Using Matrix Maker Plus

Transcription

1 Using Matrix Maker Plus Quick Guide Created 8/12 SM Matrix Maker (MM) is an award-winning, easy-to-use program from Inclusive Technology that provides a bank of thousands of pictures and symbols and a set of templates, to make it as quick and simple as possible for you to create pictorial / visual supports - labels, signage, schedules worksheets for classroom use, and communication materials. Read about it, and download a free 14 day trial here: (scroll down) At 129 (if bought with a communication aid) or 169, it is slightly cheaper and, some feel, easier to use than Boardmaker. The program is almost self-explanatory, but this paper will offer a walk-through. Matrix Maker Plus comes with its own IT Media Library (on an additional disk be sure that both CDs are installed) comprising a full set of Widgit Symbols, a full set of Symbol Stix symbols and a large set of other colour pictures organised in categories, including a folder of all the images used in other Inclusive Technology software. The terrific ease of use does also mean that there are some limitations to what you can do, in Matrix Maker. What you cannot do is (a) edit the symbols/pictures much (though you can recolour and flip or rotate in the Edit tab); (b) use multiple pictures in one box; (c) use Mayer Johnson PCS (Boardmaker) symbols (unless you have the set designed for use with Clicker on your computer); (d) edit the templates provided or create your own templates (though Inclusive Technology will maybe make you a template if you request a specific layout); (e) change the font or style of the text (you can only change size); (f) make interactive materials MM is for professional (or family) use and only creates materials for printing, it is not designed for use by pupils themselves. (Having said that, the interface is so clear and simple that older and more able pupils could use it, under directions, and it is certainly possible to sit with a child and let them become involved in selecting their preferred images, so that they have a sense of ownership of the materials produced.) Getting Started The opening screen lets you choose whether to load an existing page or make a new page (all materials are based on a single A4 size page). We will make a new one, first - lets say, to make simple choice board of various drinks. CALL Scotland University of Edinburgh, Paterson s Land, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ Tel: Copyright CALL Scotland

2 Select New Page. Before we make our page, however, we will want to browse through all the various templates available, in order to choose the most appropriate one. Double click to select each likely-looking category in turn and have a look at the subcategories and layouts provided within each. Remember that we may find the size and shape of page you re looking for in an unexpected category. The Communication Devices one helpfully shows you a picture of each device. Then make your choice and double click to select a category of template. Grids 4x3 grid OK Page 2 of 5

3 Selecting Pictures Having chosen a simple grid, we will quickly fill it with pictures of the drinks the child is likely to want to choose. Some of the drinks will be quickly found in the IT Media library. On the top line of tabs (red, left-hand side), Click IT Media Type the name of the drink you want in the search box at the top A set of possible pictures will appear all the Widgit and Symbol Stix symbols are mixed in together with the IT graphics, so you get the maximum choice of pictures (but you are not told which picture belongs to which symbol set). Click to select the picture you want. Click OK It will jump into the box on your page. The picture will auto-size into the box and the text will appear in a default size and font. Don t bother about adjusting the text for now, we ll change them all together once the page is complete with all its pictures. Continue filling boxes from the IT Media Library. Page 3 of 5

4 Make sure you Save your work as you go along. On the top line tabs Select the blue tab Save + Print Choose Save as, to name and save your page for the first time. Browse to choose where you want to save it. It may be useful to create a new folder in My Documents called Matrix Maker files After that, just use Save If you want to restrict the search to only one symbol set, say Widgit, and do not want to mix graphics by choosing from the full range, you can do that in two ways. Firstly, if this is a permanent setting for a particular child, say, you can set a Symbol Library Filter before you search Click libraries Untick IT and SymbolStix, leaving only Widgit ticked OK Then you will be sure that the pictures you are offered are all/only Widgit symbols. (But if it s more of a one-off on the hoof restriction, don t change the filter, but just do not type into the search box at the top. Instead open the Widgit Folder that appears on the first screen view, and choose from within there. Other Pictures For some drinks, we may have to look beyond the IT Media library for a suitable picture either from amongst photos and pictures on our own computer, or on the internet. Select an empty box on your page On the red Picture tabs, click to choose Computer instead of IT Media, and browse through your own saved pictures. When you have selected one, it will jump into your MM box. Or choose Internet. It will take you directly to the search box in Google Images, which is really neat! (so long as your school does not block Google images check, and ask to unblock, if possible). Type in what you want, and click Search Images. Page 4 of 5

5 Once you find the image you want, you can either just use it once in your page, or use it and also save it for future use (which is usually the best idea). Tick Add to IT Media Library Type the name you will want it saved under, for easy searching Click OK The fourth thing you can do, if you have a camera on your computer, is to take a photo there and then. Click WebcCam and follow instructions Moving Pictures Around on your Page Couldn t be easier. If you decide you want a picture in a different position on the page, just select and drag the picture to its new location. Try to do this before your page is completely full, so that you have room for manoeuvre - otherwise you ll delete the picture underneath, in the box you move to. Undo If you make a mistake in MM, you can always use the Undo tool (in red, yellow and green tabs) Adjusting Text On the top line of tabs (green, third along) Click Text In most cases, you ll want to use Select All, first (so all the boxes are the same) You can use these tools to Swap (moves the text labels from top to bottom of the box Shrink or Grow the size of the text or Remove text entirely Add / Edit - Make sure that each box on your page says what you want it say. Just click on the text and edit it directly, as if it were a mini word processor. You can also change the colour of the text and / or of the box (cell) from here. Further Editing Using the yellow Edit tab, you can make further adjustments to both your pictures, if required, and to the background colour of the whole page. Try playing around with these. Save and enjoy! Page 5 of 5