DISCOVER THE DISCOVER:SWITCH
JO MEYER
SOFTTOUCH/KIDTECH
4182 PINEWOOD LAKE DRIVE
BAKERSFIELD, CA 93309
Web Posted on: December 12, 1997
Wow--one switch to do all is new on the market. Made by Don Johnston Incorporated, the Discover:Switch is a combination of an on-screen keyboard and an automatic scan. This great device can be used as a regular switch, or as the interface to connect an alternative type of switch. One switch in your classroom can be available for those students who need a single switch for software with scanning built in or can quickly be changed to have a setup that will automatically scan software that is not ready for the single switch user. The standard keyboard and mouse are still available if needed.
There are other features which gives the Discover:Switch "two thumbs up". Some of those features are the following:
- Built in setups
- Has built in voices
- Has built in volume
- Change scan speed
- Edit Discover:Switch Setups
- Built your own setups with graphics
- Save your own setups for future use
- Set your own 'markers' for customizing the scanning
Setup of the Discover:Switch is easy. The Ke:nx technology is the basis for the Discover:Switch.
For students who are interested in choice making, one strategy is to have several programs they love in a setup. Let's take an example. Tommy has single switch cause and effect down to a science. Where do we go from there? How about making a choice? That choice can be from Johnny's own love of the different programs he uses. Let's call the setup "Johnny's Favorites". The the choice is his. You can make a setup with two graphics, set the scanning speed and allow Johnny to choose. This might be another "cause and effect" with two choices. If it is, then set up a 'null' key which goes nowhere when he chooses it. You may give the choice auditory feedback, depending upon whether it is needed. You may then move to three, four and more choices with 'null' keys. After some weeks Johnny has mastered those skills. It is time to move to simple step scanning. To begin we can have four choices. Three of those choices can be 'null' with one 'real' choice. Add choices as he gets good, and Johnny is on his way to a world of his own on his computer. The lab workshop this paper addresses, gives hands on teaching of setting the Discover:Switch up to do these skills.