Product Feature: The CIRCUIT Evaluation Process
By Sweeney, Judith; Closing the Gap, Vol. 23, No. 4, pp. 25-28Publication Date: October/November 2004
Article focuses on the CIRCUIT Evaluation Model, which the author created to serve as a paradigm in the assistive technology (AT) evaluation process for formal evaluations, informal assessments, student assessments, and AT trials for students. The author developed the model in order to provide individuals and teams with the necessary assessment skills and knowledge by breaking down the assessment process into manageable steps. The model is presented in CD-ROM format, and contains eight different forms that help the assessor to gather information quickly and efficiently. The forms help to collect preliminary student evaluation information on available hardware, color needs, low- and mid-tech tool trials, keyboarding and cursor control issues, word processing needs, and the need for word prediction and reading technologies. The CD also contains 11 different PowerPoint shows on a progression of topics involved in AT evaluation: (1) Introduction to CIRCUIT, (2) Collecting Information, (3) Creating a Continuum of Tools Plan, (4) Low-Tech Tool Trials, (5) Mid-Tech Tool Trials, (6) Computer Input Trials, (7) Writing Software, (8) Reading Software, (9) Math Software, (10) Other Specialized Subject Software, and (11) Report Writing. Each PowerPoint presentation includes systematic instructions, pictures, and suggestions for AT use.
Published by: Closing the Gap, Inc. (Website:http://www.closingthegap.com)
