I typically use RJ Cooper’s Bluetooth Super-Switch to provide remote access when using the Animated
Step-by-Steps™ (ASbyS) on the interactive whiteboard, the computer or the
iPad.
You might be thinking why on earth would she be using a
remote switch with the iPad, a device that can be accessed directly. The
movement required for advancing the ASbyS animations on the iPad is an index finger swipe to the left. The
wireless Bluetooth Super-Switch provides a much simpler motor response, i.e., simply press the switch. You can also plug
an alternate switch (e.g. head or knee-activated switch) into switch port #1
(to the right of the red power button) allowing the child to use their own
personal switch to activate the animations.
Remote access also gives you a bit more control in a small group
format, allowing you to offer students turns activating the animations on
the iPad. For more detailed information
on using the Microsoft PowerPoint app or establishing remote access, please
refer to these earlier posts http://bit.ly/NavigationRoadmap
and http://bit.ly/EstablishingRemoteAccess
Here are some guidelines (paraphrased from RJ Cooper’s
instructions) for using your Bluetooth Super-Switch
General On/Off Functioning of Bluetooth Super-Switch
To turn it on
Press and hold the
red power button until the light turns green
To turn it off
Press and
hold the red power button until the light turns red and blinks 3 times (before shutting off)
Time to recharge
When the light shines continuously red or blinks orange it’s time to recharge the Bluetooth
Super Switch. Use the charging cable
to connect the switch to your computer. This process is similar using your
computer to charge your phone or small camera.
If you lose that charging cord, do not despair. You can purchase a replacement cable from Staples. The cord you are looking for is called a USB-Mini USB power and charging cable. I was able to purchase a Vivitar accessory for about $6.00.
Pairing your Bluetooth Super-Switch
The Bluetooth
Super-Switch must be paired with
your computer or iPad. The switch and the iPad must ‘shake hands’ before they
can ‘play nice’. This process can be a bit flaky depending upon what other
bluetooth devices are in the environment (devices that may not want to
relinquish their pairing with bluetooth).
Here are the steps required to pair
your Bluetooth Super-Switch with your iPad:
On the iPad:
Go to Settings
… General
… Bluetooth … Turn bluetooth On
If the
word ‘Connected’ appears next to AirTurn (the Bluetooth Super-Switch’s code name) you are ‘good to
go’. You can begin using the switch to trigger the animations in your
Animated Step-by-Steps™
If the
word ‘Not Connected ” appears next to the name AirTurn, select the ‘circled i’ next to
the AirTurn name, then select forget
this device to start fresh.
If the word
‘AirTurn’ is simply NOT appearing, it
means the Bluetooth Super-Switch hasn’t been ‘discovered’ by Bluetooth. You must now put the Bluetooth Super-Switch
into ‘discovery mode’ by pressing & holding the red power button until it quickly
flashes red/green/red/green (about 10 seconds).
The name,
‘AirTurn’ should now appear … possibly with the words ‘Not Connected’ (do not despair). Tap the red power button and the
word, ‘Connected’ should appear next
to the name, AirTurn.
Your Bluetooth
Super-Switch is now ready ‘to play’ with your iPad ... and you are ready to have a
lot of fun using your Animated Step-by-Steps™.
…’til the next post …
(new posts every Monday)
Visit my website http://www.animatedstep-by-steps.com
Follow me on twitter @AnimStepbySteps
Follow me on facebook www.facebook.com/AnimatedStepBySteps
Follow my blog http://animatedstepbysteps.blogspot.com
Email me canadiangoosse@gmail.com
Visit my digital store http://teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bloom
©2016 Carol Goossens’, Ph.D.
Augmentative Communication Consultant
Speech-Language Pathologist
Special Educator
