Tactile Keyboard Overlay

Sinclair User

EDUCATIONAL KEYBOARD EASES UNDERSTANDING A very useful device for young children is a Tactile keyboard which fits over the Spectrum keyboard. A plastic cover with a flexible top, the Tactile keyboard allows you to design a layout to fit a program. Being a flat sheet, pictures or numbers can be placed over certain sections of the keyboard, so that children can be asked to "press the PEAR" and the like. The keys pressed can then be checked to see if the correct response has been given. A piano keyboard is supplied already fixed to the keyboard and children find it fascinating as well as educational. Programming tips are included so that a range of keys may be checked using Basic or machine code. Designs are made easier by the fact that a clear film can be used with overhead projector pens to trace pictures of objects direct from books and magazines. Early Learning Opportunities is producing software using the keyboard and a tape with a piano and a typewriter program is available from Tactile at £92.95. It as an important device for teaching children to use a computer. The keyboard costs £99.95 from Tactile, [redacted].

ZX Computing

ARE YOU IN TOUCH? Tactile have introduced a new concept in keyboard overlays for the Spectrum which is aimed at early education programmers, teachers and parents thus allowing the Spectrum to become a much simpler teaching aid. The Tactile keyframe, with its touch sensitive membrane, fits snugly over the computer and allows you to create your own easily changeable overkeys. The key surface can be configured as one large key or up to forty individual, user-defined keys using simple IN or INKEY$ instructions; prepared instructions are enclosed with the package to help you adapt your programs to suit the new key layout. The complete set includes a keyframe, coloured, white and clear backgrounds, symbols and shapes, allowing you to construct an infinite variety of over-key panels. A piano keyboard and a simplified children's typewriter layout are also included. The software company, Early Learning Opportunities, is to market software compatible with this keyframe and pictorial overlays. For further information on these products get in touch with Tactile on [redacted] or write to Tactile, Wraith, [redacted].