Welcome to the Resources for SwitchIt! Dinosaurs Extra from Inclusive Technology

SwitchIt! Dinosaurs Extra / Inclusion

The SwitchIt! Extra Series has been designed to be as accessible as possible. Learners can operate these programs using switches, touch-screens, interactive whiteboards, plasma screens, IntelliKeys and all kinds of pointing devices.

This document explains some of the issues to consider when using different access devices.

What are the switch options for SwitchIt! Dinosaurs Extra?

switch access

switches

For Activity:

  • One switch/space bar/touch screen/mouse button:
    With this setting, the learner just uses any of these, or a single switch to play.
  • Two Switches, alternate:
    With this option, pictures of the switches will appear alternately on the left or right of the screen. Only the correct switch will operate the activity.
  • Two Switches, press as requested:
    Use this when you want the learner to watch and use the switch indicated on the screen (see the Colours option below for easy ways to identify the switches).

For Picture Menu:

  • Mouse click/Touch Screen:
    With this setting, the learner just clicks or touches one of the pictures to start playing that activity.
  • One switch/space bar:
    This setting uses single-switch scanning. Press the space bar or switch to start a scan box moving between the pictures in the Picture Menu. Press the space bar or switch again when the scan box reaches the activity you want to play.
  • Two switch scan:
    This option provides two-switch scanning. Press your left switch or space bar to start scanning. With every press you will advance through the Picture Menu. When you arrive at your desired selection, simply press the right switch or Enter key.

Setting up your switch interface

Serial Switches:

If you are using a switch interface box that is plugged into the serial socket, you will need to configure the software to recognise how the connection is made.

If you are using a Concept Keyboard as a single switch or two switches, you will also need to set up the software.

In either case, go to the teacher Options screen, then click on the "Serial Switches" button and then the button next to Setup Serial Switches. A dialogue box will appear where you can configure the software for your switch box or Concept Keyboard. Select 'space bar' for the left switch and 'Enter' for the right switch.

Select the COM port through which your serial device is connected.

Click OK. The toolbar will disappear, but the serial switch program will continue to run invisibly. (It will need to be closed separately from the main program when you have finished.)

IntelliKeys:

If you are using an IntelliKeys keyboard, click on the IntelliKeys button. An overlay file will then be sent to your board so that it will operate as two switches (the board is divided vertically for two switch operation). You can also plug switches into the IntelliKeys.

If you need more information about interfaces and how they work visit our website. (Requires internet connection)

Auditory Scanning:

The Picture Menus in SwitchIt! Dinosaurs Extra have auditory scanning built in. If the learner is using the mouse scanning in a Picture Menu, the names of the subjects will be spoken when the mouse pointer is moved over them.

If the learner is using switch(es), the names of the subjects will be spoken when the pictures of the subjects are scanned. The Auditory Scanning option allows you to turn this speech off.


childs mouse

Using the mouse and keyboard

Pupils who use a pointing device such as a mouse, roller ball, joystick or head mouse can operate the program simply by clicking or pressing space bar or enter on the keyboard.


touch screen

Using a touch-screen

The SwitchIt! Extra Series works really well on touch-screens and touch-monitors. Your pupils can watch the story build simply by touching the monitor.


plasma television

Using a plasma screen or interactive whiteboard

SwitchIt! Dinosaurs Extra is perfect for use on a plasma screen or interactive whiteboard as part of your literacy hour or story time sessions. Gather your class together around the screen/board and everyone gets a chance to take a turn. This can easily be developed into a multi-sensory activity.