BIGmack Review, October 26, 2010
By reviewer from Texas
Product Setting: I use this product in LifeSkills as well as PPCD classrooms in public school. Skill
Development: I have seen this software used successfully at every level to teach cause/effect, from elementary to high school.
I have seen this used successfully in PPCD and LifeSkills classes (elementary thru high school) for students to make a choice and otherwise express some form of communication. At the elementary levels, I frequently see it used during Circle Time, centers, and snack/lunch time. It is used with the student throughout his day. I always try to have a student of the same sex and age record the messages for the user. My favorite use is in the PPCD classes where it has been velcroed to the wall next to the door. When the switch is hit, the message says that the student is going to the restroom!
Linda's BIGmack Review, May 21, 2010
By reviewer from Virginia
Product Setting: Self-contained classroom, inclusion classroom, CBI trips, errands around the school building, etc. Skill
Development: Provide non-verbal students the ability to communicate with those around them.
I've used a BIGmack in both a self-contained multi-disabled classroom and an autism classroom. It's wonderful to record any last-minute messages. For example, my students pick up the attendance from all the classrooms each morning. If the slip isn't out on the door, they have to enter the classroom. The BIGmack is already set up with the message, "May I have the attendance, please?" Thus, my students don't need an intermediary to communicate - they can be INDEPENDENT! YAY!
BIGmack Use, March 18, 2010
By reviewer from Illinois
Product Setting: Special Education/General Education. Skill
Development: Communication. Being allowed to make choices. Giving direction to group activity.
This product allows for all students to participate in a group activity. It also allows students to have a quick and easy method to make choices when given a couple of Big Macks.
Barbara's BIGmack Review, February 9, 2010
By Barbara Stimson, Colorado
Product Setting: Inclusive school environment. Skill Development: Independent communication skills.
I have used this product for many purposes for many years. It is a reliable product that I use for starting communication programs for students with significant needs. It is critical to initial access skills for many students
Home-Based Provider Using AT, December 1, 2009
By reviewer from Nevada
Product Setting: Home setting. Skill Development: Improve cause-and-effect, means-end, requesting, and turn-taking.
Since I provide home-based services, I can only bring with me to my visits what fits in the trunk of my car, and I always make sure to have my BIGmack switch with me. It's so easy to teach the families to use, and I love having siblings record their voices on it (because it sounds more like the child with which I'm working would sound instead of using an adult's voice). It's such a sturdy device that it lasts for years and through dozens of kids and families using it. It has so many uses, that very often when I leave one with a family for a while, they have come up with a use that I never would have thought of.
BIGmack Review, November 12, 2009
By reviewer from Indiana
Product Setting: Self-contained classroom and general education classroom. Skill Development: Improve interaction with other students, improve participation in small group activities.
I love the BIGmack. It is easy to program and change messages quickly. It is very portable and can go with student anywhere. I have used this product in self-contained and general education settings.
