderly in long-term care. iMUSE sessions are an interactive music, sound, visual and vibration stimulation experience tailored to the individual needs of the person. iMUSE interactions support:

expression

communication

aesthetic resonance

awareness of control

exploration

ludic engagement

http://centres.sunderland.ac.uk/imuse/

http://www.hollybankschool.org.uk/news/recent_events.htm

Case studies which employ this technology:

Art, therapy and work with iMuse (Hollybank Trust)

Inspiration software

This widely used software was developed specifically for children with dyslexia, but has over the years changed to become more adult orientated and for wider uses than just dyslexia support. The main feature of Inspiration is the ability for an individual to create concept maps on the computer, helping people to organise thoughts, revise and plan their work.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Interactive Whiteboard

Boards that are usually permanently mounted (but not always), onto which a computer image is projected. The tutor or the learner can then control the computer and 'write' on it by either pressing the board with their finger, or by using specially designed 'pens'. Most boards come with their own software. One advantage of the boards is they can be controlled by 'gross' motor movements, e.g. a learner with poor manual dexterity could use their fist, elbow or even head to control the computer. Many modern boards have the projector mounted on the board itself, making it easier to adjust the height of the board, which is very useful when being used by learners.

Case studies which employ this technology:

iPad

The iPad is an Apple touch screen device. The device also has a 3-axis accelerometer to sense iPad orientation which can be used to good effect on certain games or apps. Apps can be added from the Apple App store so that relevant games or learning opportunities can be undertaken by the learners.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Mobile technologies to motivate and engage

iPod music player

iPods are devices that store and play sound files, usually music. They can also be used to play educational audio content, either created by the tutor or the learner, usually in the form of podcasts. Image courtesy of Apple.

Case studies which employ this technology:

iPod touch

The iPod touch is a multifunctional device combining the ability to listen to audio, a PDA, wifi access, games console etc. (Image source - http://www.flickr.com/photos/digitpedia/5166412501/)

Case studies which employ this technology:

JAWS

JAWS for Windows is a screen reader that works with your PC to provide access to software applications and the Internet for those who are blind or have low vision. JAWS also outputs to refreshable Braille displays. http://www.techno-vision.co.uk/JAWS.htm

Case studies which employ this technology:

Supporting transitions (Wakefield Council)

Laptop

Portable computers that have nearly the full functioning capacity of a desktop PC.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Listen to me communication aid

http://www.speechbubble.org.uk/device/listen-me/ The Listen To Me communication aid is an inexpensive handheld device with 12 message buttons. Each button has ten seconds of recording time. Recording a message via the internal microphone is fairly straightforward, and a slide switch at the top of the unit gives on/off control and three volume levels - it's best to record messages at the lowest setting. An input socket at the side of the unit can be used for recording from an external source such as a CD player (a lead is supplied). There's also a power-saving auto-shutoff after five minutes of inactivity. Symbols must be individually produced at the correct size for inserting underneath the clear plastic covers on each of the buttons. Tabs must also be left on each symbol to allow easy insertion and removal.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Enabling access with mobile equipment (Kirklees College)

Mind Genius Software

Mind Genius is a powerful concept mapping tool that can be used not just for learning, but also as a business tool for things like planning, project management and problem solving. One of its key features is the way that it exports a map into a well formatted Word document, which is very useful for learners when planning assessments.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Minibook (e.g. asus eee)

Very small and light, highly portable computers, With a screen less than 7" wide. These don't have the full functioning capacity of a larger PC or laptop, but do most of the things that most people want - e.g. using the internet, word processing, working with images - and most have built in webcams to record basic video footage or still images. Many of these use Open Source software rather than commercial software like Microsoft, resulting in them being very cheap and affordable. A downside of these is the small keyboard size which some will find prohibitive, but their small size and weight makes them ideal for taking into lessons for note taking in a session.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Mobile phone

As well as the traditional use of a mobile phone (speech and text messaging), there is now additional functionality such as taking photos and videos, browsing the web, accessing files, as a calculator, etc. Educationally, one of the main attractions is that most learners own this type of equipment.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Multi-sensory equipment

Music, lights and sound equipment used to create a multi sensory learning environment.

Case studies which employ this technology:

The Use of Multi-Sensory Equipment with Disabled Learners (Barnsley College)

Neo by Alphasmart

The Alphasmart is a small, rugged device with a keyboard and small display that a learner can take into a lesson and use to take notes. The notes can then be easily transferred to a full capacity computer to be accessed. Image Source - Seen @ Paul Graham's talk Originally uploaded by davidcrow

Case studies which employ this technology:

Nintendo DS

This is a small 2 screen gaming console, where the lower screen is used as a touch screen. These devices are capable of connecting to the internet, as well as communicating with other nearby machines. A common use is the 'Brain Training' series of software that helps learners with various thinking and memory skills. Image source - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:DSLite_white_trans.png

Case studies which employ this technology:

Nintendo Wii

The Nintendo Wii is primarily a gaming device but one which tracks motion in 3 dimensions. The games alone can be used for inclusion activity and physical activity with cardio-vascular benefits. There is also a range of movement and flexibility benefits. The Wii can also be used like a mouse to control a computer, which for some learners with movement difficulties could be very useful. Image source - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Wii_Wiimotea.png

Case studies which employ this technology:

PDA

PDA is short for a Personal Digital Assistant and they are, in essence, very small computers with the ability to view and interact with information and record sound. Some will connect with the internet and numerous other functions. Many learners are using them to help them organise their time by using the calendar facility with built-in alarms.

