Training & Consultancy... Courses... Creative use of SwitchIt Maker 2

Creative use of SwitchIt Maker 2

Led by ICT in Practice Award winner Ian Bean, the creator of the Priory Woods web site, this full day hands on course will explore some of the more creative ways that SwitchIt! Maker 2 can be used with learners experiencing severe and profound learning difficulties.

Colleagues attending this course will:

  • Understand the significant advantages of using activities with familiar sounds ands images for people with profound and multiple learning difficulties.
  • Learn to create ‘pop video’ type cause and effect activities similar to those on the Priory Woods web site, using SwitchIt! Maker 2 and Microsoft Photo story.
  • Learn how to use SwitchIt! Maker 2 in conjunction with the Digital Movie Creator to make switch accessible films and animations.

This course will be of interest to school or college based colleagues working directly with learners experiencing severe and profound learning difficulties.

Each delegate will receive a 1Gb memory stick preloaded with extra material relevant to the course. It can also be used throughout the day to save their practical work.

10:00 Welcome and Introductions

10:10 Session 1

  • Examples of activities from Priory Woods School and why they were created.
  • A brief look at SwitchIt! Maker 2.
  • An overview of how to make an activity and what resources are required.
  • Using the Internet to find appropriate images – how to use Google Image search.
  • Using Audacity software to edit a sound file.

11:00 Break

11:15 Session 2

  • First, we will use Microsoft Photostory to create an animated slideshow.
  • Then we will use SwitchIt! Maker 2 to put the activity together.
  • A look at SwitchIt! Maker 2's accessibility features and settings, and how you can share your slide show using its free Player.

12:30 Lunch

A buffet lunch is provided.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to look at other hardware and Inclusive Technology software.

13:30 Session 3

  • A discussion of why we might use SwitchIt! Maker 2 to edit videos.
  • An example from the Priory Woods web site that includes slides and film.
  • In groups, we will decide on the content of our film, and create a storyboard.
  • How to use a camera and its settings, and providing switch access.
  • Now we will collect our resources and start filming scenes!

14:45 Break

15:00 Session 4

  • Putting the scenes together using SwitchIt! Maker 2.
  • How to add sounds and narration.
  • We will look at our films and copy them to memory sticks to take away, before discussing the many uses of this technology - live action films, sequencing, and sharing the results!

15:55 Plenary and certificates

16:00 Close

We can also run product based or general courses at your organisation, designed to meet your needs.
The team also offers consultancy.