Programmable Keyboards

Keyboards are available that can be programmed for the customized use of an individual student. These specialized keyboards can be configured for any key, mouse command and macro use. They frequently are flat membrane keyboards that can be fully reconfigured in a variety of ways. Students are most successful when they can

1. Perceive and understand visual key labels, and
2. Coordinate their movements to
3. Locate and directly select (with hand/foot or pointing stick) keys of various sizes.

Overlays can be purchased or designed. They can be as simple as one or two keys or as complex as 120 keys. You can customize the number and size of the keys. Key labels can be pictures, text, or a combination of both. The new configuration results in the creation of a keyboard overlay -- a new layout of the keys for the software activity that is integrated into or fits over the keyboard.

As these keyboards can be customized, redesigned and reconfigured, they often require special software interfaces. After the keyboards are connected, use software to design, make and run the customized overlays. The following are examples of expanded keyboards successfully used in elementary classrooms.

Examples

IntelliKeys (IntelliTools, Inc.)
This keyboard comes with six standard overlays but can be fully customized with Overlay Maker, a related software program. The user loads the overlay file and places the customized overlay on IntelliKeys.

Discover:Board (Madentec)
This keyboard comes with five standard overlays that include keyboard and mouse commands. The talking keyboard includes many different overlay setups to choose from, including communication, beginning to advanced writing, math and drawing programs. It also includes Discover:Create software for editing existing setups or creating customized overlays.