TechnoTalk Newsletter

VOLUME 19 - ISSUE 4 - JULY 2010

From the editor’s desk Technology Services Are On The Move! Mastery of a mouse can be a tricky skill to develop, particularly Technology Services are moving to the McLeod for young children, new mouse Centre at Allambie Heights in preparations for the (or mouse alternative) users, or start of re-building the new Spastic Centre Campus. users with physical, cognitive, This is an exciting development that we have been learning or visual difficulties. TASC eagerly awaiting since the fire in 2007 which often receives enquiries from therapists and families on how to destroyed the previous office. best help develop mouse skills Technability and TASC Consultants will be moving: for these users. Rachelle Baldock, End of week 19th July and TASC occupational therapist, Beginning of week 26th July has put together information on considerations for the set up of TASC Equipment (Workshop) will be moving: equipment and some helpful The weeks of 9th and 16th August advice and fun website resources to help develop mouse skills. Our email, telephone and fax details will remain the Please contact TASC if you require same. information on mouse alternatives. If you are coming for an appointment to TASC, please TASC has been very busy preparing contact us for directions. for the ARATA 2010 conference in Hobart, Tasmania in August. Alana Bain, Catherine Kos and Liz Nade will all be presenting on a range of topics including: feedback on parent training for speech generating device implementation; outcome measures for custom seating; and interfacing technology with powered mobility. Head along and check them out or keep an eye on the ARATA website for the full papers soon. www.arata.org.au/ conf.php. We Are Moving! ...... 1 Happy Reading Liza Mastery of Mousing ...... 2

Wikipedia Educational-Video Library ...... 7

We welcome any feedback, good or bad, that you may have on our service. Please feel free to contact us by phone on 02 9975 8469, email [email protected] or by writing to The Spastic Centre PO Box 184 Brookvale NSW 2100

TechnoTalk Newsletter is free and available from www.TheSpasticCentre.com.au/news/technotalk/ TechnoTalk

Mastery of Mousing by Rachelle Baldock

A mouse or alternative is used appropriate for their physical, cognitive, sensory to control the on the computer screen and developmental needs and their goals for and mastery of the mouse provides a direct and computer use. versatile method of computer access. For many • If the person is unable to hold or manipulate users, including the very young, it takes time a standard mouse a mouse alternative will need and practise to develop functional mouse skills. to be considered. A huge range of mouse Others will require additional time and support alternative devices exist and include , as a result of cognitive, learning, physical or and head tracking systems. It is also visual difficulties. This article has been written possible to use the keyboard to control the for those who are supporting someone to cursor using MouseKeys. Contact TASC for master mouse use. It will outline how to more information regarding alternative mouse facilitate the development of mouse skills using devices. Consider using a compact mouse for a standard or alternative pointing device and children with small hands. Most devices are provide ideas on online activities that can be available from suppliers for trial. freely accessed to use during the assessment and practise stages.

Treviranus and Petty (2002) break down mouse control into the following sub skills: 1. Maintaining a hold or similar controlled contact with the mouse or pointing device 2. Moving and stopping the cursor at targets • Sometimes it is necessary to simplify the 3. Keeping the cursor still while activating a options when a person is having mouse click difficulty differentiating between the left and 4. Clicking at the right time right buttons and is using them interchangeably. 5. Dragging, which involves maintaining a In this case a left click only/single button mouse hold on the mouse button while moving (e.g. USB Mac mouse or the cursor, and then releasing the button Chester Mouse) can be useful. at the appropriate time while maintaining Alternatively the right click the cursor position at the end target button can be disabled by 6. Moving between use of the keyboard and wedging a piece of cardboard mouse. or even a toothpick underneath the button or using software utilities. If a user is having difficulty at any of the above stages there are a variety of hardware and • Consider colour coding parts of the mouse software options that can be considered to with stickers to help learn the separate facilitate and optimise mouse use. functions of the mouse.

