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Those of you who have attended before, will know that JISC Regional Support Centre South East e-Learning Fair 2009 e-Learning fair is a great chance to learn about the latest issues and technologies as well as network with colleagues. It was great to see so many of our Education colleagues in Wokingham yesterday. This year’s fair was entitled 'making the most of what you have got'. There was plenty going on, with lots of inspirational seminars, some  interesting exhibition stands and new products and services to discover. We met some fantastic people on the day and learnt a great deal. Keytools’ Jonathan Smith and Emma Strong were really pleased to offer their help and support on the subject assistive and ergonomic technology for students. Many of the visitors to our stand were interested in discovering more about us. So we were happy to invite them to our programme of Workshops in Southampton. We’d like you to come along too. Click here to find out more. If you missed out on the e-Learning fair this year, let us fill you in! Give us a call 023 8029 4508.
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 Brain Exercise for OAPs!Yes – it’s true, Ask Jeeves or have a look on Google! Surfing the internet can potentially reverse or slow aged related declines that can end in dementia ( Sunday Times, 18 October 2009). How?
Browsing the internet requires a person to do several tasks at once. Holding important information in their own memory while simultaneously assessing other images and words, the mind is stimulated more strongly than reading. It has been found that the cognitive effects are longer lasting, therefore slowing down the onset of dementia. Neuroscientists support the idea of exercising the brain, but all in moderation! Labels: Dementia, google., internet
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 What is this all about?The NHS is getting put back under the microscope by the new healthcare regulator – Care Quality Commission (CQC). Therefore, the reputations of many hospitals, primary care trusts, ambulance services and other health organisations are hanging in the balance. The government said this was the most rigorous assessment the NHS have ever seen (Watchdog vows to get tough on the NHS, BBC News, Thursday 15th October 2009). Why are they doing this?The report has found that one in eight NHS trusts fail to meet the basic standards. Areas include:Infection control Heart disease care Cancelling operations Record keeping The trusts have until April 2010 to ensure they meet the legal demands – or they face being refused licences to operate, fines, suspension of services and prosecution. How can Keytools help?
We have the OCD’s dream… CleanKeys
- Extremely resistant to microbial growth. - No nooks and crannies for the bugs to hide away in. - Easy and quick to clean - smooth glass surface. - Touch sensitive – directly or through gloves. - Proven – Outperformed other keyboards when an infection pilot study was carried out. Labels: cleankeys, hygiene control, infection control, NHS
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 Toasting to the future for assistive technology
British Assistive Technology Association (BATA) toasted their future with champagne on the 27th September 2009. Paul Goddard, Keytools Accredited Assistive Technology Trainer and Business Development Manager, is one of the founding members of BATA. Alongside CEO’s of key UK assistive technology(AT) companies, the discussion included the scope of assistive technology, aims of the association, branding identity, membership and service levels, subscriptions, legal form and elected six of its nine directors. Aims of the new body:
1. To lobby for the rights and interests of those needing AT 2. To provide expert, impartial support and advice to government departments and agencies 3. To educate and inform widely on the benefits of AT 4. To promote British AT products and expertise at home and overseas 5. Provide services to its members Why is this body important?
This is a great development for people with special educational needs (SEN). It became apparent in the early years of this millennium, that some children who faced the largest challenges (and also adults) had been overlooked by government initiatives, such as New Opportunities Fund IT Training, National College of School Leadership training, Curriculum Online software and provision platforms. Since then, lobbying has worked to support people with special needs. This has resulted in the Bercow Report and the inclusion of AT in the current Home Access programme. There was also a need for impartial advice from experts. Therefore – the creation of a trusted and professional organisation to lobby for people with special needs, was put into action.
We look forward to assisting Paul and BATA with their campaign to assist special educational needs people; and how Keytools team can contribute to support, information and promotion of the benefits of AT. Labels: assistive technology, BATA, special needs
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 With Uncle Fester in town, we’re getting into the spirit of Halloween with our very devilish ergonomic offers for all you ghouls and goblins! Hurry – before witching hour strikes on 31st October 2009. Spine-Chilling Buy One Get One Free!
On the Goldtouch Adjustable Keyboard! Be quick as they are sure to be hunted down by zombies of the night. Don’t let your wrists turn to corpses!
Goldtouch Keyboard and Evoluent Mouse will ensure divine ergonomics for years to come! It’s not an illusion; you really do save £104! Phantom of the keyboard!
Our Visikey keyboard is great for those who seek the supernatural. Naturally Super Size - Our supernatural definition means the letters on the keyboard are 4 times larger than a standard keyboard – along with multi-media function keys. Eerily ergonomic laptop stands!
Well, actually – they are a rather sleek and slim set of laptop stands to choose from, that transform unearthly laptops into skeletal-friendly desktops. Mystical mouse!Also known as the Anir (or Renaissance) Ergonomic Mouse. This joystick-like-mouse has mystical powers* that help reduce strain from the wrist to the lower arm muscles. Get your fangs into these offers whilst stocks last!
Offers end 31st October 2009! Call the Keytools cretins on 023 8029 4500 or click on the links above for more information and to buy. Here are a few Halloween quotes to send a few ergo-quivers down your spine… "Tis now the very witching time of night, when churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out contagion to this world." ~ William Shakespeare "One need not be a chamber to be haunted. One need not be a house. The brain has corridors surpassing material place." ~ Emily Dickinson "Where there is no imagination there is no horror." ~ Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr. "At first cock-crow the ghosts must go, back to their quiet graves below." ~ Theodosia Garrison "Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen/ Voices whisper in the trees, "Tonight is Halloween!" ~ Dexter Kozen *Note: Does not contain real life mystical powers – just a sure fire way of helping to reduce RSI. Labels: buy one get one free, Halloween, Mice. Keyboard., Sale. October, Special Offer
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 The JISC Regional Support Centre South East e-Learning Fair will be taking place on 29th October in Wokingham, and Keytools have been invited along to offer our knowledge on the subject of assistive technology in Higher Education.
The Event
The e-Learning fair offers a combination of seminars and a highly focused exhibition. It’s an ideal opportunity to learn about the latest issues and technologies as well as network with colleagues. JISC and Keytools JISC approached the Keytools Education Business Unit and was keen to get us onboard: "Part of my role is to make people aware of the help available in relation to inclusion, accessibility and ergonomics. It’s important for educators in the South East to be aware of the products and services on offer by Keytools.” Artie Vossel-Newman, e-Learning Adviser, JISC Come and see us Keytools is committed to enabling computer access for all students. For 20 years Keytools has been advising colleges and universities on assistive technology, ergonomics, and health & safety for computer users. So, whether the challenge is dyslexia, RSI, low mobility or impaired vision, we can help you achieve a healthy and effective learning environment. We hope to see you at the e-Learning fair, where you can learn more about how we can develop e-learning strategies for curriculum development. You can learn more about the event here.Labels: dyslexia, e-learning, higher education, JISC, RSI
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interesting exhibition stands and new products and services to discover. We met some fantastic people on the day and learnt a great deal. Keytools’ Jonathan Smith and Emma Strong were really pleased to offer their help and support on the subject assistive and ergonomic technology for students.
