Many specialists have asked how Picture Master Language Software compares with Boardmaker. Until recently, Boardmaker has been by far the most useful tool for creating communication boards for nonverbal students. Other programs have become available that are also excellent, and some offer features not available in Boardmaker. Picture Master Language Software features a wide variety of image types and real speech that can be downloaded to AAC devices. This article includes a brief description of differences between Boardmaker and Picture Master Language Software.
Picture Images
Boardmaker includes the popular Meyer-Johnson symbols. Picture Master includes a greater variety of image types and includes almost 18,000 images in the following formats:
1. Simple line drawings - The pictures are designed to be easy to recognize and are often used to create communication boards for individuals with developmental disabilities. Symbols from the Library of International Picture Symbols are included so that the program can be used with culturally diverse populations.
2. Realistic line drawings - These pictures can be used with children and adults and include more detail that the simple line drawings
3. Full-color photographs - Thousands of photographs are included to show familiar item, people, places and activities.
4. Picture Scenes - Picture scenes show activities in the classroom, at home, and in the community.
5. Animated Illustrations - Animation can be turned on or off. When you click on an image, the animation feature is activated.
Both Boardmaker and Picture Master Language Software allow users to import their own pictures. Because of the large variety of pictures included in Picture Master Language Software, however, many users will have little need for additional images. Boardmaker comes with about 3,000 images. Picture Master Language Software comes with about 18,000 images.
Speech Features
If you wish to use speech with Boardmaker, you can purchase an additional program that will work with the picture symbols. The speech, however, is syntheszied speech rather than real speech and has a robot-like quality.
Picture Master Language Software include real speech rather than synthesized speech. English, French, Spanish, and German are included. Other languages are available separately.
Instructional Activity Options
Picture Master Language Software and Boardmaker are both outstanding tools for creating communication boards. Add-on programs make it possible to present on-screen activities with Boardmaker. Picture Master Language Software, however, comes with built in features that can be used to present a wide range of on-screen learning activities. The program, for example, includes a page-linking function so that users can connect pages that they design. This feature is great for creating computer-based learning activities that consist of more than one page.
Both programs are priced slightly under $300. Users who only need to create and print out picture boards, however, will not need to full Picture Master Language Software Program. Picture creation tools from Picture Master Language Software are available in Picture Master Board Designer for $159.00. The quality of the communication boards produced by Picture Master Language Software and Picture Master Board Designer is identical.
Additional information about Picture Master Language software is available at the following website: www.acadcom.com
These two programs are among the many innovative programs available for students with special needs.