Developing Mouse Skills • If the person is unable to click the mouse 1. Setting up the equipment and the buttons or doesn’t understand the function of the buttons, consider using a activity switch-adapted mouse. This can The Mouse also help to separate the The first thing to do when supporting a person movement of the mouse from to develop mouse skills is to ensure they have the clicking and can slow down access to a suitable mouse device that is the activity to prevent excessive mouse clicking. 2 TechnoTalk

• Alternatively onscreen dwell software is • Ensure the person is well supported in their available that will click for the seat or wheelchair. person after the cursor has • Ensure the desk and the been held over a target for a are at an appropriate height for the user to pre-determined period of access the equipment (physically and visually). time. Many free onscreen dwell programs are available; • Position the mouse on the person’s dominant contact TASC for more side within comfortable reach. If the person is information, if required. left handed, ensure you are using an ambidextrous mouse and make sure you swap the left and right click buttons in the Mouse The Cursor folder of the Control Panel. The next thing to consider is how the style, • Consider using a laser pointer to highlight shape and size of the cursor can be optimised the position and the movement of the cursor on to ensure the person maintains visual contact the screen. with the location and movement of the mouse • Consider using a slope (e.g. ring binder cursor. folder) in front of the monitor to move the • A range of alternative cursors come standard mouse “up” and “down” to help learn the with most operating systems and can be correlation of the movements of the mouse and changed in the computer control panel settings. the cursor on the screen. There are also many free cursors available to download. A range of large and bold cursors in a variety of colours can be downloaded from The Targets In addition to the target size within software programs (see next point) it is important to consider whether the person is able to move the cursor to all areas of the screen and determine the optimal size and space between targets to ensure they are able to navigate with success around the desktop and within and between programs. • User files can be created so that only the www.philip-henderson.co.uk/cursor.shtml. programs the person requires appear on the desktop. • The mouse cursor speed can be adjusted in your computer control panel settings and a trail • Display settings can be customised so that can be added so it is easy to follow. Contact size, spacing, text and menu bars and click TASC for further advice. If this does not slow boxes can be enlarged to increase target size the cursor sufficiently, additional software (such and visibility. as Microsoft IntelliPoint) can be downloaded • Visual clutter can be reduced, for example, free of charge. Please note, however, this when using Internet Explorer the F11 key will put software will replace the existing mouse driver. the display in Full Screen mode removing the Many alternative pointing devices also have menu and tool bars. inbuilt cursor speed control options.

The Software The Workstation Consider factors such as age, cognitive abilities This is an important consideration as it can and goals for mouse use when selecting facilitate optimal control and therefore success software for developing and practising mouse with mouse use. skills.

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See next section for specific software reinforcement, e.g. “Watch how I am moving suggestions. the mouse”, “Now we are going up/down”, etc. • Features to look for in software: Initially, always start at the centre of the screen o Different target sizes to allow for skill and move the cursor from that point of development reference to help learn the directions. o Minimal cognitive demands while the Then encourage the person to move the mouse person masters cursor control around the screen themselves, providing o Ability to explore and make mistakes physical assistance if necessary and remind without penalty them to look at the screen. o Rewards for completing the task, e.g. bright, noisy, etc. Activity ideas for children: o Ensure the activity is motivating, clearly www.helpkidzlearn.com/ presented, uncluttered and offers clear creative/mouse_movements/ cause and effect opportunities. MouseMovements.shtm - move the mouse to draw www.kidspsych.org/eyes.html 2. Introducing mouse skills www.headsprout.com/code/launchMA.cfm - It is important to consider the different task this is an interactive program that teaches all requirements of the mouse or pointing device stages of mouse use with clear verbal that the person will be using and tailor a instructions. learning program accordingly. Some people will Drawing and Paint software – there is a huge move through these stages quickly while others variety of drawing and paint software. Paint will need time and many opportunities to comes standard with Windows and TuxPaint is a master each level. free painting software for children www. tuxpaint.org/. 1. Maintaining a hold or similar controlled contact with the mouse or pointing device Crayola Digi – Color is a free online drawing program with lovely graphics www.crayola.com/ This initial stage involves the person gaining a coloring_application/index.cfm?referrer=/index. sense of maintaining contact with the mouse cfm. and how it feels to move it around the screen. Teach the movement first so that the person gets a sense of the correlation between the movement of the mouse or pointing device and the cursor position on the screen. Always encourage visual attention to the screen, not to what the hand is doing with the mouse. Use a mouse pad and reinforce keeping the mouse on the pad (or inside the “cage”). www.shinylearning.co.uk/freegames/ Physically re-position their hand and the mouse ShinyMouseFollower.html. on the centre of the mouse pad, if required. Demonstrate how the mouse moves by pointing Activity ideas for older children and adults: to the screen and encourage them to watch the www.jacksonpollock.org/ movement of the cursor and show them how it - suitable for any age. Click the mouse to can move up/down/left and right. Ask them to change colours. place their hand on top of yours whilst you are www.sas.mdx.ac.uk/sweetshop/ moving the mouse and make sure they are - check the visuals are OK for the person before watching the cursor on the screen. Give verbal using, best to use for a short time only.

