VGo

The VGo Robot is a unique, robot that actually takes the place of a person. I feel that kids have wanted this for years-something that could go to school for them. This type of technology has a pertinent place in education. School systems are using this technology for home bound or hospital bound students. Students are able to drive the robot through the school interacting with peers, attending all classes, and ultimately, making them feel like they are still a part of the student body. Students are also receiving the same instruction as their peers. I also see this being beneficial in colleges in cases where the professor cannot attend the class.

In order to use and maintain the robot, the user must have an iPad or computer. Then, you must also have Wifi or Verizon LTE. The robots cost approximately $6,800 depending on how many you purchase at a time. This is a high price for a school system so it would need to be determined if parents, school, or system is responsible to pay. In addition to purchasing the tools, someone would have to be responsible for the robot(s) at school. Although, the student or teacher controls the robot he or she is not physically present so the robot must be stored somewhere when not in use.

I do like the idea of using the robot over video conferencing because the student is responsible for going from place to place and is able to see his or her peers. With video conferencing, each teacher must start or answer a session with a student. The technology is definitely practical, but due to high costs and typically few home bound students a time, I do not think we will see a large presence of these just yet.