Matrix Maker – symbols-signs-pictures-overlays

Oct. 20, 2011 - PRLog -- New from assistive technology specialist, Inclusive Technology, comes the Matrix Maker for teachers and therapists keen to create visually engaging templates for a wide range of communication devices, and educational resources. Priced at just £89, Matrix Maker comes complete with the 12,000 SymbolStix symbols, 3,800 Inclusive pictures, over 90 commonly used communication aid templates and hundreds of grid templates that are ideal for the creation of timetables, calendars, labels, worksheets and games. Users can also add their own images straight from the Internet, a web cam, camera or computer.  A video of Matrix Maker can be viewed at http://www.inclusive.co.uk/matrix-maker-p4837

If a child is struggling with literacy, symbols can be used to accompany text to help convey the message. For example, the teacher could place an image of somebody washing their hands along with the text instructions to ensure that a child thoroughly understands a situation or instruction. Children with profound SEN may be familiar with using communication aids, such as letter boards, communication books or digital devices, and Matrix Maker enables teachers to produce overlays which work alongside these, enabling pupils to express themselves more clearly. For example, an overlay could feature a picture of the child downloaded from the computer, along with a caption saying “I like...” The child can then update the overlay with a symbol showing what it is they like, such as a picture of their favourite character or food. This helps to develop the skills required to initiate and engage in conversation.

The simplicity of the software is of huge benefit to teachers and SEN staff, enabling them to produce bespoke resources or overlays to suit the specific needs of pupils at the click of a mouse. Teachers are given the luxury of creating their own resources to be used in their classroom, eradicating the need to spend hours researching supporting material, to engage and motivate students. The production of these resources also means that children have a permanent reference that they will continually go back to throughout the learning process, unlike spoken words that can often be missed or forgotten.

Users simply open the software; select a template to reflect their requirements – for example, a worksheet to be used in class – before adding as much or as little text as required, selecting the accompanying pictures and then printing. Thanks to the large selection of images and symbols available through Matrix Maker, teachers can select images to reflect a child’s interests – for example, their favourite cartoon or sport – to maintain their interest. A collaboration with American company ‘News-2-You’ provides users of Matrix Maker with access to thousands of symbols that relate to current affairs, for example the Royal Wedding or Harry Potter, allowing children to be involved in engaging discussions that are not limited to classroom activities.

Sandra Thistlethwaite, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist at Inclusive Technology, comments: “At Inclusive Technology we are dedicated to making things as simple and available as we possibly can, ensuring that as many people as possible have access to the communication tools that they require. The extremely flexible and user-friendly nature of Matrix Maker means that teachers can quickly provide resources that are suited to the specific needs of pupils. These resources can then be used to develop the learning and communication skills of each and every individual pupil.
“Communication aids have proven to be effective in the development of communication skills for children with SEN needs and Matrix Maker’s extensive picture library ensures that the software can be used to address any relevant topic. The image library is regularly updated, ensuring that no subject is out of bounds. We are keen to extend these opportunities outside of the classroom and, as a result, offer hugely reduced rates for parents looking to invest in the software to assist in their child’s development in the home.”

For further information about Matrix Maker, please contact the friendly information team on 01457 819790 or email inclusive@inclusive.co.uk.