Geddes Software

I went to a course today in Otaki to learn about the Geddes software that had been recommended to me.
Trevor and Helen Geddes are a couple with 5 children the youngest of whom was born with Down Syndrome and is also autistic. To help their son, Kevin, comunicate and learn, they created the software and now also market it. They're not out to make money, but to make the programmes available to those that need it.
We learnt to use 2 programmes (hands on) and had a demonstration of another.
StoryMaker 4:
A very easy to use interface enabling quick development of simple stories that can then be listened to or read on a computer or printed off. There is a database of over 4000 words to use, an extensive associated picture library and the ability to add words and images. All of the words also have associated sound recordings so that the audio track is instantly included. One fabulous feature is the ability to add video content as well. This can be short pieces split from a longer sequence as well as used as a complete sequence. The programme also creates an interactive activity using the words in the story.Incorrect responses are bland, rather than e.g.funny noises as some children deliberately want to hear the funny noises etc and can easily be distracted from the learning. There are plenty of options available for changing font and response times etc. You can also include a reward/reinforcement at the end of the story as well as on each page (the video inserts)
I have been making books for our children using PowerPoint and it can get quite tedious. This is a much easier to use programme with the added bonus of the interacive games. I like the library shelf type index and the fact that you can individualise users.
I would also use this with some other children in our school that have learning difficulties and can see it marrying in with the words used in the early words programme as another way of reinforcing those words.
There is also a sentence construction activity set and an extra "The Date" programme which helps to teach the days of the week etc.
Whil it will be a long time before our very high level special needs children would be able to us the interactive features, the easy to make books will be great.
Flashcards:
Another great programme. It enables you to create sets of flashcards using the extensive dictionary and pictures. There are options to create a drag and drop bingo type game using differing combinations of words and/or pictures. These can also be printed off. Again you can add your own words, pictures and video clips. i like that many of the pictures are photographs as frequently children (with special needs)don't recognise clip art or symbols whn thye are younger.
As all 3 of our special needs children enjoy their food, I intend to print sets of flashcards with their favourite foods so they can be shown to them when they are eating that food.
Pictures of their friends and family on flashcards will also be another must do.
My Time:
There was a quick demonstration of this programme which is used for making timetables etc. It looks just as useful as the other programmes. I'm looking forward to trying it out as one thing I haven't yet instigated with our children is the "Now - Then" picture prompts. watch this space!!

Overall a very valuable session and we will definitely be purchasing site licences for all of these programmes.

Spelling:
A programme under development, almost ready for purchase, looks like it also has potential.

I will visit their site when I have time as there is more information available

geddessoftware.com

October 2012: I went to a repeat of the Geddes Software course again as I didn't use it as much as I had wanted. The child who I really thought would benefit from the activities left our school only a couple of weeks after last years course. There is anothe child starting school early next year who chooses not to talk with many people. I think the Geddes software will be a good tool to find out some of her understanding. The afternoon session was an extension, the techniques needed to trim and insert video into the books.
One hitch that I didn't anticipate, was when I updated to a new laptop, the books I had made last year did not transfer over! Once I start using it on different machines, this should not be an issue.