The Magic of Art

While at BETT, in London, I had the opportunity to see a lot of different software programs. One that stands out is called Grid Magic and is developed by Q4 Technologies. Grid Magic is a fun Windows-based art program. There are two easy to use versions, Junior (ages 4-8) and Senior (ages 8 and up) and can be used with either a touch screen or mouse. Once I test it with a switch and a desktop scanning program, I’ll let you know how it works as I can see this being an incredible art program for switch users.

Jane, the CEO of Q4 Technologies showed me the program but not until I was able to actually play with it did I truly see how fun and addicting it can be. The user starts with a simple grid and fills in squares with different colors. Each of the additional steps (Art Work, Mosaic and Presentation) allows the user to design beautiful patterned artwork that can be saved or printed. In the Senior edition, the students can use their newly created design for websites, greeting cards, textile work and much more.

To read more about Grid Magic go to: www.gridmagic.com and also watch videos showing how it is being used in classrooms in the UK.

Grid Design Page

One of the fun art designs I created using the Junior edition.

TAP∙it™ - European launch at BETT 2011

We had a great time in London last week introducing TAP∙it to Europe. BETT is the largest UK trade show held in London at Olympia Exhibition Centre. Over 30,000 people attend from all over Europe to view the latest and greatest in educational technology.

We spent the first two days sightseeing and visiting the exhibit floor while the contractors were building the vendor booths. To see all of the massive booths and the massive centre was fascinating to say the least.

Wednesday, the show started with a bang. Dr. Heipp and I presented in the Demonstration Zone and then headed back to the booth. Traffic was almost non-stop on all four days of the conference. TAP∙it received a lot of great feedback from teachers, technology coordinators, parents and users.

I also had the opportunity to meet with some software companies and I was definitely impressed. I will be reviewing a couple programs and sharing them with you soon.

To watch fun videos recapping the BETT conference please visit SmartEd TV at http://www.teachsmart.org/About%20SmartEd/SmartEd%20TV/On%20the%20Road.aspx

New Year, New Browser for Kids with Autism

I was introduced to a free browser by a school librarian back in the fall. I was presenting TAP∙it™ at a technology conference in Pennsylvania and she immediately envisioned using ZAC Browser on it.  She explained that it can be used with a mouse, but is great with a touch screen.  So, when I got back to the office, I downloaded the browser and started exploring.  I can see why this is a great program for children with autism but also preschool and kindergarten-aged children.  I also saw why she thought it would be great on TAP∙it – the large 42” touch screen is perfect.

ZAC stands for Zone for Autistic Children and it is a nice self-enclosed browser that was developed by a grandfather for his grandson in 2008.  ZAC Browser allows children to access games, puzzles, music, etc. on the Internet all from one site making it a safe environment for playing on the internet.  The applications that can be accessed are popular ones from PBS Kids, Nick Jr., Playhouse Disney, Starfall, Story Place, Whiz Kids Games, and many more.

The initial homepage of the browser is an aquarium with large icons that link to six activity areas:

-    Television: watch video clips from movies and shows such as Sesame Street, Toy Story, Muppets, Bob the Builder, etc.

-    Games: play games from many different sites including PBS Kids and Nick Jr.

-    Music: listen to songs from sites such as Playhouse Disney, Fisher Price and PBS Kids

-    Stories: listen to stories on Starfall.com and Story Place

-    Daily Item: watch a video or complete a puzzle that changes everyday

-    Draw: have fun in the drawing zone with built-in googly eyes for making funny faces, three pencil width options, several color options and “Windex” for cleaning up the mess

The mouse also gets in on the act. On the Aquarium or homepage, the mouse is a submarine; in Games, a butterfly flutters right behind the cursor; in Music, there are bears that you can click on to create music (Do, Re, Mi);  in Draw, you can choose to make your drawing with a Smiley face; and in Television, create star fireworks on the theater curtains.

ZAC browser is all around fun, but most importantly, a safe Internet browser for children.  Go to www.zacbrowser.com to download and start using today.