Technology Tuesday

Today’s Technology Tuesday comes from Suzanne Phillips, communication Teacher at Imagine!’s Longmont CORE/Labor Source hub.

How is Longmont CORE/Labor Source taking technology OUT of the computer lab and into the classroom?

Today I want to tell you about the technology utilized in our cooking classes. We have several students with mobility issues. Some of these students cannot move their hands and arms more than a few inches. How can we make a valuable life skill such as cooking accessible for these individuals?

We bring in the Able Net Power Link 4. This device makes any (plug-in) electrical device switch accessible. Here’s how it works:

• Plug the Able Net Power Link 4 into an outlet. 
• Plug an electrical device into the Power Link. (In cooking class this could be a blender, food processor, electric egg beater, etc.) 
• Plug a switch into the Power Link. This switch now controls the “on/off” function for the electrical device. 
• Turn the electrical device “on.” The device will now turn on only when the switch is pressed, and will turn off when the switch is released. 

This technology makes participation in cooking classes possible for students with an extremely limited range of motion. These students can choose how long they would like to activate a device, blending/processing ingredients to various consistencies. This technology gives teachers the opportunity to create a hands-on cooking experience for all students, regardless of mobility. Check out the short video if you would like to see the Power Link in action, and stay tuned for more technology in the classroom updates!

Can’t see the video? Click here.