ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY BLOG | INVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

If you are involved in education technology then you know that we are living through some really exciting times. Can you imagine any other time period where a telephone could get so much hype. Yes, Steve Jobs keynote at MacWorld 2007, left a lasting impression not only on devout Mac users but on mainstream USA. It wasn’t long before every major mainstream media organization had picked up the story about the iPhone and made predictions about Apple’s entry into the telecommunication industry. It should be noted that in many ways Apple Computer is well aware of what is in store for us as companies begin to manufacture electronic tools that embody increased functionality. Imagine all that power in the palm of you hands.

Apple understands what tomorrow will bring and to reflect this, has officially dropped the word ‘computer” from their corporate name. Well we will have to wait and see just how good the iPhone is until some time in June 2007, the future is clear. All of us will eventually be touting powerful multifunction communication tools that are housed in a small package we call a phone. The iPhone will be just one of many portable phones that can play music, videos allow us to chat and even run applications so that we can do our word processing or surf the web. We will no longer have crippled programs but applications that work very much like those the we have on our desktop. In the perfect world all of our devices will synchronize so that our email and contacts can be shared among the various devices and computers that we use. It is in this spirit that I applaud Apple and trust that their design and interface will be a catalyst for ingenuity in this marketplace so that others can benefit from small portable computing devices that can be used wherever and whenever.

I have written great deal about the use of probeware in the classroom and how it can change the way science is taught in schools. At NECC 2007, Vernier Software & Technology was showing their latest product called LabQuest. LabQuest is a handheld data capture tool with real time graphing and analysis that is done with the device's high resolution touch screen. The LabQuest looks to be the perfect device for both in the classroom and for field use. Students can plug in any on of the 50 sensors to collect data. Read the Press Release below for more information
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Vernier’s New ‘LabQuest’ Handheld is the Most Versatile
Data Analysis Tool in Science Education Today

Device serves as one-stop source for data collection and analysis

Beaverton, OR – June 25, 2007 – A new, intuitive handheld device places data analysis at the fingertips of science students and educators, whether they are in the lab or in the field. With LabQuest from Vernier Software & Technology, students can plug in Vernier sensors to acquire real-time graphing and analysis via the device’s color screen for subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology and Earth science.

Vernier LabQuest allows students to collect data from more than 50 sensors and view and analyze the data in a meter, data table or graph. The device also enables students to draw a prediction before taking data, display a tangent line on their graphs, as well as use linear and curve fits, autoscales, integral functions and statistics in their analysis.

The handheld contains six sensor ports, a built-in temperature sensor for measuring ambient temperatures, and a built-in microphone for recording voice.. Other built-in applications include a stopwatch, a periodic table, an on-screen keyboard and a scientific calculator. The 40 MB storage capacity can be expanded through an SD/MMC card or USB drive.

Users can operate the LabQuest using the built-in LabQuest Graphing and Analysis Application or connect it to either a PC or Mac in order to export collected data to Vernier’s Logger Pro software. The handheld can also be connected to a printer, headphones, speakers or other devices.
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LabQuest Brings Versatile Data Analysis to Science Studies
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The 320 x 240 color graphic display with LED backlighting provides sharp, clear color images. LabQuest is designed for ease of use, allowing for navigation through either its buttons or by pressing an accompanying stylus to the touch screen and on-screen keyboard. In addition, the rubber overmolding and rugged design provide protection against bumps, falls and water. A lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack ensures that users can use the device for an entire school day before having to recharge.

“Our new LabQuest is a breakthrough in data-collection technology. For the first time, students have complete capabilities while out in the field,” said David Vernier, co-founder of Vernier and former physics teacher. “The LabQuest allows for professional-grade inquiry while out in the field and fosters scientific analysis for all students. And we have backed it with a comprehensive curriculum.” Vernier has embedded more than 50 science labs in LabQuest, and 10 of the company’s popular lab books have been updated with instructions for using the handheld in experiments.

Pricing and Availability
LabQuest is scheduled to ship in September 2007 for a price of $329. Purchases of eight or more devices will earn a discount price of $299 each. Vernier will demonstrate the device to the media during NECC.

Educators can visit www.vernier.com/labquest to view an online product tour and up-to-date details, sign up for a free 30-day preview, and see when free Vernier workshops offering LabQuest demonstrations and hands-on trials will be in their area.

