The computer is now often referred to as a multimedia device and is able to present information in a variety of ways. CD-ROMS use text, still and moving images and sound to convey information. Word processors allow you to mix text and images to give additional meaning to written material. Text can be created from letters, words and phrases, rather than having to be built up letter-by-letter - this can help people concentrate on the meaning and flow of their writing. Video 'clips' of signing can be added to other software or incorporated into multimedia presentations. With overlay keyboards and on-screen software text and stories can be created using words, symbols and pictures.
Computer derived technology is also beginning to offer new communication and information access opportunities for deaf people. Text can be sent quickly using special technology such as the Minicom System or by using electronic mail on a computer, or by fax. Videophones and computer video-conferencing are becoming more common and will allow the deaf to use signing. The VideoCaption system uses an additional decoder which is attached to your video to provide subtitles from videos that have been captioned.
Writing and recording
Word-processing programs can offer much more than just a simple way of storing text. Most programs will now incorporate images, allowing pictures, symbols and representations of signs to be displayed and printed. Some will also allow the display of video clips showing signing on the screen alongside the text.
The ease with which text can be edited helps children to organise and re-arrange their writing in a way that would be very difficult on paper. Whole word and phrase input is available from overlay keyboards or on-screen word lists. Pictures, signs and symbols on the screen or on an overlay can be used to create text. Topic and subject specific word lists will help children use new or unfamiliar words thus increasing their vocabulary.
Software such as Inclusive Writer, Clicker 5 and Writing with Symbols 2000 can link text and symbols to give many different writing, spelling and sentence construction activities.
Images and graphicsAs computers become more powerful more software is now adopting a multimedia approach. In some cases a simpler approach is better and there are many programs that make use of images and graphics.
My World
My World 3 and its extensive range of resource packs offers activities using graphics that cover many curriculum areas, age and ability levels.
IntelliTools
IntelliTools software can be used to create language and graphical activities suitable for a wide age and ability range.
Language development
First Keys 2 uses pictures, animation, speech and sound to reinforce successful completion of tasks. Activity screens can be printed to follow-up work away from the computer.
When an activity is completed, a simple record sheet can be displayed or printed to use as a reward, or to help monitor progress.
Symbol Software
Programs that have been designed to use symbols for language and communication purposes can be used to create picture and symbol activities on screen and are also useful for creating paper based resources. BoardMaker has been designed to make communication charts and overlays using extensive symbol libraries.
Signing CD-ROM
The Sign Now - BSL CD ROM (£59) (Forest Bookshop) provides an extensive library of signs and represents the potential of multimedia for the presentation of learning and accessible material for the deaf.
• Information on Hearing Impairment