VGo In Schools
VGo is available by using technology that I have been aware of, but I had not thought about the possibilities of using this technology for the benefit of students who are physically not able to attend school for health reasons. According to www.vgocom.com/vgo-students-special-health-needs, the VGo system replicates the physical appearance of the student at school while that student controls the robot from a computer at home. This gives the student the ability to interact with teachers and other students, not only in the classroom, but in all areas of school since the robot is mobile. Although this technology could potentially be life-altering for students who are home-bound, it is not without obstacles that could make it difficult to obtain or work properly in the school system.
The first obstacle could be the cost of the equipment. According to www.vgocom.com/how-much-does-vgo-cost, the unit begins at $3995 and could be above $6000. This price does not include many other options that would be counted as add-ons such as an extended life battery and a carrying bag. Many school systems struggle financially to provide basic educational materials. It may be difficult to allocate a large amount of funds for something that may be seen as unnecessary. Another barrier could be not having all parties involved in agreement on the benefit of using the device. According to www.vgocom.com/sites/default/files/vgohomeboundstudentwhitepaperv4_2.pdf, some educators have concerns about using the VGo, giving reasons such as the use of cameras in the classroom, it could be disruptive, the VGo student could be a target for bullying, and school network capabilities. Although many of these reasons have been discredited, there is a valid problem with network and wifi deficiencies in some schools. It would be important to make sure there is a proper wifi signal in all areas of the school where the robot would need to go.
Although there are obstacles that would have to be addressed and solved, if those issues could be resolved, this would be an amazing opportunity for a student who is isolated from peers and unable to attend school. Not only would it give them some sense of normalcy, it would be like getting a part of their life back by regaining interaction with friends and teachers. Not only could they be an interactive member of their class in an educational setting, but they could also have the social interaction that school provides outside the classroom.
www.vgocom.com/how-much-does-vgo-cost
www.vgocom.com/sites/default/files/vgohomeboundstudentwhitepaperv4_2.pdf
www.vgocom.com/vgo-students-special-health-needs
The first obstacle could be the cost of the equipment. According to www.vgocom.com/how-much-does-vgo-cost, the unit begins at $3995 and could be above $6000. This price does not include many other options that would be counted as add-ons such as an extended life battery and a carrying bag. Many school systems struggle financially to provide basic educational materials. It may be difficult to allocate a large amount of funds for something that may be seen as unnecessary. Another barrier could be not having all parties involved in agreement on the benefit of using the device. According to www.vgocom.com/sites/default/files/vgohomeboundstudentwhitepaperv4_2.pdf, some educators have concerns about using the VGo, giving reasons such as the use of cameras in the classroom, it could be disruptive, the VGo student could be a target for bullying, and school network capabilities. Although many of these reasons have been discredited, there is a valid problem with network and wifi deficiencies in some schools. It would be important to make sure there is a proper wifi signal in all areas of the school where the robot would need to go.
Although there are obstacles that would have to be addressed and solved, if those issues could be resolved, this would be an amazing opportunity for a student who is isolated from peers and unable to attend school. Not only would it give them some sense of normalcy, it would be like getting a part of their life back by regaining interaction with friends and teachers. Not only could they be an interactive member of their class in an educational setting, but they could also have the social interaction that school provides outside the classroom.
www.vgocom.com/how-much-does-vgo-cost
www.vgocom.com/sites/default/files/vgohomeboundstudentwhitepaperv4_2.pdf
www.vgocom.com/vgo-students-special-health-needs
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