About Vernier Software & Technology
Vernier Software & Technology has been an innovator of data-collection technology for 25 years. Creating easy-to-use and affordable science interfaces, sensors, and software, their products can be found in education from elementary school to college. Vernier helps teachers enhance their science curriculum, increase learning, and build students’ critical thinking skills. Vernier’s technologies are in use worldwide in more than 120 countries. For more information visit www.vernier.com.
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Here is some very exciting news from MacKiev. Most of us who grew up with the term "multimedia" know that, that was synonymous with one and only one program, that being Hyperstudio. Those of us who have used Hyperstudio over the years have to be excited by the Press Release below. Not only will MacKiev be releasing Version 5 of this legacy application but Roger Wagner is back on board.
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Press Release

ROGER WAGNER AND SOFTWARE MACKIEV PURCHASE ROGER WAGNER PUBLISHING, INC. FROM SUNBURST


HYPERSTUDIO® CREATOR ROGER WAGNER AND SOFTWARE MACKIEV TO COLLABORATE ON NEW EDITIONS



BOSTON, MA - June 22, 2007. Roger Wagner, creator of HyperStudio®, multimedia software for education, and Software MacKiev, an award-winning software developer and publisher, announced today that they have repurchased Roger Wagner Publishing, Inc. along with the HyperStudio trademark from Sunburst Technology Corporation.

Mr. Wagner, who founded Roger Wagner Publishing in 1978 is collaborating with Software MacKiev on a new generation of HyperStudio products. A new edition, HyperStudio® 5, is planned for introduction by Software MacKiev in late Summer 2007, and a preview version will be demonstrated next week at the National Educational Computing Conference in Atlanta (Software MacKiev booth 316).

"I'm convinced that the new HyperStudio is going to be a worthy successor to the original." explained Roger Wagner, "The technologies now available allow Software MacKiev's developers to create extraordinary features that make today's HyperStudio a far more elegant product."

"We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Roger again." said Software MacKiev president, Jack Minsky. "He is one of the true educational software visionaries of our time, and with his help, we're sure that the next generation of HyperStudio products will live up to the expectations educators have for this legendary brand name."

About Roger Wagner

Roger Wagner, the technology mentor who created HyperStudio, became best known for his commitment to education and popularizing the importance of multimedia writing. He was the first to give students software that enabled them to make meaningful projects from the information they studied. HyperStudio became the number one software title in education. In the past ten years Roger has become a pilot, a patent-holding inventor, and owner of a rare book auction house.

About Software MacKiev

Software MacKiev is a leading developer and publisher of award-winning consumer and educational software, including Kid Pix Deluxe 3X, The Print Shop 2, World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia, 3D Weather Globe & Atlas, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, and three Dr. Seuss titles (ABC, Green Eggs and Ham and The Cat in the Hat). In the education market, Software MacKiev also publishes the Cluefinders series and Edmark's Thinkin' Things.

For more information, please visit www.hyperstudio.com or www.mackiev.com .

While my schedule precluded me from attending NECC 2007, held this year in Atlanta-stay tuned here to find out about the latest releases and announcements. I hope to be in touch via Skype to some of my colleagues on the Exhibit Floor so that I can get you the scoop. So stay tuned.

I had the opportunity last week to participate in a live discussion via a Skypecast on the topic of assistive technology with the Women of the Web 2.0 group. It was great to be able to have a lively discussion with Karen Janowski, Joy Zabala, and Tammy Dupre which was moderated by Cheryl Oakes. We touched on some very interesting topics and had a great conversation about the state of assistive technology in the schools and the changes that we see coming down the pike. To listen to the conversation, click on the button.

About three years I was introduced to the Logitech IO2 digital pen which really fascinated me. The Logitech IO2 pen uses a typical pen cartridge but houses a camera which is capable of recording the coordinates of what you have written on the page. If you look closely at the paper you will notice that in the background the paper has very small microdots. Each page has a unique pattern which allows the pen to identify the page it is on. When you have finished writing on the paper you simply place the pen in the cradle which is attached to your computer via a USB cable and all of your written work gets transferred to your computer. Having all of your notes in a digital format in your computer is truly a wonderful thing.

A couple of weeks ago a new company LiveScribe announced that they will be coming out with a the LiveScribe digital pen which takes the digital pen to new heights. Imagine having the capability of the Logitech IO2 pen with the added capability of being able to record a lecture. The LiveScribe pen will have the capability of indexing the writte notes with the lectures voice recording which can be played back at any time. When you open your digital pad you can tap on the text and the pen will start playing the lecture at that point in time. You will be able to skip around the voice file and fast forward and rewind. But imagine the ability for students with disabilities to hae this type of functionality. The LiveScribe digital pen has the potential to be a significant tool for students with disabilities. LiveScribe expects to release the pen this Fall for a cost of around $200. Having used digital pens for the past three years I for one am really excited with the release of the LiveScribe digital pen.

