Logic Analysis Teacher Guide Decoding the Device Logic
Teacher Instructional Guide
Sequence
System Architect
Lesson Objective
Students will analyze the organizational hierarchy (taxonomic vs. semantic compaction) of their AAC devices to improve navigation speed and meta-cognitive understanding of where vocabulary is stored.
The Hook: The Mystery Pineapple
Display a physical pineapple (or a high-quality photo).
Challenge: Before touching their devices, students must name 3 "Categories" or "Folders" where this item might live (e.g., Food, Fruit, Yellow things, Things with prickly skin).
The Search: Students then race to find it on their device and explain the "Path" they took.
Key Vocabulary
Taxonomic
Organized by groups/classes (e.g., all fruit together).
Semantic Compaction
Organized by meaning/icons (e.g., Apple icon = eat, red, fruit).
Navigation Path
The sequence of buttons pressed to reach a word.
Discussion Prompts
Logic Test
"If you were the designer of this device, would you put 'Pizza' under 'Italian Food' or just 'Food'? Why?"
Efficiency Check
"Is it faster to find a word by its category or by using a search tool? When should we use each?"
Facilitation Guide: Sorting Logic
1
Physical Sort (15 mins)
Provide students with printed icon cards. Have them sort cards into "folders" on their desk based on how they think.
Note: Observe if they group by color, use, or category. This reveals their internal logic.
2
The "Logic Clash" (10 mins)
Have students look up those same words on their devices. Mark where the device logic is different from their own sort.
3
Path Mapping (15 mins)
Students complete the "Logic Detective" worksheet, documenting the exact sequence of clicks for 5 difficult words.
Differentiation Strategies
Support
Use "Navigation Maps" (printed screenshots) with highlighted buttons to show the path for complex words. Focus on 2-step navigation only.
Extension
Challenge students to find the shortest path to a word using "Word Prediction" or "Search" vs. standard navigation. Discuss which is more efficient for conversation.
Logic Detective Worksheet Logic Detective
AAC System Architecture Analysis
Name:
Date:
Mission Brief
Your task is to decode how your device thinks. Find the hidden paths to these specific words and map out the clicks.
The Navigation Path Mapper
PINEAPPLE
SKATEBOARD
SCARY
ASTRONAUT
Analyze the Logic
Did any of these paths surprise you? Why was the word hidden there?
The "Misplaced" Word:
Find one word that you think is in the "wrong" category. Where is it? Where SHOULD it be?
Current Location:
Better Location:
System Architect Series Logic Detective // Module 01
Folder Logic Slides Lesson 01
Decoding
Device Logic
Understanding the "Why" behind the "Where" in your communication system.
The Mystery Item
🍍
The Challenge:
Before you touch your screen...
Identify three folders where this might be hiding.
Folder 1: ???
Folder 2: ???
Folder 3: ???
How Systems Are Built
Taxonomic
"The Library Logic"
Words grouped by category (Food, Places, People).
Easy to predict if you know the group.
Semantic Compaction
"The Icon Logic"
Words grouped by multi-meaning symbols.
Faster speed but takes more practice.
Navigating
the Labyrinth
Every word has a "Path." To become a master architect, you must know how many steps it takes to get to your most important words.
🏠
Action
🍕
A 2-Step Navigation Path
Become a Detective
Open your Logic Detective worksheet. It's time to map the paths of the most elusive words.
Start Investigation
Editing Workshop Teacher Guide My Identity Blueprint
Workshop Facilitation Guide
Sequence
System Architect
Lesson Objective
Students will draft updated personal content and master the technical skills required to edit button labels, messages, and icons on their AAC devices.
The Hook: Profile Audit
"Is your device still talking about the you from three years ago?"
Have students navigate to their 'About Me' or 'Personal' folder.
Challenge them to find one piece of information that is outdated (e.g., "I am 14" when they are 16) or missing .
Technical Prep
Unlock Edit Mode
Ensure menu-passwords or restrictions are disabled before the workshop.
Image Access
Prepare a shared folder or USB with student-selected photos if the device has a camera/storage.
Back-up First
Highly Recommended: Perform a baseline backup before students begin editing.
Workshop Steps
1. Draft
Students use the Blueprint worksheet to write out their "Message" for each button.
