VGo

     What is VGo? - VGo is a fantastic device which allows students to participate in classroom activities even when they are unable to attend school due to chronic or short-term illnesses or disabilities. It is a device that essentially looks like a slender robot with a screen at the top. On that screen, students are able to project themselves via a webcam-esque projection. This device is being used so that students receive the social interaction and full classroom experience from home. This is important for both long-term and short-term homebound students. For short-term students, it is extremely upsetting to experience an injury or illness and be stuck at home (which they are not used to). It makes recovery even more depressing when they can't see their friends. With VGo, these students don't have to feel like their routine has been ruined and can keep a positive attitude which is sure to help them in their recovery. For long-term students, there is a risk that they will never really develop social skills if they are unable to attend classes and have to rely on a homebound teacher coming to their house for a few hours and zero interaction with peers. With VGo, these students can actually have a full school experience. Check out the video below showing VGo's use in a classroom:

     VGo for the Classroom Includes..
1) VGo robot with wifi
2) VGo New Manager (software)

3) Battery (6 hour)
4) Power Cord
5) 1 year hardware warranty
6) Phone and e-mail desk support
7) Reusable Shipping Box

Is it feasible? - From what I have gathered, the VGo for the classroom costs about 6 or 7 thousand dollars and requires about $1,200 for yearly maintenance. For convenience, it is beneficial to upgrade to a 12 hour battery for an extra $200. It must be charged daily and there are software updates. I would also highly suggest not allowing a student to 'walk to class' in a crowded secondary school hallway for sake of taking care of the VGo. The feasibility of the VGo really depends on its purpose and its lifespan. I cannot find any information for how long the VGo usually holds up. If for many years, it could definitely be worth it, but I wonder if this is the case. As far as cost for home-bound services, it really depends on the school's policy on home-bound. A school can send a teacher out for as little as 5 hours per week at the secondary level. Let's say that the school does the bare minimum and pays the teacher $25 per hour. This would only cost $125 per week. There is no way that short-term home-bound student cost would come close to the cost of a VGo. If a school knows that they will have a long-term home-bound student for multiple years and the VGo lasts for several years, then it would be financially sound to do such a thing. It really all depends on your funding sources and attitudes of your board members. When I become principal, I would love to look out for my students and offer such an awesome classroom experience for students who otherwise wouldn't have a chance to interact with their peers. However, I realize the financial constraints that exist and I can only hope that VGo becomes more affordable in the future.