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Strategy

Orbit Reader 20: Editing Basics

This article will focus on editing basics of selecting, cutting, and copying text.

In the first article in this series, we introduced the layout of the Orbit Reader and proceeded into the basic menu structure.  In the second article, we focused mainly on the file structure.  In the third installment, we explored reading and working in files loaded onto the Orbit as well as those we may have created ourselves.  

In this fourth article, we will concentrate on editing files on the Orbit Reader.  Please note that printing and back-translating was also originally going to be addressed in this article, but it has become a topic all its own. I promise, you will be happy it is!

A Note Before We Begin

This is one of the ways that the Orbit Reader can be used in stand-mode This means that the unit does NOT need to be connexted to a computer or iOS device.  As discussed in previous posts, there are certainly advantages and disadvantages to this, which we will further explore in upcoming posts.  For now, let’s just say that editing functions on the Orbit are limited and it is not as robust as other notetakers such as the BrailleNote or BrailleSense. 

Also as mentioned previously, the Orbit does NOT have its own internal translator. In plain english, this means that when editing a file on the Orbit Reader, you are editing in a type of braille file. This means it MUST be back-translated using a program such as Duxbury or BrailleBlaster before it can be opened in Word or any other standard word processor.  

It is important to be as consistent as possible in the braille translation you are using (UEB or EBAE) and consistently use the necessary contractions to avoid back-translation issues. I personally do not recommend doing writing on the Orbit that is lengthy or needs to be submitted to a sighted teacher. Having to back-translate is often difficult and if any errors were made in braille, either typos or incorrect use of contractions. The individual doing the backtranslatation may need to repair the text and in doing so, may not “repair” it correctly. Also, as you’ve seen in the previous article, moving in the text of a file can be time consuming. 

Navigation Commands Used in Edit Mode

As you can imagine, part of writing in and editing a file on the Orbit Reader involves navigation within that file. Navigation commands are slightly different in a file that is in edit mode. 

 

Navigating Character by Character 

Navigating Word by Word

Navigating Paragraph by Paragraph 

Move to start of Paragraph

Move to End of Paragraph

Move to Top of File 

Move to Bottom of File

Save File

 

Entering and Exiting Edit Mode

As you are probably already aware, once you open a file, you are NOT automatically in edit mode. This is a good things since you or your student cannot inadvertantly make changes. 

To enter the edit mode in any unprotected file, simply press space with the letter E (dots one, five).  

To exit edit mode, press the Select key then the letter E (dots one, five) or just press the Select key twice.  

File Creation and Editing

A file can be created either inside a folder or in the “root” directory of the SD card. As long as you remember what you named it and where it is saved, it really does not matter.  

To create a file you want to edit:

Select Text

Selecting text with the Orbit requires you to set a mark to indicate the start of the text you wish to select and then move your cursor to the end of the text you want to select. Once text is “selected”, you can cut or copy it. 

Set or Remove a Mark

To set or remove a mark:

You may NOT have more than one mark in a file. If you attempt to add a second mark, your first mark will be removed.  

Working with Marked or Selected Text

Cut or Copy Text

Once text is selected using the method described above, you may cut or copy it to the clipboard.

Pasting Text

Once text is either copied or cut to the clipboard, it can be pasted.

Next Installment

The next installment of this series will focus on back-translating files and tools that make the process more streamlined.    

Resources

Want more resources?  You can view the Orbit User Guide here.  

Also, there is a YouTube playlist under development on the Orbit by yours truly (yes, I do realize that’s a pretty shameless plug).  See the video below or go to Part Five focuses on reading and working in files.

 

By Snowflake_tvi

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