Case studies which employ this technology:

PebblePad software

This is a piece of portfolio software, initially produced by the University of Wolverhampton, currently made available for a modest fee. The software is designed to be easy to use and, in particular, encourage reflective practice. Image courtesy of www.pebblepad.co.uk.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Playstation 3

Primarily a type of games consul, but with the added functionality of being able to store and play multi-media, and connect to the Internet, it can be used as a teaching and learning tool, that many young people in particular will be comfortable using. It doesn't have its own built in screen, so needs to connect to a TV, projector or similar. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Playstation3vector.svg

Case studies which employ this technology:

Gadgetastic! (Wyke Sixth Form College)

Portable CCTV

A CCTV system that enlarges text, but is also portable allowing the learner to take it away rather than being restricted to working in one location with it.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Using technology to support learners outside of the classroom

Portable pocket printer

The pocket printer is a small printing device about the size of a pack of cards. It can be charged up so can be used in areas with no power supply, but will only print about 15 images per charge. The images can be printed either from a camera connected with a standard USB cable, or can be sent from a mobile phone or similar via Bluetooth. The images that are printed are small (about 2” X 3”) and are printed onto special Polaroid printer labels. The labels are relatively expensive so the camera is best used where the lack of power is the main issue, but you want the ability to print out (e.g. for evidence collection, discussion purposes etc)

Case studies which employ this technology:

Creating a mobile toolkit

PSP

This is similar to a playstation, but this is a truly mobile version, with built in small screen, and being small and portable. Although primarily a gaming device, it can connect to the Internet, as well as store and play multi-media files, giving it, its educational benefit. image source - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Psp1.png

Case studies which employ this technology:

Red Halo software

Red Halo allows you to manage files and software installation for multiple types of mobile devices. A wireless connection allows you to syncnronsie between the devices and the server. What this means is that it is a very useful means of collecting student created files from their mobile device, as well as sending resources out to the learners.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Smartphone

A mobile phone with advanced capabilities such as PC-like functionality, For some, a Smartphone is a phone that has a Windows based OS whilst for others it might mean that there are advanced PIM capabilities and a good camera. In all cases the device will have full internet capabilities and often a full qwerty keyboard too. image courtesy of Apple

Case studies which employ this technology:

Tablet PC

These are small laptop type devices but with the additional functionality of the screen working as a touch screen, allowing a user to 'write' on the screen with a stylus and record notes. The learner can also control the computer with the stylus rather than using a mouse of touch pad, which for some learners is easier to do.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Talking dictionaries

Portable devices that allow a learner to identify the correct spelling or meaning of a word. The fact that they talk to the learner allows the learner to confirm that they have identified the correct word.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Using technology to support learners outside of the classroom

TextHelp - Read & Write Gold software

This piece of software has evolved over many years and provides various forms of support for people needing help with any form of textual information. This includes the ability to have text read out to the learner, a phonics-based dictionary and thesaurus that learns words the learner regularly uses, and a tool to 'read' information from PDF files, etc.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Touch screen PC

A touchscreen PC is a full working PC (unlike tablet PCs that run a version of the Windows operating system) that has a touch-sensitive monitor that allows a user to 'click' by touching the screen. This makes it more tactile and encourages hand-eye coordination as games and learning activities particularly suited to a kinaesthetic approach are created for use with these machines. A mouse is not required.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Future-proofing facilities and learner skills (Case Training Services)

Ultra Mobile PC

Ultra-mobile PCs are the result of a joint development by Microsoft, Intel and Samsung. To qualify as a UMPC, a device must have a screen size of 7 inches or smaller. According to Microsoft and its partners, the devices are intended for portable productivity and entertainment. UMPCs may run a full version of the Windows XP operating system. Image source - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d8/UMPC_Samsung-Q1-Ultra.JPG

Case studies which employ this technology:

USB Duplicator

A device that allows you to quickly copy 1 USB stick onto lots of other USB sticks in 1 go.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Using technology to support learners outside of the classroom

Victor reader

The Victor Reader Stratus claims to be the simplest and friendliest audio book player The Victor Reader Stratus comes in a new look enclosure that is smaller and lighter on the outside yet smarter and better sounding on the inside. Unlike the previous generation, the Stratus plays multimedia books and music from CDs, SD cards and USB flash drives. Victor reader

Case studies which employ this technology:

Supporting transitions (Wakefield Council)

Video camera

Video cameras come in various forms and sizes but almost all now record digitally, making it easier for any captured footage to then be used on a computer. Cameras can be used by staff to record learners' achievements or by learners themselves, either as a part of a learning process, or in order to capture own evidence of achievement.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Visual Scheduling Assistant software

This software allows the teacher/trainer/tutor/carer to programme a series of instructions which are multimedia based. The software comes with a number of pre-installed ‘sample’ tasks. However, the software allows the teacher to create their own ‘learner specific’ tasks, using images and audio more easily recognised by the earner.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Visual aids for work placements (Craven College)

Voice recorder

Voice recorders are small, simple devices that allow a learner to either take their own notes to play back later, or to record a tutor, so that they can play the information back later.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Widgit

Widgit software makes it possible for people to add symbols alongside words to aid communication in print or onscreen material. The symbols illustrate the possible meanings of the words and aid learners with low literacy levels to interpret the text.

Case studies which employ this technology:

Cameras and Widgit to help with portfolios and employability