These are three devices that I reviewed.
Timex Data Link Watch
- This watch is very unique because it acts as a PDA.
It can be programmed to set off alarms at specific times which can help
students remember what they are supposed to do. This can be especially
beneficial to students with autism who can often stay focused on the
task at hand, but forget what they are supposed to do next. I like this
product because it is very practical. Since it is worn as a watch, it
is not easy to lose or drop, and it is not bulky to carry around. I
think it could be very beneficial to students who are forgetful, or who
need guidance through their every day routines. Overall, I think the
product is very useful as it stands, but it could be made easier to
program the reminders. The watch could also have a vibrating or
flashing light alarm so that others are not interrupted by the watch's
alarms. As it is now configured, students who cannot read and write yet
and blind students would not be able to use this product because it
requires the ability to read written words. Perhaps the watch could
also read the reminders outloud to help those that are visually
impaired.
Alphasmart Dana
- This device is used like a mini-keyboard by students
who have great difficulty with handwriting skills. This product seems
very practical because it is easily transportable and is very sturdy.
It can also be hooked up to a printer so that students can print their
work directly from it. The device also acts like a palm pilot because
it can be programmed with reminder alarms and students can download
their homework right into it. This seems very beneficial to students,
especially students who have a hard time keeping track of their
homework. This product could be improved by adding more features to it,
such as a dictionary or thesaurus. The alarms could also be made easier
to set. Students that cannot type, or those that have visual
impairments would find it very difficult to use this product.
Intellikey
- This product is a special keyboard that can be hooked
up to regular computer. The keyboard has various formats that can be
used by sliding different mats into the keyboard. For example, one has
the regular functions of a normal keyboard while another has controls
used for playing computer games. The computer reads which keyboard is
in place by a bar code on the side of the mat. This keyboard can be
extremely helpful for students who have trouble typing on a regular
keyboard because it is a touchpad and so the keys are a lot easier to
press. I think this keyboard is great because it makes it a lot easier
to type and it has several different functions that can be used
depending on the needs of the student. This product could be improved
by finding a way to integrate a mouse into the keyboard since it is
hard to move the cursor on the computer with just the keyboard. This
product could not be used by students who do not have motor control in
their arms because it requires physical movement.
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