Now that the Animated Step-by-Steps can be placed on an iPad
using the PowerPoint app from
Microsoft, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to present the iPad at an activity center in the classroom and how to ensure that individual or
small group therapy sessions run smoothly when using the Animated Step-by Steps.
There are many tablet stands available. I recently purchased
the Universal Tablet Stand by Cyber
Acoustics at Staples for
about $30 (Note: it is actually cheaper in the store than online).
I like the fact that it is sturdy (but I’m sure my students
will put that statement to the test). It has a nice non-slip, weighted base and
is adjustable in both height and viewing angle. The latter is especially
important when reducing the glare of overhead lights. When the tablet stand is in its ‘full height’
position, there is space available for
manipulating materials or displaying a communication device (e.g, the child’s
personal iPad with a communication app) or a simple non-electronic
communication display.
If you link the iPad with a wireless switch such as RJ
Cooper’s Bluetooth Super Switch (http://www.rjcooper.com/bluetooth-super-switch/)
you create an elegant option for animating the starred text. As illustrated, the size of the Bluetooth
Super Switch is a perfect fit for the non-slip tray on the Universal Tablet
Stand. Furthermore, if the child uses a head switch, you can plug the child's switch into the switch port on the Bluetooth Super Switch. Couldn’t be more perfect! If they click too far forward, you can press the far left side of the screen (not the page back button) and it will 'step back' one animation. When you press the page back button it moves the program to the previous page; when you press an 'imaginary narrow bar on the far left of the screen, it eliminates the last accidental animation.
If you have experience with another tablet stand that works well, please share that information in the comments section of this blog.
‘til the next post …
© 2015 Carol Goossens’, Ph.D.
canadiangoosse@gmail.com
