SoftTouch Switch Software (Best of KidTech, Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, Teen Tunes Plus)
by Gerry Kennedy
For PC Compatible and Apple Macintosh Computers
Best of KidTech from SoftTouch
There are six activities in this elementary cause-and-effect program. It caters directly to young children with six songs, including “Old McDonald’s Farm”, “Five Little Ducks”, “I’m Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee”, “Five Green and Speckled Frogs”, “This is the Way We Read Our Book” and “I’m Blowing Bubbles”. Each song has animated effects and screens that will engage and visually stimulate young children. The availability of multiple access methods ensures that all students can participate. The early concepts introduced in the “Five little Ducks” and “Green Frogs” involve number, counting, recognition and identification of colour as well as prediction and anticipation. It is an ideal “error free” program for introducing children to using their switch or adaptive device, without failure.
Suitability: Cause-and-effect to suit preschool and Grade Prep, as well as in special school settings
Access: Mouse, single switch, Touch Window, IntelliKeys
Rationale: To introduce beginner switch users to error free switching using songs and animation
Overlays: Sets of 3 overlays for IntelliKeys, Discover:Board, Key Largo
Monkeys Jumping on the Bed from SoftTouch
The package has a theme of playful monkeys who cavort about a room, jumping up and down on a bed. It will appeal to younger children. The songs and rhymes have been professionally recorded and are ideal for classroom use or in music therapy. Children who require repetition will thoroughly enjoy these playful monkeys. The vibrant colour and clearly illustrated cartoon-style characters will engage children visually as well. There are five activities – Let’s Play, Find the Colour, Find Number Set, Find the Number and Find Number Word. The matching to number set, number or number word provide pre-numeracy experiences in a fun way. Each number from one through six, is represented by colourfully dressed monkeys jumping on a bed (with corresponding coloured background to reinforce). A song with accompanying lyrics that match the number concept is played.
Suitability: Cause-and-effect to suit preschool and Grade Prep/1, as well as in special school settings
Access: Mouse, single switch, Touch Window, IntelliKeys
Rationale: To introduce early concepts of colour matching, number recognition and counting up to six.
Overlays: Sets of 3 overlays for IntelliKeys, Discover:Board, Key Largo
Teen Tunes Plus from SoftTouch
These age appropriate single switch activities are accompanied with highly visual animated screens. The music is upbeat, catering to young children, and especially to older students. The software contains nine activities. The music and sound files match the animations and the overall effect is very stimulating. The error free nature of the program will cater to students who are just beginning to use their adaptive device or who have severe physical disabilities. There is a quiet or auditory scan mode as well. In auditory scan mode, the activity is announced with the graphic inversed to highlight the choice. There are three scan rates of 2, 3 and 4 seconds. You can choose from 1, 2 3, 6 or 9 activity icons.
Suitability: Cause-and-effect to suit preschool, elementary and older students, as well as special school settings
Access: Mouse, single switch, Touch Window, IntelliKeys
Rationale: To introduce switching skills, choice making and independent use of device by students using music/animation
Overlays: Sets of 3 overlays for IntelliKeys, Discover:Board, Key Largo