Build It! (Sensory Software)
by Gerry Kennedy
Review of Sensory Software: Build It!
For PC Compatible Computers running MS Windows 3.1, 95 and 98
Build It!
Build It! Allows for the building of pictures with sound effects by repeatedly pressing either switch. Switches are connected to the serial port of your computer. Alternatively, you can use the left and right buttons on your mouse. You can also use IntelliKeys with space bar and Enter keys or 2 switches similarly programmed. There are fifteen (15) pre-programmed files to load. Each has sound files and pictures.
This package is directed towards switch users or IntelliKeys as well. It has been produced with a focus towards children. However, you will find it to be useful to use with adults who have intellectual disabilities, or with older students. By importing your own graphics and sounds, you can create a range of activities, based on any topic, theme or key learning area. It is up to your imagination, energy and time!
Build It! is controlled by switches (connected via the Serial ports – COM 1, 2 3 or 4) or by the two buttons on your mouse. The Build It! program comes with a range of pictures to build, however it also enables you to load your own pictures and associate your own sound effects with them e.g. COMPICS or PCS metafiles, scanned images or photos acquired using a digital camera. Once you have created your own materials you can save that configuration, and load it again later. This saves time and effort and provides teachers, parents and trainers the opportunity to tailor the activities and save them for individual users to accommodate preference and cater to specific needs. You can set up the configurations yourself, as there are two choices in the Edit menu.
Switch 1
This can be set to perform one of four different actions:
1. Build (loop): each time switch 1 is pressed more of the picture builds up. When the picture has been completed the current picture is built again.
2. Build (then next): each time switch 1 is pressed more of the picture builds up. When the picture has been completed Build It goes on to the next picture in the file list (if there is one).
3. Build all (loops): each time switch 1 is pressed the whole of the current picture is built.
4. Build all (then next): each time switch 1 is pressed the whole of the current picture is built, and then the Build It! goes to the next picture in the file list (if there is one). An advanced feature is where you can “build” up your own metafile (up to 50 breaks) to design your own image building criteria and activities using the companion package “Builder”.
You can change the sound effects and also choose different background colours. It has been designed with good figure ground, motivating images (the sample files are aimed at younger children) and good quality pre-recorded sound files. Adaptable to meet individual needs. A good worthwhile program that provides interesting and stimulating cause-and-effect activities with aural and visual cues and rewards.
NOTE: Several Build It! – Support Packs are now available. They include Patterns (visually stimulating images), Scenes (weather, time of day, seasons etc.), Food (fruit, vegetables, ice cream etc.), Living Things (animals, dinosaurs, birds plants) and What Is It? (where the first switch displays an outline of an object, the second switch reveals the entire picture). These packs are all sold separately.