2. Symbol Selection
Match the text with an icon or a real photo. Discuss "Symbolism vs. Reality."
3. Live Program
Guided programming: Edit Label -> Edit Message -> Select Image -> Save.
Programming Pitfalls
The Label vs. Message Mix-up
The Issue: Students put the whole bio in the "Label" (making text tiny) or only change the label and not the "Message" (it speaks the old info).
The Fix: Label = 1-2 words. Message = The full sentence.
Image Scaling
The Issue: Photos look stretched or off-center.
The Fix: Teach students the "Zoom" or "Crop" tools inside the device editor if available.
Identity Discussion Prompts
"Does this symbol look like you? Does it represent how you feel today?"
"Who should be allowed to see your 'About Me' page? Is there private info there?"
"If you could change your device's voice to match your identity, what would it sound like?"
Extension: The "Social Key"
Challenge students to add a "Social Key" button: a quick sentence that tells new listeners how to interact with them (e.g., "Please give me 10 seconds to respond.").
Identity Blueprint Worksheet My Identity Blueprint
Programming Personal Content
Architect Name
Project Goal
Redesign your personal folder to reflect who you are today . Draft your new button content below before you start programming.
V.2.0
System Update
01. The Basics
Button Label (The name on the button)
The Message (What the device says)
Fun Fact / Secret Talent
02. Symbols & Media
Image Planning
Symbol Icon
Real Photo
Note: Use symbol icons for categories and real photos for specific people or pets.
Audit Checklist:
Old info removed
Correct spelling
Icon matches meaning
About Me Slides System Workshop
My Identity
Blueprint
Transitioning from a user to a designer. Program your story into your device.
The Profile Audit
Navigate to your "About Me" page right now.
Check for:
Outdated Age
Old Hobbies
Generic Symbols
Time for an upgrade
Technical Protocol: Button Editing
1
IDENTIFY
Enter "Edit Mode" and select the button you want to change.
2
DRAFT
Update the Label (what you see) and the Message (what you hear).
3
SAVE
Select an icon or photo and hit "Done" or "Save."
Representing Reality
🎨
The Symbol
Great for actions, groups, and emotions. Universal and clean.
📸
The Photo
Essential for people, pets, and unique personal objects. Clear and literal.
The Architect's Choice
"Does this image help my listener understand exactly who or what I am talking about?"
Blueprint Mode
Draft your new content on the worksheet. Don't start programming until your plan is approved by the Lead Architect (your teacher)!
Start Drafting
Vocabulary Architect Teacher Guide Building Custom Hubs
Vocabulary Architecture Guide
Sequence
System Architect
Lesson Objective
Students will design and program a custom topic page for a specific hobby or interest, applying principles of layout efficiency and vocabulary selection (Core vs. Fringe).
The Hook: The Pitch
Each student presents a 30-second "pitch" for a new page.
"I want to build a [Topic] page because right now I have to click 5 times to say [Specific Word], and that's too slow when I'm [Activity]."
Design Principles
Motor Planning
Keep 'Home' or 'Back' buttons in the same spot on every page to build muscle memory.
Fringe vs. Core
Core words (I, want, like) should stay accessible. Fringe (Joystick, Recipe, Fabric) are topic-specific.
Visual Anchors
Group related buttons by color or position (e.g., all actions on the left).
Facilitation Steps
1
Inventory List
Students brainstorm at least 12 words essential for their topic. Ensure they include nouns, verbs, and descriptors.
2
Wireframe Mockup
Using the worksheet, students map their grid. Encourage them to leave 1-2 empty spots for "Future Vocabulary."
3
The Linking Step
Crucial: Decide where the "Door" to this page will be. Usually in 'Hobbies' or 'Topics' folder.
Architectural Inspiration
Example: Gaming Hub
Verbs: Play, Spawn, Pause, Join
Nouns: Server, Controller, Level, Teammate
Social: "Good game!", "Lagging!", "Help me!"
Logic: Quick-access social phrases on the edges.
Example: Chef's Corner
Verbs: Mix, Bake, Chop, Taste
Nouns: Spatula, Oven, Ingredient, Recipe
Social: "Smells great!", "Is it ready?", "Hot!"
Logic: Sequence of actions (Chop -> Mix -> Bake).
