Cboard

Once the application is open the user is shown a simple and vibrant interface for communicating. The app not only focuses on typical everyday content but also on emotions and feelings. The home dashboard starts with a range of topics displayed in a clear and colourful folder system. Categories for communication include:

• Yes/No

• Quick Chat

• Time

• Food

• Drinks

• Snacks

• Activities

• Emotions

• Body

• Clothing

• People

• Describe

• Kitchen

• School

• Animals

• Technology

• Weather

• Plants

• Sports

• Transport

• Places

• Position

• Toys

• Actions

• Questions

• Furniture

• Hygiene

• Numbers

Three clicks of the padlock icon in the top left of the application enable the users to access the following settings:

• The ability to edit the content including voice recording, colour changes, icon changes and label changes.

• The ability to build further content using public content that has been shared by others.

• The ability to delete, print and share the content of the application.

Once a folder topic has been chosen such as ‘Quick Chat’ the application then displays a clear set of communication icons. For the ‘Quick Chat,’ these include yes, no, hello, goodbye, good, bad, I can’t speak, thank you and please. Further content can be added using the edit features. There is also the option to choose multiple icons that are then displayed at the top of the screen as a sentence. Selecting this area will read the icons in turn.

Other topic folders contain a host of wonderful communication tools such as the drinks folder which includes words and phrases such as I am thirsty, I want, I dislike, drink, water, orange juice, apple juice, grape juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, milk, milkshake, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, wine, beer and straw. Further content can be added using the edit features. There is also the option to choose multiple icons that are then displayed at the top of the screen as a sentence. Selecting this area will read the icons in turn.

Is the Cboard app easy to use?

Cboard is an incredibly powerful application and the menu systems and features are very easy to navigate. The application has a clean look to the interface and the graphics are user friendly. At no point does the screen look over cluttered. Each of the menus can be easily accessed and the platform works seamlessly.

How will parents benefit?

Parents could use the application for children who are struggling with communication. These applications could include children with special needs, visually impaired, hearing impaired, autistic and those who are recovering from illness.

How will teachers benefit?

Teachers could use the application for students who are struggling with communication. These applications could include children who use English as a Second Language, special needs, visually impaired, hearing impaired, autistic and those who are recovering from illness. The use of a tablet in a classroom environment makes this application incredibly versatile and could be used by the teacher, teaching assistant or special needs educator.

How will the user benefit?

It is so easy to use! The user will find the interface a pleasure to use with simple referencing and visual aids. The user needs very little training when using the application enabling the user to gain confidence with their communication needs.

What we love about the Cboard app

The developers can be congratulated on the variety of topics that the application covers along with the ability to edit the complexity of the content. This alternative communication app has many wonderful uses for those with speech difficulties and for those who may struggle with a language in a different country. The app is also useful for those who have difficulties with a range of motion and fine motor skills as the app has an easy to access platform.

We love that the application has several settings that enable you to edit the content. Over some time, the application will people even more powerful as further content and phrases are added. The ‘Settings’ option also allows for further changes to the application such as language, speech rate, font size and the ability to export communication boards. The application also includes other symbols such as the Mulberry, Global and ARASAAC communication systems.

What the Cboard app could improve on

Cboard is an excellent application and there is a limited amount of improvements that can be made, however, we have suggested the following:

• The ability to save a range of phrases that are chosen by the user regularly may be an advantage.

• The developers may want to consider the option to delete the icon that appears in the timeline at the top individually rather than deleting it one by one.

• The developers may want to consider adding an avatar to the application to enable the user to personalise their communication.

• The developers may want to consider adding multiple accounts. This may be beneficial if a device is being shared amongst several users.

• The developers may want to consider making the application available on the Apple iOS platform.

How much does Cboard cost?

Cboard is a free application and is available on Android and web-based platforms.

Is Cboard safe to use?

Yes. The application does require an account or email to start. The application does not contain any offensive elements or 3rd party adverts.

Overall Rating of the application

Cboard is an excellent communication platform. Not only does it come with a variety of content and a user-friendly interface the application can be used in several communication scenarios. Cboard comes highly recommended by The EducationalAppStore.com