Catch the Cow™

Catch the Cow is a low-cost app for the Apple iPad or iPhone. It enables teachers and aides to train and assess the user's ability to make selections using a scanning system or direct touch.

Version 2 is now available. It was redeveloped to meet Apple's new requirements and support iOS 14. It is designed to work well for iPhones as well as iPads.

Catch the Cow helps children and adults with physical disabilities, to learn to select pictures using a scanning device. Initially the user selects one of two squares. Then the level of difficulty gradually increases to select a picture from multiple rows and columns.

Catch the Cow supports but does not need external switches. It uses a large on-screen red button as shown for catching the cow.

The difficulty level changes the number of rows and columns. The difficulty level advances when the user catches 4 cows

The following screen shows the Options Panel so the teacher/aide/parent can change options including the starting difficulty level and the scan interval. The number of rows and columns is changed by adjusting the difficulty level slider.

Set the Scan OFF to use Direct Touch instead of scanning. Users can then catch the cow directly by touching the cell containg the cow.The Teacher can compare success using Scan vs Direct Touch. Separate scores are saved for Scan and for Direct Touch. The % Success is also displayed on the main screen.

Use the Switch option to show the Switch setup panel and select the key equivalend for optional Bluetooth switches and adaptive communication devices. Use the Save (or Cancel) button to exit the Switch panel.

Version 2.1 adds a Step Scan mode that requires two switches or a keypad. Use the Switch option to choose 2-Switch Step Scan or Auto Scan mode and to specify the key equivalents for each switch. Version 2.1 also changed the Done, Help and Switch buttons from symbols to names.

If "Step Scan Mode is ON" is shown instead of the Scan Period, use the Switch option to return to Auto Scan.

Catch the Cow supports External Bluetooth Switches that are compatible with the Apple Wireless Keyboard. Use the Switch option to select the key code that is sent by the External Switch e.g. "space" or "enter". If you are using an Airturn controller set it to Mode 4. Use the Save (or Cancel) button to exit the Switch panel.

Check that your switch is working by opening an app such as Messages and start a new text message. Press the switch and it should show "~" or " " (space) or another key. However, some keys may not display e.g. esc or enter.

Catch the Cow was the first product developed by Computerade. It was originally developed for the Apple II computer!.

 

 

 

updated 20 Jan 2022    Apple, iPhone and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc.