Customizing with UDL Features: Talking Walls

Index

Overview

Talking Walls^TM includes a number of universal design features that shows the power of taking a book and implementing it in a digital environment. The software provides an engaging way for children to interact with text and other forms of information. The content is structured so that children can move around freely and learn through discovery . Program features are inherently flexible, offering options and multiple ways of interacting. The Adult Options,on-line help, What Kid Learn component, and printed manual provide clear instructional rationales and varied supports for parents and teachers working with students.

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1. Multiple Representations of Information

Throughout the program students can chose to have text content read aloud, including online Help.

Some text in the book is colored green and students can click this green text to learn more about that concept.

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2. Multiple Options for Expression and Control

Talking Walls™ provides an alternative means of control for students with physical, sensory, and/or cognitive impairments.

With the single switch option turned on, "action buttons" on each screen are sequentially highlighted and all program functionality can be accessed through clicks of a switch device or mouse button.

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3. Multiple Options for Engagement

Navigation buttons at the bottom the screen provide links to additional information both on the CD and on the Internet. This additional information can be in text, video, and picture format. There are some virtual tours of sites that give students a feel for actually visiting a particular wall.

Reading the book.

Exploring additional information on the CD.

Visiting a site on the Internet.

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Customizing Tips

• For students using a single switch to control the computer, turn scanning on in Adult Options. In the scanning options, adjust speed and select automatic or switch activated progression to customize for their particular needs.

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Universal Design for Learning Wish List

• Add controls in Adult Options that would enable a teacher to enable of disable the Read feature. This would allow teachers and parents to challenge children who can read the information.
• Add talking buttons to the single switch scanning options so children with visual impairments or blindness can use scanning to navigate and interact with the program.

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Feedback

How do you customize your students' learning with Talking Walls™? We would like to add your ideas to our Web site, space permitting. (If we use your submission, we will give you credit.) Submit your Customizing Tips and UDL Wish List items via e-mail to udfeedback@casta.org.

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Product Information

For more information Talking Walls™ see the Educational Software section of this Web site.

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Disclaimer

CAST does not necessarily endorse this product or consider it fully universally designed. CAST applauds the inclusion of universally designed features in this product and wishes to illustrate some of those features for educational purposes.

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