Touch Screens

The transparent touch window/screen mounted on or integrated into the computer monitor is another pointing alternative. It's a pressure-sensitive screen detecting your touch for cursor movement, clicking, and dragging. The student simply touches the area on the screen to select it. This is the most direct input, as all of the student's visual, physical and cognitive abilities are focused on a single target. Many bank and grocery market kiosks use this technology. Touch screens are available for most computer platforms, even for laptops.

Removable Screens

Touch screens that mount with hardware or Velcro are recommended for classroom use as they are removable and can be used on more than one monitor. Read a success story of one student who used a touch screen.

Examples

Magic Touch (KEYTEC, Inc.)
This touch screen mounts on ANY monitor (including laptops) and works with ANY mouse driven application. It can help children start learning how to use the computer without the difficulty of using the mouse.

• 15" screen for 9-15" monitors with USB or Serial connections: $179-209
• 17" screen for 16-17" monitors with USB or Serial connections: $239-269
• 19" screen for 19-21" monitors with USB or Serial connections: $379-409

Touch Window (Riverdeep)
The TouchWindow is ideal for students who have trouble manipulating the mouse. It is especially effective with early learners, and is recommended for students with developmental or physical disabilities.

• 15" screen for 9-15" monitors with USB, Serial or ADB connections: $335.00
• 17" screen for 16-17" monitors with USB, Serial or ADB connections: $365.00

TouchStar E-iMac (Troll Touch)
This touch screen is available for iMac computers as an external mount or internal solution. The Troll Touch iMac touch screen controller also provides an ADB connection for those who may wish to use an existing ADB device.

• Universal 15" Add-On:$395.00
• Universal 17" Add-On: $495.00
• Universal 20" Add-On: $695.00

Integrated Screens

For certain monitors, the touch screen is integrated into the monitor for ease of use. There is no need to mount an external device; the mouse, keyboard and screen all provide access to the computer software.

Examples

MagicTouch Monitor (KEYTEC, Inc.)
This company provides built-in, internal touch screens for monitors for most computer platforms, including Mac, iMac and PCs.

MicroTouch Screens (3M)
This company provides integrated touch screens for 14-21" PC, Mac monitors and iMac computers. MicroTouch introduced Clean Screen technology, which includes antibacterial-protected touch screens. Cost: varies

Troll Touch (Troll Touch)
This company will install touch screen technology into any LCD display screen from 3 inches to 50 inches. They will install the technology into your personal Macintosh computer, including iMacs, iBooks and the new Apple 22 inch Cinema Display.

Hint: Troll Touch will also make most laptop computer systems into touch screen devices. You will need to send them your laptop for integration of the system. The company also offers touch screen integration of all standard sized computer displays and monitors.