What kinds of skills could I use Visual Language Tools Lessons for with my student?
The Visual Flashcards are appropriate for teaching receptive and expressive (labeling/tacting) skills. The Auditory Flashcards are appropriate for teaching labeling of sounds (e.g., PECS Phase 6). The Drag & Drop Lessons are appropriate for matching to sample and sorting tasks, particularly for multiple exemplars and features, functions, and classes.
What is the rationale behind the Interactive Video, fading from the subject on a solid white background, to a natural environment, and then video?
Some individuals on the autism spectrum struggle with stimulus overselectivity, which means that they may focus on irrelevant or background stimuli rather than on the salient features of the item on the screen or flashcard. Therefore, beginning on a blank white screen can be helpful in reducing the “background noise” and ensure the learner is focused on the relevant item. However, rarely do things present themselves on a plain white background in the real world; thus, by fading to a real world background from solid white with our subject image, we are able to demonstrate how the subject may be encountered in real life. Many items or words we are teaching are rarely static in the real world, so presenting the subject’s motion through video reinforces the learner’s concept of the subject.
What assessments could I use to determine what Lessons would be appropriate for my learners?
Many of the Lessons coincide nicely with the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (ABLLS-R, Partington, 2006) and the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP, Sundberg, 2008).
For what ages are the Lessons appropriate?
Learners with autism and other developmental disabilities may find the Lessons useful at almost any age, from 2 through adult. However, we designed the Lessons specifically for pre- and school aged children.
For what other types of learners would Visual Language Tools be useful?
Teachers may find the Lessons useful for those learning another language or for ESL learners as well as preschoolers and those with other learning disabilities. Pre-readers and Kindergarteners may also benefit from the Lessons.
Can I track my student’s progress?
Yes. Each learner profile has built-in progress tracking that records correct and incorrect responses, attempts before success, first-try accuracy rates, completion percentages, and total lesson time. Parents and teachers can view scorecard data at any time from the learner selection screen. Learners themselves never see tracking data — all logging happens silently in the background.
What devices can I use Visual Language Tools on?
VLT is designed for desktop computers, laptops, and tablets. The lessons use a fixed canvas optimized for these screen sizes to ensure images and interactive elements display at the right scale for learning. Phone screens are too small for the drag & drop and choice-tapping interactions to work comfortably.