The student experiences the thrill of seeing his or her design become a dress, pantsuit, hat, bag or other accessory. This is accomplished through the use of the computer.

The student first draws a design using "816 Paint" software. The design may be abstract, therefore, any student is capable of doing it. They use a Koala Pad to accomplish the task. The student then fills in the design with a limited number of coordinating colors and patterns of their own choosing. An outline of a garment is then drawn in white on their newly created pattern. The student then erases all of the negative areas with white. The student is left with a picture of a garment made from his or her fabric design. After three sets of patterns and clothing are finished, they are made into a slide show with the use of "Dazzle Draw" software. The student then prints his or her work and places it on colored construction paper in the form of a booklet. Lastly, the slide show is transformed to video with music that is chosen by the student.

THE STUDENTS: Mentally challenged students in a self-contained class. Students ages 16-21, grades 10-12. The program can be adapted to the mainstream student as well as special education.

THE STAFF: Ronni Sue Wohlberg, Special Education teaching assistant in a self-contained MR class developed this program.

MATERIALS: The materials needed for reproducing this program are an Apple II computer, Koaloa Pad, 816 Paint software, Dazzle Draw software, a cassette recorder and videotape.

OVERALL VALUE: By combining the idea of creating fabric for clothing and accessories with the motivating factor of using the computer, we create an environment in which the mentally challenged student not only wants to learn, but is able to learn. Students are able to work on and improve many skills necessary for their everyday living. Among those are: hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, increased attention span, enhanced artistic ability, sequencing, planning, memory color coordination and most importantly following directions.

Since the computer creates an environment in which any child wants to learn, it is extremely important for us to develop programs suitable for the mentally challenged student.

RECOMMENDED FUNDING: $300.00

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

DEVELOPER: Ronni Sue Wohlberg

SCHOOL:

PRINCIPAL: Sydney Farber

DISTRICT: East Ramapo Central School District