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Author Topic: Seeking IR pen help  (Read 6644 times)

Offline becurtis

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on: August 06, 2009, 06:00:41 AM
Hello All~

I am a special education teacher and am excited about trying out a wiimote whiteboard in my classroom this year.  My students have physical disabilities which make manipulation of the IR pen somewhat of a challenge.  I have been looking about at various IR pen designs.  It seems to me that a pen with a pressure switch rather than a momentary switch would be my best option--  I like the one that uses the Tide to Go pen.  I will need to experiment with building up the grip to make it easier for my students to grip and control.

I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has experience using a wiimote board with students with limited fine motor skills.

I would also love to hear from anyone who may be able to build some pens for me.  I will be happy to pay for the pens-- I just am not capable of doing it myself (I know my limitations  :D).

Thanks,

Beth Curtis (becurtis at fcps dot edu)
Severe Disabilities Teacher
Key Center School
http://www.fcps.edu/KeyCenter/


Offline benpaddlejones

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Reply #1 on: August 06, 2009, 06:24:24 AM
becurtis
I have written a section on the Wiimote IWB for special populations: http://www.boonjin.com/smoothboard/index.php?title=Wiimote_IWB_for_special_needs_populations

I agree a pressure senstive pen nis a must, gripping and pressing button will be very difficult. I think sliding the IR-Pen in a foam handle will help immensly.

Let me know how you go, I'd be keen for some extra input in the above wiki too.

benpaddlejones :)


See my full profile and links on my Google Profile: http://www.google.com/profiles/benpaddlejones

Offline becurtis

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Reply #2 on: August 06, 2009, 03:08:32 PM
Thanks for the link to your info, benpaddlejones.  The picture of the wand pen was helpful.  I think that a pressure sensitive pen that is extended like that and built up a bit at the handle would work for most of my students.  Our physical and occupational therapists can help with the modifications of the pen.  As we get our system into place, I will send you info for your special populations article if we find new techniques for access. 

Does anyone have thoughts about a good place to purchase a pressure sensitive pen?  As I said, I don't feel competent to build one.  However, once I have a good one in hand, I am confident that I can extend it and build up the handle to make it usable.

Thanks again.
Beth


Offline davidjmortimer

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Reply #3 on: August 11, 2009, 04:38:24 AM
Has anyone tried "the groove" and be willing to review it?

It looks like it might be suitable, and I am interested in what it is like for general use?

Thanks in anticipation
DJM


Offline becurtis

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Reply #4 on: August 11, 2009, 05:14:01 AM
DJM~

Thanks for your reply.  I have looked at the Groove-- it seems to be the only pressure sensitive pen selling right now.  Its shape concerns me, though.  Because of fine motor limitations, I will need to modify the pen by building up and extending the handle.  This task would be much easier with a regular cylinder shape. 

I would love to hear from anyone who is using it though.  Do you feel like it is a quality, durable product?

Thanks,

Beth


Offline mason

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Reply #5 on: August 11, 2009, 06:15:39 PM
Groove has 2 triggers to switch on the led, first in the led itself and second in the red flat button.
Size is great, fits comfortably in my hand, it doesn't use button battery, which is very good.

But here are my suggestions for next improvements
-Shorten the led click, so it is not interpreted as click-n-drag
-Soften the led switch, so only very small effort to click it, helps to preserve the led too
-Change the flat red button to other button with small effort button, touch sensitive, maybe
-Put a grip on it


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