Talk about 3 different devices. What are the Pros and Cons of each of them?

Talk about 3 different devices. What are the pros and cons of each of them?

iPad

The iPad is more than a toy or convenient laptop. It can be an effective teaching and communication tool for the special needs populations.

The iPad is perfect for education—a lightweight computer, relatively inexpensive, capable of being used almost anywhere: in your hands, on a table, attached to a wall.

Apps for children with cognitive disabilities have been created. There are built-in accessibility tools such as zoom and high contrast display. A built-in Voice over screen reader works as well on the iPad and Dragon Dictation is also available.  

Pros

1.     Portability and lightness (new iPad2 even lighter and thinner at 1.35 pounds, flexibility, and ease of use

2.     Long battery life (up to 10 hours)

3.     Instant on

4.     Ease of software download

5.     Screen resolution quality

6.     Innovative software (applications)

7.     Price starting at $499.00

8.     Wide availability of free applications

9.     The iPad is a “cool” tech device that doesn’t immediately mark a child as different, many see it as a more attractive option than the more traditional ones.

10.  Many children are captivated by it, many are motivated to master quite a few skills in a short span of time

Cons

1.     The sound: It has been reported that the volume can be a little low when people use it to speak in a crowded area.

2.     While iPad is overall good for teachers, students, and classrooms, on the down side it doesn’t yet support Flash and some complain abo uthe lack of physical connectors, such as a dedicated USB ports and SD card slots

3.     Another potential weakness is…its weakness. While relatively sturdy, it’s not as sturdy as a communication board that’s specifically designed for special needs populations. (A person does have to exert some caution when using the device with youngsters who are prone to frustrated outbursts.)

4.     Any type of alternative input (joystick, head tracker, trackball, switch, ect.), you will need something other than an iPad

5.     If your user simply can “not” operate or understand the initial slide of the iPad it is not a good option.

6.     If your user perseverates on the Menu button and constantly drops out of their AAC software.

7.     No scanning capability

8.     Touch screen can be annoying/frustrating at times…..as seen in the beginning of this video

Max tries to use iPad and Proloquo2

Dynavox Maestro

Dynavox has recently released the Maestro to compete with the cool, sleek iPad

It offers all the tried and true benefits of a Dynavox’s unique pre-configured out-of-the-box InterAcct software page sets tailored to meet the unique vocabulary and language needs of communicators aged from pre-school through to adult years with varying levels of communication ability. The Maestro then bundles it with all new “sleek” hardware to offer the following benefits.

Pros

1.     Compared to other AAC devices 2.75 lbs (slim battery 3 hours) and 3.44 lbs (full-size battery 9.5 hours)

2.     Build in digital camera allows uses to quickly capture images and build them into communication pages.

3.     Build tough—a magnesium case and spill resistant screen make the Maestro one very resilient

4.     Both slim and extended battery options are available for different purposes, one for long school days and one, with less weight, for shorter trips outside.

5.     It runs on Windows 7 operating system thus run any compatable software application directly on the Maestro.

6.     Wireless access to computers, surf the internet, and email

7.     Compose and print word processing documents

8.     MP3 player functions, store music and create playlists

9.     Touch to enter and exit

10.  Visual and auditory scanning

11.  Joystick compatible

iPad running Proloquo2 app

Advantages of Dynavox Vs. Proloquo2

1.     Some say it has better software

2.     Better speaker

3.     Screan is easier to read in direct sunlight

4.     More rugged, can withstand more abuse

5.     Many more applications since it is really just a Windows PC –The iPhone/iPad has tons of apps but it is much more closed since everything must go through Apple

6.     Personalize symbols by color, or use a picture form the internet to link to games.

7.     Integrated switch and USB ports allow you to connect to switches and other devices.

8.     Can control TV’s, DVD’s, lights and doors wit infrared

9.     Take pictures and record words or phrases with the micriphone (I am not sure if the iPad 2 can now do this since it has a camera.

Cons

Price $8,000 vs  $500 ipad and 150 for Proloquo2 application (Is it worth it?)

Maintaince….new power adapter $90

GoTalk

GoTalk Express 32+

Mid-level Technology (a merge between low tech and high tech)

Another person (teacher, classmate, sibling, or friend, for example) records messages the user likely will need. There are linked with an overlay of pictures, words, or symbols that help the user remember where to find theses messages. Users can “Talk” simply by pressing on a picture to play a message. The Express 32 has added the ability to play multiple messages in sequence.

Features

The latests GoTalk express 32 weights 2.25 lbs.

Visual cueing- four bright LED pipes surround the message keys

Auditory cueing- choose between a 1.5 second recorded cue or beeps of varying tones

Scan pattern- step, linear, or group scanning available

Switch access- single or double switch access

Pros

1.     Very durable, drop it…it wont break

2.     Easy to use

3.     Easy to record

4.     Good sound quality

5.     Customizable settings

6.     One can save expressions…..ordering at a restaurant.

7.     Can link messages together for a long comprehensive expression

8.     Scanning option

9.     Price $300 for a GoTalk32+

10.  Overlay software $80

11.  You record the message…any language

12.  Uses 3 x AA batteries

13.  Build-in overlay storage compartment

Cons

1.     No cool factor

2.     Bulky and heavy

3.     More appropriate for children with physically disabilities

4.     No Internet access

5.     Not very interactive

6.     Only use as AAC

7.     Children with ASD will not be as motivated to use it as much as other higher tech options