As EagleEyes and Camera Mouse technology is adopted into curricula both nationally and internationally, usage of the system is evolving. South Shore Educational Collaborative (SSEC) has been using the technology since September 2001. In a recent interview, The B.E.A.T. talked with two teachers at SSEC, Susan Donovan and Jennifer Edge, to get a sense of how the school is working to maximize their students’ learning potential through the use of assistive technology.
B.E.A.T.: Would you tell us a little about SSEC?
Jennifer: SSEC is a non-profit, multipurpose educational collaborative serving nine towns in the South Shore of Massachusetts. We offer occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, counseling, adaptive physical education and assistive technology for students age 3-22. Additionally, we have a community adult program that provides many of these services for adults.
B.E.A.T.: How many students do you currently have using EagleEyes and Camera Mouse?
Susan: Altogether about six or seven.
B.E.A.T.: How have students responded to the technology?
Jennifer: The most dramatic impact the technology has had on students is that it has allowed them to make choices by using software programs such as Clicker 4. The ability to make choices really opens up ways in which students can be engaged in their learning environment.
B.E.A.T.: How long does it take for students to adapt to using the technology?
Susan: It really depends on the student. Some are able to pick it up in the first few sessions and some require more time.
Jennifer: Sometimes it also depends on how intuitive teachers are in gauging where the interests of the student lie. Some students are interested in playing aliens and others are more engaged by programs with symbols or pictures.
B.E.A.T.: How has the technology been incorporated into SSEC curriculum?
Jennifer: We try to incorporate the students’ classroom work into the EagleEyes/Camera Mouse sessions wherever possible. We also try to get creative by combining assistive technology solutions. This might involve using a commercial software program with EagleEyes or using a scanning system along with a switch. It’s important to try lots of different strategies in order to find out what works best for the student.
Susan: Ultimately, having a reliable tool for communication is what is really important. As the saying goes, “Just because you can’t speak doesn’t mean you have nothing to say.