NimbleTools® provides all students access to computer-based test items. For
students with special needs, NimbleTools provides high-quality accommodations
in a seamless, standardized manner. NimbleTools is a universally designed application. Built-in accommodation tools can be activated or deactivated for each individual student, creating a customized test delivery interface that meets the specific needs of each student. Questions are presented in clear, crisp, sans serif type, and the interface is designed to minimize distractions, so students can focus on the problem at hand. ALL interactive elements are controllable via tab/enter commands, so user preferred input devices will work with NimbleTools.
Features:
- Created with the principles of Universal Design
- Read aloud of text with choice of human or digital reader (the student has the choice)
- Accessibility by IntelliKeys™ keyboard with custom keyboard overlays
- Tab/Enter navigation of the interface (allowing keyboard or switch access)
- Presentation of signed text in American Sign Language or Signed English
- Magnification of text and images for students with moderate visual impairments
- Magnification of text and images for students with low vision
- Masking of test items
- Masking of answers
- Auditory Calming
- Reverse contrast with selection of contrast color
- Color overlays with selection of overlay color
- Reading assistant with option of color overlay and/or magnification
- Read back of open-ended responses
- Alternate language text and read aloud (e.g., Spanish)
- Talking Calculator
- Talking formula sheets
- Extended Time
Built in Tools
Read Aloud
NimbleTools links pre-recorded human voice recordings to test items presented to students. Students benefit by listening to a fully approved, standardized human voice, assuring correct pronunciation of words, symbols, and equations. NimbleTools empowers students to decide when they want to hear the text read to them, and allows them to play sound clips repeatedly. All buttons and directions have human-read sound clips associated with them.
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Magnification
The standard Magnifier Tool can be used by all students. It allows students to enlarge any part of the test. Students have control over when and where they use this tool. For students who need even greater magnification, NimbleTools has a Microscope Tool, that increases the test size dramatically. The Microscope follows the movements of the student's mouse or keyboard, and gives them control over the amount of magnification. All new options are shown in enlarged, high contrast text, allowing students to easily read and select options.
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Masking
A common technique for focusing a student's attention on a specific part of a test item is provided by the Masking Tools. Three masking tools are currently available: Answer Masking, Item Masking, and Custom Masking. Answer Masking hides the answers until students have an opportunity to solve the problem and then allows students to reveal answer choices individually or all at once. Item Masking hides everything except what appears in a frame (which can also magnify the test). Custom Masking allows students to create and place 'sheets' on top of any part of the test question, masking those parts of the question they don't want to focus on. All Masking options increase students' focus on the test question by temporarily hiding all other test elements. Masking can be turned on and off at the student's discretion.
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Color Overlay, Reverse Contrast, Color Choice, & Reading Assistant
The interface can be customized to present the background with a field of color, reducing the effects of Irlens Syndrome. In addition, the entire test can invert the contrast to light text on a black background, with your choice of text color. The Reading Assistant is provided as a tool to aid students used to using devices which frame lines of text. In addition, students can choose to enlarge text, or view text through a color overlay.
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Sign Language
NimbleTools allows for video content to be synchronized with the test content. This allows for the provision of sign language using a human signer, or an avatar, in whichever form of sign language you choose. You can play, pause, and repeat the video at any time, or even just play portions of the video connected to specific phrases.
Auditory Calming
For students who focus better when receiving auditory input, music or sounds can be provided during testing. These sounds are embedded into the system, so no extra hardware is needed, and there are no concerns about monitoring the content. The player is simple to use, without distracting visuals of many commercial mp3 computer players.
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