Technology @ High Point, vol. 18
Tech for teaching and learning in our new space
Fill Your Toolbox!
This Week's Tech Feature:
Switch Toys
Who is it for?
- any student who is not able to play with un-modified toys
- all students who want to play with switch toys
- all students who can learn from using switch toys
Setup Instructions
Be sure the toys are within the student's field of vision. Use tables, mounts, easels, Velcro and anything else you can think of to get the toys in a good position for the student to see it and interact with it.
Here are some ideas for activities to do with switch toys.
Maintenance
Most switch toys are powered by one-time use batteries. There are replacement batteries in the AT Lab at High Point. Turn toys off when not being used to conserve batteries. Take batteries out of toys if they won't be used for a long period of time (i.e. during the summer).
Ideas for Using This Tech in the Classroom
Ready, Set, Go!
Set up some walking toys, like the Chihuahua, St. Bernard Puppy, Lil Kitty and Walking T-Rex at a starting line. Connect switches to the toys and position for the students. Allow students to make a hypothesis about which toy will cross the finish line first. Have a countdown and allow the students to activate their switches to race the animals to the finish line. Help them analyze the results... How fast did they go? What was the average time for the racers? How far did they go?
Board Games
Dance Party
Jamie Mayo
Email: jmayo@washtenawisd.org
Website: www.washtenawisd.org
Location: 1819 South Wagner Road, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Phone: 734-994-8100
Twitter: @JamieLynnMayo