Laptop
Laptops
The commonly asked questions is which laptop do I purchase for my child or student? The quickest answer to this question is... it depends.
If the student is going to be running software such as JAWS, ZoomText for Fusion, they must have a Windows based laptop. This software does not work on other laptops such as Mac or Chromebooks.
Students who require high level software such as JAWS, ZoomText for Fusion should see the minimum specifications as recommended by Freedomscientific.com under the 'requirements' tab on each page:
JAWS: https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/software/jaws/
ZoomText: https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/software/zoomtext/
Fusion: https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/software/fusion/
It is also important to check the number of USB ports that the device has - a minimum of three is recommended. The size of the screen and the weight of the laptop are also very important. For a student who does not require access to the screen visually, a smaller screen size may be appropriate. If the student needs to enlarge their visual area, a larger screen (15") is more appropriate.
Touch screen laptops can be useful for students with some vision. Access to various points of the touch screen can increase the speed of interaction for the student. If a student does not have any useful vision, a touch screen is not recommended.
The ability to turn on and off the touchpad of the laptop quickly (via a keyboard shortcut) should be sort as students often bump the touchpad when working with software such as JAWS.
Physically touching the laptop, especially typing on the keyboard is also very important - this is a personal preference and each individual needs to make their own decision on this.
Keyboard layout is another item to consider. Larger screen laptops will often feature NumPads which can be used effectively by students with JAWS. However, this feature is not vital as JAWS can change from desktop keyboard to laptop keyboard modes.
If the laptop is to be used for other purposes (such as with a magnifier like a Magnilink), it is vital to consult the website of that device to ensure the correct type of device with the required specifications is purchased.
Finally, the selection of an appropriate laptop should always be done in consultation with your assistive technology specialist to ensure the latest information is used when selecting the laptop.
Classroom Applications
Laptops can be used in a huge variety of ways in the classroom. They can be used to create content in software programs such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint or Paint. They can be used to access the internet, emails and school software management systems. Laptops allow students to have digital access to files in formats and sizes that suit their needs and via auditory methods. They can be very useful tools in a plethora of different contexts and are mainstream devices that are used throughout the world in workplaces and higher education settings.
Laptops can also be used as a tool to learn to touch type, a vital skill that the student will use throughout their life. Use of software such as the online TypingClub platform or TypeAbility (in conjunction with JAWS) are good examples of programs that help students to learn how to touch type effectively.
Ongoing monitoring of posture when using a device such as a laptop is vital, both at school and at home. If a student is leaning in towards the screen to access the visual materials, this can be the start of poor posture which can have some negative consequences later in life. An increase in font size, use of magnification software or a slope desk may help to improve posture.
Generally, laptops are not recommended for students under the age of 8, except in some specific situations.
Guides
K69 Jawbone Bluetooth headphones connection guide to Windows computer MARCH 2023.pdfVideo Guides
Links
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