Global Symbol Institute: Software On-Line And On-Demand
Gregory, A.,
NovitaTech
The Global Symbol Institute (GSI) by Unlimiter is a new concept and method of
delivery for symbol based software. It has potential to provide therapists, teachers,
families and others with easy access to create and use symbol based resources,
suitable for many people with special needs, or for those learning another language.
1.
What makes GSI different?
The traditional software delivery process is for the user to purchase a licence for a
program, either on CD or via the internet. The program is then installed on one or
more computers, and used on these systems. Upgrades must be purchased or
downloaded and installed by the users.
The Unlimiter GSI concept allows a user to purchase a subscription to the GSI
service, and then log in via the internet to use the programs. All programs and the
full symbol library are stored on the Unlimiter server. Nothing has to be installed on
the user’s computer, and any updates to the software are done at the server, so are
instantly available to all users. This allows the user to log in from any computer
anywhere in the world (provided they have a fast internet connection) and access the
GSI symbol applications, as well as to open, edit and print work previously saved in
the user’s own folder.
2.
GSI Symbol Software
Unlimiter have been producing a range of symbol based software for many years
which has been widely used in Taiwan and other Asian countries, and has recently
become available in the USA and Australia. Their programs utilize symbols to assist
with language learning and development, and have many potential uses including:

Making resources for people with delayed or impaired speech

Developing and using a computer based dynamic display communication
system

Helping switch users learn and develop scanning skills

Teaching and learning other languages.
Programs currently available via the GSI website include:
Symbol Writer – This program adds symbols to text as you type. You can use it to
create all kinds of resources augmented by symbols, such as recipes, instructions,
newsletters and more. You have a choice of symbols and language.
Symbol Translator – Type or paste text into one window, and click the arrow to see
your text translated. You can choose your input and output languages from one of
thirteen languages – including a number of Asian and European languages, Arabic
and English. (See Figure 1).
Figure 1. Example of Symbol Translator screen.
Symbol AAC - Create and use dynamic display, symbol based communication
boards. You can customise the number of cells, the type of symbols, the language
used and the dynamic linking. Once you have created the boards they can be used
by a person with a communication impairment as a training system or as an ongoing
communication system. Direct scanning or access options are built into the system.
Board Designer – create printed resources for symbol communication. Make up
schedules, calendars, multi-level communication books, or overlays for a
communication device. The program already includes a number of templates for
commonly used communication devices, and more will be added.
3.
GSI Symbols
The symbol set used in these programs has been developed over 10 years by
Unlimiter, and includes more than 4000 symbols in five different formats - simple
drawings (cartoon style) in colour or black and white, realistic drawings in colour or
black and white and an extensive photo library (see Figure 2).
Figure 2. Examples of symbol, realistic image and photo for the word “eat”
Each symbol has a corresponding sound file with a high quality digitized recording,
available in multiple languages, now including Australian English in both male and
female voices. The symbol library is continually updated, and all new symbols and
recorded speech files will be instantly available to GSI subscribers.
4.
Why use GSI?
There are a number of potential benefits for users of the GSI when compared to
traditional software delivery methods:

No need for installation of software

Access from any computer with an internet connection, anywhere, anytime.

Automatic and timely updates of software and symbols, with no effort by the
user.

Reduced cost compared to buying a suite of individual programs

Ability to share templates and completed work with others

Access to choice of symbols, drawings or photos.

Access to recorded speech files in many languages.
For some individuals and organisations, access to GSI may be limited by lack of
internet connection or by connection speed limitations, however as high speed
broadband is rapidly becoming not only available, but more affordable; this innovative
approach to software delivery will become a real option for many therapists, teachers
and people with disabilities.
5.
Conclusion
The Unlimiter Global Symbol Institute continues to be a work in progress, but
provides a fascinating example of future directions for software delivery in an
accessible, innovative and cost effective manner.