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www.poissonrouge.com/ www.widgetbox.com/widget/test-your-mouse- www.customsolutions.us/mouse/Activities/ skills Mouse_circle_move_activity.htm - this is a more challenging maze activity for www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/g3/high.htm older users who want to fine-tune their skills in cursor movement and control. www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/g3/floats.htm - click the mouse each time the pen runs out www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/g3/crossing.htm - another game that involves timed cursor 2. Moving and stopping the cursor at movement. targets 3. Keeping the cursor still while activating a Once the person has an understanding of the mouse click and clicking at the right time relationship between moving the mouse and moving the mouse cursor they are ready to try Initially, provide the person with cause and to position the cursor over a target. This effect opportunities so that they can practise involves more controlled use of the mouse. At clicking the mouse. Many of the activities this stage, clicking is still not required. Choose below are not dependent on the position of the software/games that have a big target and are cursor, rather clicking anywhere on the screen easy for the person to get the cursor to, and will work. Give physical assistance if necessary. gradually reduce the size of the target as Waiting is a very important mouse skill. Once accuracy increases. Software that gives a they have learned that by clicking you get a reward for just moving the cursor over the reward, some will continue to click repeatedly. target and doesn’t require clicking initially is a Use clear verbal cues and physically remove good starting point. their hand from the mouse, if necessary. Some programs do not allow the cursor to appear Activity ideas: until it is ready to be used, or others have a www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/ clock or timer to indicate waiting. page_viewer.asp?page=Free+Program+Resourc Once clicking the mouse has been mastered, es&pid=161 then, work on placing the cursor on a target and - click on Learn to use the Mouse, the Tootin clicking. When they are on target, help them to Reindeer and Catch me if you can games. click, giving clear verbal cues, e.g. “That’s great, www.mouseprogram.com/ you have put the mouse on the picture, now www.kenbrashear.com/ look what happens when you press the button”. http://avenscorner.com/games.aspx Use a program that gives a motivating reward. - there are a range of games that involve moving/hovering the cursor over a target (see As skills improve, gradually decrease the size of Fan, Helicopter, Butterfly, Switch and Ants targets and increase the speed of the cursor. games) This needs to be adjusted carefully so as not to be too slow to be frustrating, but not so fast it is not a controlled movement. Lastly, work on combining repeated mouse movements with clicking. Start with large “hot-spots” then on to smaller ones as control and accuracy improves.

Activity ideas for children: www.internet4classrooms.com/early_childhood/ mouse_skills_pre-k.htm - this site lists a range of online sites for young children. Each site is briefly described to help navigate through them.

