I hope my Teachers Love SMART Board readers know that if I recommend something it's because I think it something that needs to be shared. Here's one of the coolest Internet tools I've seen in a very long time. It's called ZAC Browser (Zone for Autistic Children) and it's a "must have" for teachers and parents with special needs children or younger children just starting to use and explore the Internet.
ZAC Browser provides children with an extensive collection of online applications including Games, Video Clips (TV), Music, and Stories. The great thing about ZAC Browser is that it is an extremely safe and controlled environment for children.
While children are able to browse and select various Internet resources, they are unable to navigate outside of the approved list of resources. It is so effective that my 2 year old son can use the browser and never get "lost" by clicking on the wrong link. ZAC Browser keeps him safe and allows him to explore on his own.
Here's a description of ZAC Browser from their website:
ZAC is the first web browser developed specifically for children with autism, and autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and PDD-NOS. We have made this browser for the children - for their enjoyment, enrichment, and freedom. Children touch it, use it, play it, interact with it, and experience independence through ZAC.
You can also watch an introduction video describing ZAC Browser:
ZAC Browser is actually a program that you download and run from your computer. You can install it or run it without doing an install.
My friend Paul Hamilton does a much better job than me describing this amazing tool. Here's Paul's description from his blog Free Resources from the Net for (Special) Education. Be sure to subscribe to Paul's amazing blog.
Sharing is Caring!
