The hierarchy for assistive technology selection begins with adapting the activity to the user. If adapting the activity is not feasible or sufficient, then the next step is to consider using a commercial device that is available to everyone. Not only is adapting a commercial device often cheaper and less effort, but it also reduces the stigma of using an assistive technology because everyone uses that commercial device.
The Equil Smartmarker is a commercial device that captures, shares, and streams live notes written on any whiteboard surface, making it perfect for the classroom.
Students with low vision or other learning disabilities often require classroom notes to be provided to them. However, with the Equil Smartmarker, teachers can easily live stream their written notes onto students’ iPhones and Android smartphones. Students with visual impairments can follow along with the live stream on a large personal tablet or computer monitor.
Equil Smartmarker also stores up to 1000 screens, which can be downloaded onto a device at a later time. Teachers can save entire white boarding sessions and email them to students for future reference.
The design of Equil Smartmarker makes it easy to incorporate into the classroom setting. Teachers can use their preferred whiteboard markers, and the casing allows for quick and easy marker replacement. A major consideration for selecting assistive technology for use in the classroom is ease of implementation. Not only can the Equil Smartmarker be implemented seamlessly into the classroom, but it also has the potential to improve the learning experience for all students. Therefore, teachers are more likely to invest the time and energy into using it. Currently, the only drawback to this product is the price: Equil Smartmarker is on the market for about $650, which is a bit pricier than the average budget for whiteboard supplies.
This is a really interesting device- do you know if they streaming can be paired with a text to speech app as well? If so, that would really open up the notes to both multiple types of disabilities, but also different types of learners who may be more audio based than visual based. You’re right that the device is pricey, but it is likely cheaper than the alternative of installing a smartboard in the classroom.