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www.educationict.org.uk/ictsan/mt/ http://papunet.net/games/ - a range of simple point and click games - a range of games including jigsaws, memory www.helpkidzlearn.com/games/popbubbles. and Sudoku html# www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/mousercise.htm - option for static, slow or fast moving targets www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/games.htm www.helpkidzlearn.com/creative/cardmaker. - a range of games html# www.instruction.greenriver.edu/Avery/activities/ - simple point and click activity mouse/MouseSkills.htm www.buildyourwildself.com/ - a range of activities to practise mouse use - a fun point and click activity http://juliasrainbowcorner.com/html/creature. html - simple point and click www.isoverse.com/colorbook/KCBselect.html - simple click and paint www.beenleigss.eq.edu.au/requested_sites/ mousepractice/ - lists a range of sites for children to practise mouse skills. Some are also relevant for older children and adults http://avenscorner.com/games.aspx Don’t attempt double clicking or dragging (see - this site has some simple point and click below) until moving the mouse and clicking on activities a target has been mastered. Double click speed can be adjusted in the Mouse folder of Activity ideas for older children and adults:v the control panel. http://svt.se/hogafflahage/hogafflaHage_site/ Kor/hestekor.swf - click on the horses to make them sing and 4. Dragging stop singing Clicking and dragging involves holding the www.ckls.org/~crippel/computerlab/tutorials/ mouse button down and moving the cursor in a mouse/page1.html controlled way. There are, however options for www.mouseprogram.com/ users who have difficulty in holding the mouse button down. Some alternative devices have www.customsolutions.us/mouse/Fun_anims/ inbuilt buttons that toggle drag on and off and instructions-fun-anims.htm there is also the ClickLock feature inbuilt in www.dinosaurdesign.com/MrVegHead.htm Windows and Macintosh OSX operating - click on the target to change the features systems. www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/g3/drift.htm - involves timed clicking Activity ideas for chidren: www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/g3/sunny.htmv Drawing and painting software as described - involves some timed clicking above www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/g3/bells.htm www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/g3/bugs.htm - involves timed clicking - this activity can help develop the sense of holding the mouse button down for longer www.mono-1.com/monoface/main.html than a click - click on the features to change www.internet4classrooms.com/early_childhood/ www.customsolutions.us/mouse/index.htm mouse_skills_pre-k.htm - practice of Windows mouse skills

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- again this site lists a range of online sites for In summary, there are many games and young children that also involve dragging with activities available online to help develop the mouse. Each site is briefly described to mouse skills. In addition to online activities help determine what will be appropriate. there are also many commercially available http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/ict/default. software programs for a range of skill levels. htm Some possible suggestions include KidPix, www.helpkidzlearn.com/creative.html Inclusive Technology Mouse Skills, the Living Books Range, Touch Balloons, Jigsaw, Astech www.juliasrainbowcorner.com/html/create.html Mouse Training, Moles, etc. Contact TASC for www.durhamlea.org.uk/resources/index.html?_ supplier details and if you have any questions Action=viewrecord&_Id=623 regarding the above information. - a nice and clear click and drag activity to decorate a Christmas Tree References www.apples4theteacher.com/paper-doll.html ACE Centre North. (n.d.). Software to assess and develop www.permadi.com/java/spaint/spaint.html Mouse Skills. Retrieved from www.ace-north.org.uk/pages/resources/ documents/DevelopingMouseSkills_000.pdf Activity ideas for chidren: Beenleigh State School (n.d.). Mouse Practice Page. http://lab.andre-michelle.com/tonematrix Retrieved from www.beenleigss.eq.edu.au/requested_ - click and drag on the matrix to create music sites/mousepractice/ www.picassohead.com/create.html The Call Centre (n.d.). Accessing the Mouse. - create a Picasso like masterpiece Retrieved from http://callcentre.education.ed.ac.uk/ downloads/sat_book/SAT_chapter_04.pdf www.mouseprogram.com/ The Call Centre (2001.). Mouse Assessment Guide. www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/games.htm Retrieved from http://callcentre.education.ed.ac.uk/ http://artpad.art.com/artpad/painter/ downloads/quickguides/assessment/mouseassessment. - press F11 to reduce visual clutter and scroll pdf down so that only the art pad is visible. This Treviranus, J and Petty, L (2002). Computer access. In D. has a great replay painting feature A. Olsen & F. DeRuyter (Eds.), Clinician’s guide to assistive technology (pp. 91-113). St Louis, Missouri: Mosby, Inc.

Wikipedia Co-Founder Launches Online Educational-Video Library Larry Sanger, who co-founded the website Wikipedia, has launched a site that provides free access to a library of educational videos for students ages 3 to 18 years. The site features links to more than 11,000 videos in 2,000 categories that include: history, math, science and other subjects. Sanger described it as “YouTube meets Wikipedia.” www.watchknow.org

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