RAD SOUNDS
by Deborah Newton
SUBJECT AREA: Switch use, Cause and effect
PUBLISHER: RJ Cooper
(800)RJCooper
COST: $89.00
INTENDED AUDIENCE: Teenagers with disabilities
REQUIRED HARDWARE: Macintosh with system 6.0 or higher, IBM/compatible with
Windows, Apple IIgs
EDUCATIONAL GOALS: To develop the concept of cause and effect.
DESCRIPTION: This musical cause and effect program provides a selection
of songs that can be heard by pressing a single switch or the button on
the mouse. While the music plays, animated characters appear on the screen
and break dance . Three different modes of operation are available. In
the "Switch-user chooses songs" mode the music plays continually
and each switch press causes the song to change. In the "Momentary
switch play" mode the music plays only while the switch is activated;
soon after the switch is released the music will stop. The third mode,
"Timed switch play," permits the music to play for a certain length
of time after the switch -user releases the switch. The timed interval
can be adjusted from as little as 3 seconds to as long as several minutes.
STRENGTHS: Three distinct modes allow this program to be tailored to the
needs of the individual user. The ability to control the intensity of the
sound enhances this flexibility. These modes, especially "Momentary
switch play," very effectively accomplish their goal of establishing
and understanding of cause and effect. Quality sound makes this program
very appealing.
WEAKNESSES: While generally a strong program, it is a bit tedious to increase
or decrease the amount of time the music will play in "Timed switch
play" mode; each mouse click advances the timer by just one second.
Also, in this mode the timer can be set for lengthy intervals and although
the dancers will continue to dance, the music stops after about 2 minutes.
SUMMARY: RadSounds, a cause and effect music program, provides strong auditory
feedback, accompanied by amusing animations. It can be activated by a single
switch or mouse click. Three modes of play give it the flexibility to meet
individual needs. Although targeted at teenagers, RadSounds would be appropriate
for individuals in any age group who require strong auditory feedback.
Deborah Newton is a graduate student in the Department of Special Education
at Trenton State College.
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