The Programming Checklist
Create New Page (Copy existing grid size)
Link from "Hobbies" folder
Program "Back" button
Test every button speaks correctly
Wireframe Planning Worksheet Custom Page Wireframe
Topic Hub Design Phase
Phase
DESIGN
Architecture Brief
Target Topic
Entry Point (Where is the door?)
Grid Size (e.g., 8x8)
Design Tips
• Keep the "Home" button in the same spot.
• Use "Action" colors for verbs.
• Leave space for new words later!
HOME
BACK
Draw or write the button labels in the grid above
High-Value Vocabulary Inventory
Verbs (Actions)
Nouns (Things)
Social / Phrases
Descriptors
Custom Page Slides Module 03
Building
Custom Hubs
"Designing communication spaces that match your passions."
The Designer's Pitch
What part of your life is missing from your device?
🎮
Gaming
🍳
Cooking
👗
Fashion
🏀
Sports
"I need a dedicated space for this topic because standard vocabulary is too slow for real-time conversation about it."
Vocabulary Selection Strategy
Core Words
The "Glue" words you use everywhere.
I want Look More Wait Stop
Fringe Words
Special words just for your topic.
Level-up Recipe Glitch Simmer Texture
Principles of Layout
Motor Memory
Put the same buttons in the same spots every time.
Color Logic
Use colors for groups (e.g., Orange for People, Green for Verbs).
White Space
Leave empty buttons for future words you haven't discovered yet.
Wireframe Time
Use your worksheet to draw your new grid. Think about the most important words first. You are the Architect!
Start Designing
Operational Skills Teacher Guide Settings and Troubleshooting Pro
Operational Competency Teacher Guide
Sequence
System Architect
Lesson Objective
Students will demonstrate operational competence by navigating device settings to adjust volume, voice output, and access method parameters (e.g., dwell time), and perform basic troubleshooting.
The Hook: The "Broken" Device
The teacher presents a device that is "malfunctioning" in a specific way:
Scenario A: The device is speaking, but the volume is at 0%.
Scenario B: The voice is set to a completely inappropriate accent or gender.
Scenario C: The buttons respond way too slowly (dwell time set high).
Challenge: Students must direct the teacher verbally (using their own devices) on how to fix it.
Key Controls
Operational Competence
The ability to manage the technical aspects of the device (power, volume, charging).
Dwell Time
The amount of time a student must hold a button for it to activate.
Release Time
The time required between button presses to avoid accidental doubles.
Mastery Scenarios
Once students have explored the settings menu, give them these tasks to perform on their own devices:
Task 1: The Crowd
"You are in a noisy hallway. Find and maximize the internal and speaker volume."
Task 2: The Identity
"Sample three different voices and choose the one that feels most like 'you'."
Task 3: The Efficiency
"Adjust your 'Selection Time' or 'Dwell Time' to find your fastest accurate speed."
Task 4: The Battery
"Find the battery percentage. If it's below 50%, find the low-power mode if available."
Troubleshooting Simulation Guide
"Why won't it talk?" — A Logic Chain
Guide students through this sequence when the device is silent:
1. Hardware Volume Buttons
2. Software Mute Switch
3. Bluetooth (External Speaker)
Discussion: The Power of Independence
"How does it feel to ask someone else to turn your volume up? How does it feel to do it yourself?"
Focus the conversation on Advocacy . Knowing how to fix your device is a form of self-advocacy. If the device is broken, the student is "voiceless" until it is fixed.
Common Misconception
Misconception: Troubleshooting is only for adults/teachers.
11th-grade students are capable of most operational tasks. The goal is to shift the teacher's role to a "consultant" rather than a "fixer." If a student comes with a "broken" device, ask: "What have you checked already?"
Device Troubleshooter Checklist Device Health Checklist
Operational Independence Protocol
System Owner
Phase 1: Quick Fixes
Always check these three things first if your device isn't working.
1
POWER
Is the battery charged? Is the screen on?
2
VOLUME
Check buttons AND software settings.
3
RESTART
Turn it off and back on again.
Bluetooth Status
If you use an external speaker, check if the Bluetooth icon is glowing.
The Settings Audit
Voice Selection
I have chosen a voice that matches my age and identity.
