Communication
ChallengeA literacy challenge for many students is communication. Students may know how to read and write, but may struggle with communication. There is a wide range of speech and language disabilities and can also include students who are non-verbal or who have very limited verbal communication skills.
The following technology solutions are all devices that I have used in my classroom with a specific student, or with several students. The trick to using technology as a communication device is doing extensive research and testing on devices with the student, in order to determine the correct device for that particular student's needs. |
Helpful Websiteshttp://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/AAC/
The American Speech-Language Hearing Association's definition of augmentative and alternative communication. http://mits.cenmi.org/ The Michigan assistive technology lending library. https://www.isaac-online.org/english/home/ The International Society for augmentative and alternative communication. http://aac.unl.edu/ The Augmentative and Alternative communication Institute. A resource for those who have, or work with those who have serious communication disabilities. http://aacintervention.com/ A guide to augmentative and alternative communication, including tips, product guides, and professional services. |
Solution #1: GoTalk
The GoTalk is a low-tech device that has many options for you to choose from. The devices can range from 1 button to 32+. The devices allow the user or teacher to create their own overlays and record messages. The overlays can be changed out quickly, as the context or subject changes in a classroom.
The devices are lightweight, portable and durable (from experience). The company also has a pocket sized device and an iPad app that functions similarly to the device itself. Tutorial |
The GoTalk is designed to be implemented on an individual basis. Messages can be recorded that are preferred by the student- it is meant to be a 1:1 device that a student can take anywhere with them.
An alternative to this method of implementation is to use the device in a group setting. This is something that I do often in my classroom when we work in small groups. If you have a classroom that is mostly non-verbal, this is a great way to use the GoTalk. The teacher can create an overlay that corresponds to a specific lesson, like a book that is being read. All of the students can then use the GoTalk to participate in a discussion about the book. ResearchMany studies have been done to measure the effectiveness of the GoTalk when used in the classroom. A study done by Bashinski reports, "two of the three individual participants in this study demonstrated a noticeable increase in communication attempts when using the GoTalk Express 32 in their classrooms" (Bashinski, 2011). For one particular student in this study, "across the course of the research study, Nathan went from functioning as selectively mute, using virtually no spoken language, to verbal participating appropriately in classroom-wide instructional activities" (Bashinski, 2011).
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Solution #2: Dynavox LightWriter
Dynavox is a company that has many communication devices. In my classroom I have also used the Dynavox Maestro and the Vmax. The LightWriter is part of a type of communication that is taking off for many students, but especially students with autism spectrum disorders. This device allows students to type everything that they are thinking. It can allow them to communicate with teachers and peers, participate in class (actually have a voice), and complete assignments. Features of the LightWriter include:
I have even used this device with a student who has autism, who isn't non-verbal, but struggles with verbal communication. While using the device, not only did he become better at typing his thoughts, but his verbal communication also increased. This device is basically a text to speech device that is designed more for communication purposes than writing purposes. However, it has the ability to perform both functions. To learn more, visit: http://www.dynavoxtech.com/products/lightwriterSL40_Connect/ For more on typing to communicate, I encourage you to watch the documentary, Wretches & Jabberers.
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This device, like most assistive technology devices, is designed to be dedicated to a single student. However, the device can be implemented in a variety of locations.
We have used this device in our classroom, in the community, and at the student's home. Basically, wherever the student would go, we have attempted to implement the device in that location- after all, we communicate wherever we go! |
Solution #3: Tobii Gaze
There are many eye tracking and eye gaze devices that are available for people to communicate- the system that I am most familiar with is the Tobii Eye Gaze Device.
Using the eye gaze device, students who are physically disabled and non-verbal are able to communicate using only their eyes. Using an eye tracker allows them to control a computer by looking at what they want to select. Students are able to select words and/or pictures off of communication pages, and are also able to type using an onscreen keyboard. For more information, visit: http://www.tobii.com/en/gaze-interaction/global/tobii-gaze/ |
Again, this is a device that is designed to be implemented on an individual basis. The machine is set up for a particular user and is calibrated to that person's eyes.
However, similarly to the other communication devices, it is also designed to be implemented in any location that the user travels to- school. home, and community. |
References
Bashinski, S. M. (2011). Efficacy of the gotalk express 32 for increasing communication attempts. (Master's thesis, East Carolina University)Retrieved from http://www.nationaltechcenter.org/Uploads/2011/08/FINAL-ECU-REPORT-ON-LETTERHEAD.pdf