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Intelligent Devices for Intelligent Users

IntelliKeys is a touch membrane keyboard that connects into your keyboard port on either an Apple Macintosh or PC-compatible computer. It is a time saving, efficient way to work with concepts and language in the primary classroom. Overlays, either pre-made or custom designed by teachers and students, provide easy and elegant access to a range of software packages. IntelliKeys assists in providing greater access to the computer for all students, as work can be completed more quickly.

IntelliKeys is supported with a number of additional add-on devices, such as keyguards for students who have difficulty in pointing and touching a board. Switches can be connected into two switch ports on the board, and these can be programmed to perform a number of different functions. The board has a built-in stand and it comes pre-packaged with eight standard bar-coded, plastic coated overlays.

Busy Classrooms, Busy Students

The allocation of resources in most schools is such that the majority of classrooms have only one or two computers. Even in school IT laboratories or resource areas, such as the library, computers have to be carefully timetabled to maximize use. By using IntelliKeys, the students can achieve success and finish tasks by pressing on pre-made overlays that contain appropriate language, concepts or number work. They can complete writing tasks, projects or other curriculum content more easily and with less fuss. The QWERTY keyboard skills usually required often impede children who cannot type correctly, quickly or efficiently. Some students cannot compose at the keyboard, or enter and type their thoughts and ideas fluently. A great deal of time is spent in entering information. With IntelliKeys, the content is prepared for the lesson, with learning outcomes in mind, and therefore text entry is made easy. Children can concentrate on the process of their own learning, composing prose, in writing a story, developing an idea or answering questions. They can be more productive and become more confident with the computer as they can experience success and therefore build confidence and self-esteem.

Making Your Own Content

Overlays make IntelliKeys a valuable resource. A support package, Overlay Maker, is a drawing and desktop publishing design package, especially created to assist in programming the board and printing the overlay “artwork”. Overlay Maker has been designed to be very easy to use. With minimal skills, you can create and design an overlay in minutes. With time and some exposure to the “culture” of using a membrane touch keyboard, teachers and their students can customise existing overlays or make new ones. The learning outcomes will reflect the functionality and creativity of the overlays. Experience, forethought and careful planning of students’ learning needs is required. As a resource, like any other, it needs to be used wisely and with content designed to suit the learning, interest, gender and cognitive requirements of the user. There are a number of commercially available kits available Teachers are encouraged to use these colourful pre-designed overlays and edit the associated files. These kits have been designed by teachers for teachers. They are theme-based and suit Australian classrooms as they have been created by ex-primary schoolteachers in Western Australia. They compliment classroom practice and contain language and concepts that are taught in schools.

IntelliKeys can be used across all Key Learning Areas, as well as an input device for students who have physical disabilities. IntelliKeys can also be used as a communication device. By pressing on COMPIC symbols or other pictographs or graphics, students can relate stories, communicate needs and messages and become more independent and self-reliant. When using talking word processors, students can use a series of overlays to converse with their peers and teachers. Students who use switches can participate in classroom activities as well. The range of uses for the board provides for most children in a school. As an inclusive tool, it provides for equity and participation. The board can be passed about the group with the standard keyboard and mouse still active. Three students can actively work together, taking turns to add text, navigate the software and respond appropriately. Students with learning disabilities can be catered to directly, with overlays that meet their specific needs. Graphics and pictures can be programmed where text strings convey meaning and ideas, with one or two cell presses required from the board, or switch action. It is a liberating device as all learners of all abilities can use the board in so many innovative and empowering ways.

Grade Prep

The standard overlays that are packaged with IntelliKeys have large, bright clear letters and numbers. Overlays can be made that contain only the alphabet, or just numbers from 0-9 or simply arrow keys and spacebar to use programs such as Food for Thought. Children at this age can enter letters that are arranged alphabetically on an overlay, in large lower case characters. Matching and labelling activities can be constructed using KidPix or IntelliPics (a simple to use but very powerful multimedia program). Using a talking word processor or ClarisWorks for Kids, children can compose simple sentences, enter words and listen to them when displayed onscreen. This multisensory learning is one of the great strengths of touch keyboards. Teachers can create overlays from children’s drawings, programming the “content specific” cells according to the language required. Tactile overlays, with material or textured media, can be used to test children’s knowledge, develop understandings and build skills in recognizing and labelling. An overlay for developing skills in tasting can be quickly designed using spices and herbs. The five senses of touch, taste, smell, hearing and looking can be developed using IntelliKeys with a talking word processor. Children taste, press on the board, listen to the text, see the text onscreen and then smell the spice/herb to identify or check its authenticity.

Grade 1

In Grade 1, whole words and simple text strings can be used so that children can construct language. Pictographs and clip art can be introduced where children can press on a picture or photograph and relate an incident or story. Overlays can be designed as “group overlays” where the overlay artwork can be re-programmed with varying levels of complexity or difficulty. Number-based overlays can be used with off-the-shelf maths software. Again, KidPix, IntelliPics and other children’s programs can be used with thematically orientated overlays for language, numeracy and in other subjects.

Grade 2

More advanced overlay design can incorporate more complex and challenging language and concepts. Use of numbers in developing skills with the four operations can be used. Language constructs can introduce additional vocabulary and new words. Alphabet overlays can contain spelling words or recently used terms. Re-telling a story can be accomplished with pre-made overlays, using text and pictures. Words can be used to identify, describe, label, match, sort, isolate and/or define concepts.

Grade 3

At this age, students begin to use the board in a number of different ways. Children with disabilities can work co-operatively with others, using either the board or switches to complete quite complex tasks. The Hands On Concept kits are invaluable as they contain a number of activities that suit this age group. Complex strings of words and completed phrases and sentences can be programmed. Text can be coloured and different fonts and styles can be used to enhance the overlay design. Maps adventure trails and “find the clue” type overlays can be used to motivate and direct students to additional learning activities. Students become more confident and independent users.

Grade 4

Projects and other group-based tasks can be quickly generated for students, by the teacher, or by the students themselves. Overlays can reflect interests, including current events, sports (e.g. AFL or netball teams and heroes), current affairs and hobbies. Students can design their own overlays to complete spreadsheets and databases about animals, family trees and science topics. With the Commonwealth Games and Olympics in Sydney 2000 quickly approaching, a number of exciting projects can be designed to document and research sporting achievements of Australian and overseas competitors.

Grades 5 and 6

The most innovative and exciting overlays are possible with older students, even up to Year 10. They can create overlays that reflect their interest in TV programs, novels that they are studying, pop stars, favourite music and past times as well as unlimited school related topics. For peer-age tutoring, senior students can make overlays for Grades P-2 or design interfaces for software for the integrated child or children in the school. Students can support their teachers by task analysing steps required to repair a flat tyre, then construct a series of steps to teach the skill. Other students can use the overlay to acquire the necessary skills.

IntelliKeys affords so many wonderful opportunities for schools to make learning relevant and tailor curriculum in all Key Learning Areas to real world learning. IntelliKeys – they are the Intelligent keys to lifelong learning. Trial the IntelliKeys solution in your classroom, you’ll be quickly convinced!