Brightness/Eye Strain
Screen is bright enough for outside use but doesn't hurt my eyes.
Selection Timing
I have adjusted my "Dwell Time" or "Scan Speed" for maximum efficiency.
Menu Restrictions
I know the password to get into the settings (or who to ask for it).
System Architect Series Operational Competency // Module 04
Settings Mastery Slides Mastery Protocol 04
Settings &
Troubleshoot
Taking total ownership of your communication hardware. Never be voiceless again.
The Silent Mystery
You press a button. Nothing happens.
Is it Powered?
Is it Muted?
Is Bluetooth On?
"A System Architect is also a System Repairman. You need to know your device's weak spots."
The Mastery Keys
Voice
Accents, speed, pitch, and identity. Does it sound like you?
Access
Dwell time and scan speed. Find the balance between speed and accuracy.
Display
Brightness and high-contrast modes. Can you see it in the sun?
Fix My Device
Your teacher's device has a mystery bug. Use your skills to help them fix it!
Mastery Requirement
"Explain the fix step-by-step using your own vocabulary."
Independent Pro
Grab the Device Health Checklist. It's time to audit your system settings and become the expert.
Start Audit
Maintenance Pro Teacher Guide The Communication Vault
Data Preservation Teacher Guide
Sequence
System Architect
Lesson Objective
Students will master the technical steps to back up their personalized vocabulary files and perform a final system audit to ensure all navigation paths and buttons are functional.
The Hook: The Lost Voice
"Imagine your device fell into a lake today. Everything is gone. What is the one word or page you would miss the most?"
Lead a discussion on the hours of work they put into their 'About Me' and 'Custom Hub' pages. Explain that a backup is like an "Insurance Policy" for their voice.
The "Vault" Log
Before finishing, students should document:
Date of Backup
Software Version
Backup Location (Cloud/USB)
The Final System Audit
Students should perform a "Peer Audit" or "Partner Check" using these steps:
Broken Link Check: Does every "Folder" button actually open a folder?
Audio Check: Do the new custom buttons speak the correct message?
The "Escape" Check: Does every page have a working "Back" or "Home" button?
Backup Procedures by Platform
iOS Apps (TouchChat, Proloquo, etc)
1. Menu -> Edit Vocabulary -> Library
2. Select User Vocabulary -> Menu
3. Export/Check In -> Dropbox/Google Drive/AirDrop
4. Confirm "Upload Successful"
Dedicated Hardware (Accent, NovaChat)
1. Menu -> Settings -> System -> Backup
2. Insert USB Drive
3. Select "Full System Backup"
4. Eject USB safely
System Architect Certification
At the end of this lesson, present students with a "System Architect" certificate (optional) or a symbolic reward. They have moved from being assigned a voice to owning and protecting it.
Logic Analyzed
Identity Programmed
Custom Hubs Built
Data Secured
System Ownership Reflection The Vault Reflection
System Architecture: Final Certification
Status
MASTERED
01. The Design Review
What is your favorite button or page that you created during this unit?
How does your device "think" more like you now than it did before?
What is one thing you still want to change or add in the future?
Backup Log
Record your backup details here. Keep this as proof of your operational mastery.
Backup Date
________/________/ 2026
Storage Method
USB Drive
Cloud
File Name
User_Area_Backup_V1
Final Architect Signature
System Architect Series Final System Audit // Module 05
Backup Protocol Slides Final Protocol 05
The
Vault
"Securing your voice for the future. You are now a System Architect."
What's At Stake?
Think about the hours you've spent:
Programming your Bio
Designing your Hubs
Tuning your Settings
One crash...
...could erase it all. Unless you have the Master Key.
Backing Up: Step-by-Step
1
Export
Find the "Library" or "System Settings" to export your user area.
2
Transport
Move the file to the Cloud (Drive/Dropbox) or a USB Drive.
3
Verify
Confirm the file is saved and Log it in your worksheet.
Final System Audit
Partner Check
"Try to find a broken link or a button that doesn't talk. Be the ultimate quality tester!"
Home Check
"Can you get back to the home screen from every single page? No getting lost allowed!"
Mission Accomplished
You are no longer just a user of your device. You are the System Architect. Your voice is yours to design, grow, and protect.
Vault Secured