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ConnSENSE Review: Crick Training Toolkits
Task-Based Learning Guides

Product Reviewed: Training Toolkits
Manufacturer: Crick Software Inc.
14687 N.E. 95th Street
Redmond, WA 98052
Toll-free: 1-866-33-CRICK
Telephone: 425-467-8260
Fax: 425-467-8245
http://www.cricksoft.com
info@cricksoft.com
Price: $20.00 per Toolkit; $150.00 per 10 user pack
Reviewed by: Margaret Kardos OTR/L, ATP
muncie@connsensebulletin.com

Crick Software brings to us a set of resource books called Training Toolkits designed to ensure that you can use Clicker 5 to its fullest capacity without having to reinvent the (training) wheel.  There are three Toolkits available, Introduction, Advanced and Access. The books are spiral bound with a fold-out reference card for quick reminders on the front cover.  Each book follows an easy to use format, with the main tasks (the part you will DO) on the right hand page with additional information presented on the left hand page.  To further accommodate those of us who are visual, sequential learners who really don’t like to deal with too much text, the keys that you need to press to make the magic happen appear in bold font, along with the corresponding screen shot, helping to minimize learning curve anxiety.  The result is an easy to use format that is relatively painless and foolproof.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect to find in each Toolkit:

Introduction: You might get a hint from the title; this is the book that gets you started on your way to becoming a proficient Clicker 5 user.  It steps you through the basics and beyond, building upon your skills as you go.  Users will learn how to create, edit, link and save grids; create and edit talking books; create and edit pop-up grids as well as word banks and labeling activities. In addition, the basic features of the Clicker word processing program are covered as well.

Advanced: Once you are familiar with the basics, the Advanced Toolkit focuses on integrating the many features to create multimedia resources.  This is where you can have some real fun. Using features such as video, hot spots, and sound recordings, you can create grids and talking books that come to life to enhance learning. In addition, you can combine features from other sources such as your own picture files, clip-art programs, and sound recordings to really customize activities for children that will motivate and capture the attention of all learners. This volume is scheduled to be released soon [I got a sneak peak].

Access: Clicker grids are easily accessible by switch users; however, in order to do so a separate purchase of a Crick USB Switch Box** is necessary.  I trialed the switch access features of Clicker 5 using the Crick Switch Box and I found the feature to be user friendly, both from the perspective of set-up and use.  The switch access feature allows for one and two switch scanning including automatic and step options.  Customization is easy for scanning rates, number of cycles, etc., accommodating the needs of students with motor planning problems. Clicker 5 has a unique feature called Cell Groups that makes it possible to designate which cells will be accessible through scanning; this feature is extremely beneficial in preventing non-functional or inappropriate cells from being included as part of a scanning cycle.  Similarly, it is possible to include toolbars in the scanning cycle for students who will be editing their own work.   For those who are introducing switch skills to students, instructions on how to create cause and effect activities are included in the manual. ** The Crick USB Switch Box is compatible with both PC and Mac and supports most switch accessible software.

Each Toolkit is clearly written and contains loads of fun and imaginative applications.  If you have the Clicker 5 program these Toolkits are a “must-have” in order to get the most out of the program. Crick Software has once again come through, this time by providing a wonderful set of tools for those of us who support the needs of students across the educational continuum. Hmm...can there be anything left for Crick to dazzle us with?

To be continued.

© 2006 ConnSENSE Bulletin