I used the Dynavox V Max, which is the open version device. The difference is that the standard version does not have Internet access and open does allow Internet access. The user can access the device through a touch screen, mouse, trackball, joystick, switch, or head tracking. The 3 types of communicators described in this video are readers, writers, and speakers. The pre-set age groups that are available are young child, child, teen, young adult, and adult. One of the cool features of this box is that a screen scene can be customized for a user from a jpeg. We experimented asking each other questions using the board. We asked each other what we like to eat, what we like to play, and where do we want to go using the teen board. We then created a custom user, a teen female named Reese. We then used the board to ask each other questions about our favorite holiday and what we like to do when we hang out with friends. After this, we experimented with creating a custom button. At first, we had a hard time figuring out how to customize a button. We Googled how to create a button and it was actually much simpler than we thought it was originally. We created a button for paint brushes, under the classes section and art. I like how this tool is so geared toward the individual because you can customize it for their needs and interests. This is one of the tools biggest strengths. I also liked how there was an option to change the voice to either female or male. It also had multiple female voices and multiple male voices. I also liked the touch screen because I think it makes the device accessible. The DynaVox Max also comes in 5 different colors, so the student can select which best suits their personality.
After experimenting with the DynaVox Max, we looked at the Dynavox website. We looked at two more recent models: The V Max + and Maestro models. The Maestro was a sleek and nice looking device. It looks light weight and has an integrated camera, so you can take pictures with the device. It also has Wi-Fi and Blue Tooth capabilities. The V Max + looks nice, but not as nice as the Maestro. The V Max + also has Blue Tooth and WiFi, but does not have as many features as the Maestro. If I were to get a DynaVox for a student , I would want to get the Maestro.
egreber 