For those of you who can't get enough mind mapping, Mindomo today announced that they are out of beta and have made many improvements in the application. It is very exciting to be able to do do mind mapping right within the browser. In many ways the program feels as if you are running it directly from your computer. As long as you have access to the Internet and a browser you can bring up your mind maps from any computer. Mindomo has added encrypted map storage and has redesigned the web site. If you haven't taken a look at Mindomo now is the time to give it a test run!

Within days of the release of MindManager 7, Gantt Solutions, Inc released JVCGantt Pro 3. JCVGantt Pro 3 is a standalone project management application and add-in that works seamlessly with MindManager 7. The new version of JCVGantt Pro 3 includes the new Ribbon interface that makes the application more accessible and even easier to use then the previous version. For someone like myself, who only occasionally uses project management software, I have to say that within minutes of starting the application and going through the Quickstart Guide you will be doing project management like a pro.

Harnessing the power of MindManager 7, one is able to do all of the brainstorming and organizing of the project within MindManager 7 before ever using JCVGantt Pro 3. Organizing your project and setting up the task information and relationships within MindManager 7 will automatically carry over to your project in JCVGantt Pro 3. Once you have organized your project in MindManager 7 simply go to the Add-in tab and click on JCVGantt Pro 3. This will launch JCVGantt Pro 3 and display the Gannt chart. Setting up the dependencies for the tasks is very quick and straight forward. Simply Control click on the tasks and click on the Link icon in the Ribbon and within seconds JVCGantt Pro 3 will set up Finish to Start dependencies which are graphically depicted with arrows which can be seen on the Gantt chart. JCVGantt Pro 3 offers the user the ability to change the type of dependency (Finish to Finish, Start to Start, Start to Finish). JCVGantt Pro 3 is very intuitive and by simply dragging tasks you can set the start date for a particular task as well as the projected end date. Similarly, you can click on an activity and enter what percentage of the task has been completed by dragging within the task bar. Any changes made in JCVGantt Pro 3 will automatically be synchronized with MindManager 7. By completing the Resources for the project for both fixed and variable costs JCCGantt Pro 3 can help you determine the overall cost for the project. If the tasks slip behind schedule, JCVGantt Pro 3 can quickly calculate what that means to the bottom line. The program is extremely flexible and one that is very easy to use. Whether or not you are a business person or an educator who is managing a
Gantt Chart in JCVGantt Pro 3

project this is a very useful and easy to use application that you will come back to time and time again. Pairing JCVGantt Pro 3 with MindManager 7 Pro is really a very powerful one two punch-a real synergy that is hard to beat. Being able to organize your projects with MindManager 7 and following that up with the project management tools within JCVGantt Pro makes for two very powerful communication tools. Give both applications a try and let me know what you think.

There was a lot of excitement in the Macintosh community when Mindjet, Inc. released the first version of MindManager 6 Mac last June. Many dedicated MindManager users who had used the application on the Windows side were delighted to know that their favorite application was now available on the Macintosh. With its cross platform file format users of both the Macintosh and the Windows could now easily open and share their favorite mind maps with one another. And is the case, many Mindjet MindManager users continue to use both platforms to create their mind maps. With the release of MindManager 6 for Mac last June users now had a very capable mind mapping application at their disposal. While MindManager 6 Mac did not have all of the features that were available on the Windows side, Mindjet, Inc. had built a strong foundation for future releases of this fine product. In less then a year from its debut Mindjet, Inc., released MindManager 7 Mac with many of the features that users had asked for.

One of the features that users had asked for that is now included in the MindManager 7 Mac is the ability to view your mind map as an outline with a click of the mouse. This is easily accomplished now by going to the View menu and selecting Outline View. It is also now possible to export the outline as a HTML as well as in the OPML(Outline Processor Markup Language) file format. One of the really powerful features that has been added to the latest version of MindManager 7 Mac is the ability to select topics by rules that you create. These rules can then be used not only to select the topics but can be a way for you to filter information on a large mind map that you have created. For example if you are using MindManager 7 Mac to manage a project and you assign different people to a variety of tasks, it is now easy to sift through the mind map by using the custom filters and search for all instances of a task that has been assigned for example to Brian. Once you have used the filter you can now save or print the view and give it to Brian so that he knows what tasks to work on. Creating the filters was very straight forward and easy to use and I know that this will be one of the new features that many users will come to enjoy as they create their mind maps.

