SwitchIt! Wildlife Extra / About

SwitchIt! Wildlife Extra is an exciting new program that looks at different habitats across the world, the kind of animals that live there and their characteristics, behaviour and diet.

Now switch users can explore the African savannah, see crocodiles in an Australian swamp or see how seals live in the Arctic. Many different animals are covered, including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles and fish.

Look at the food chain — what does the hedgehog eat, and how does he avoid being eaten? Also think about camouflage and different methods of hunting for food.

Discuss issues of habitat, endangerment and animal protection. What will happen to the chimps if the bulldozer destroys all their trees?

What can frogs tell us about life cycles — and why does the male peacock look different from the female?

There are lots of computer flash cards, pictures to build and stories, all on the wildlife theme.

SwitchIt! Wildlife Extra Flash Cards

‘Flash Cards’ are single images taken from the program’s theme. They appear on screen in response to switch presses, with an additional press to hear the accompanying text spoken.

SwitchIt! Wildlife Extra Picture Builds

‘Picture Builds’ create composite pictures piece by piece, in response to switch presses. You can vary the number of presses required in order to build the complete picture. When it is complete, the user is rewarded by lots of exciting animation and sound.

SwitchIt! Wildlife Extra Stories

‘Stories’ are stepped, animated sequences that are revealed in response to switch presses. There are four-second pauses between each step, to encourage students to watch and understand the unfolding story. You can use these to discuss what the characters are doing and why.