MindManager 7 Mac has added some other nice features to the latest version which I’m sure users will enjoy. You can now find a count down timer that can be positioned on the screen which is a great tool when you are brainstorming. Likewise, users can now search the picture database for a specific image that they are looking for instead of having to manually search for them. MindManager 7 Mac now handles background images more elegantly and users can now set up and print headers and footers more easily. So what is missing? I for one would like to see the Presentation mode added to MindManager for the Macintosh since I often use this feature on the Windows side when I am teaching. All in all, there is a lot to like with this upgrade of MindManager 7 for the Mac and once again the bar has been raised for mind mapping on the Mac platform.

In a rather interesting move, Palm recently announced a new product called the Foleo. To the unassuming eye it looks very much like an ultra-light portable laptop computer. However, as described on the Palm website it is meant to complement their line of Treo Smartphones. You can think of it like having a sidecar attached to your motorcycle to carry that extra person. In this case, the Foleo allows you view all of your contacts, email, and the web favorites on a large10 inch screen that you have stored on your Treo Smartphone. With a push of the button on your Treo Smartphone you effortlessly transfer all of the information so that you can work on a larger screen with a full size keyboard. It will be interesting to see how the market responds to this new class of products since everyone seems to be going towards small multifunction phones. Palm added that is looking into users being able to use the Foleo with other Smartphones that are coming down the pike like the iPhone. The Foleo is based on the Linux platform and will include Documents to Go which will allow you to work with the native file formats for Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Likewise, you can access your email using Versamail or Outlook Mobile.

The Foleo is powerful enough to be able to handle attachments as well as being able to open and preview PDF’s. The Foleo can also store and open pictures that are formatted in png, jpg, or gif files. The Foleo has built in Wi-Fi and can access the Internet via Wi-Fi hotspots. If you are unable to find a hot sport you can use your Bluetooth enable Smartphone to access the Internet. The Foleo is certainly and interesting device which is slated to be released at an introductory price of $499. While it is billed as a Smartphone companion, some may see it as an alternative to a laptop computer or for that matter a portable note-taker. For all of us in the field of assistive technology this could prove to be a very useful light weight tool for word processing, note taking, and accessing the web. Time will tell how well this device will accepted in the marketplace, but from where I sit it could be the tool that fits between the portable notetaker and a full fledged laptop. Considering its functionality and power and access to the web this tool may find the sweet spot for schools to purchase.

About a year and a half ago, I put together with my publisher a DVD and video called AT: A Way to Differentiate Instruction for Students with Disabilities that looked at common assistive technologies that could is being used in schools today. I had the opportunity to work closely with two schools, a special education school and a public school that had embraced the use of assistive technology. My vision for the video was to show educators just what is happening in schools today with regard to these technologies and how they could begin to develop their own programs within their schools. It was exciting to be able to film students, teachers and administrators talking about a wide range of technologies that they were using in the classroom. Capturing students testimonials was one of the best parts of the production process. To hear first hand how tools like the Alphasmart, WYNN, Smarthboards, Inspiration and Co:Writer were helping students to access the curriculum was heart warming. It was my hope that after listening and seeing the students talk about these technologies that other educators will begin to explore using these assistive technologies in their schools. In the video we also had a chance to interview administrators and ask them what a difference the tools made for their students. Their responses were very eye opening and talks to the whole issue of school leadership in supporting students with disabilities with the necessary technology supports. The video is a great tool for undergraduate and graduate classes in assistive technology as well as for staff development. Let me know what you think.

I had a chance to install MindManager 7 Pro today and play around with the new Ribbon Interface. It took me a little while to feel comfortable with the new landscape but once you get the hang of it, it is easy to access the features that you want and they are at your finger tips! Mindjet has done a great job of adding a host of new features to MindManager 7 Pro without increasing the learning curve. The ribbon interface puts the features you use right in front of you and makes it easy to access. Some of my favorite new features are: the Save View, Focus On Topic, and the Show Branch Alone. The Save View feature takes a snapshot of your mind map which can be saved and viewed at another time. With the Save View feature it is possible to save multiple views of your mind map and quickly jump to them from the Map View menu in the ribbon. My next favorite feature is the Focus On Topic feature. If you have a large map it is now possible to select the topic and click on the Focus On Topic icon to just highlight and view the topic and the detail. The Show Branch Alone feature can isolate your topic and hide everything else from view. This can come in real handy with a complex and large map. I trust that this has given you a taste of some of the new features in MindManager 7 Pro. You will find that MindManager 7 Pro has a great look and feel to it and the added features make the product even more powerful without adding a layer of complexity.