PEBBLES :: History
History |
 The
elementary version consists of two systems; the classroom end of the
system is a child size, yellow device. It is the remote child's representative
in the classroom and it transmits a live audio/visual image of the
classroom to the child in the hospital. A computer in the hospital
room transmits a full-sized, live audio/visual image of the child's
face to the classroom. The student uses a video game pad to control
the classroom unit including turning the head left/right, moving the
camera up/down or zooming it in/out, and signalling the teacher by
activating a hand. The child can also see and hear what is going on
in the class and contribute fully.
Currently PEBBLES units are being used across Canada in Ottawa, London, and Toronto. Our corporate partner Telbotics acquired funding to deploy PEBBLES in the United States in 2001/2002. Placement: The Hospital
for Sick Children – Toronto, Ontario Ottawa Carleton
School Board – Ottawa, Ontario |
| Testimonials: |
| “After a day the whole class got used to having the robot here. The technology was easy…. All I had to do is turn it on, and Andrew was part of the class.” |
- Linda Merling, Teacher, Sunnyview Public School, Toronto |
| “PEBBLES has made a great difference in our lives. It has allowed our daughter Olivia to attend school on a regular basis.” |
- Madeleine Brazeau, Parent of a PEBBLES student. |
| “With the help of PEBBLES, I have noticed great changes in my daughter’s school work. She seems to be enjoying the day. She’s catching up faster now, making up for lost time. PEBBLES is the key to lost education.” |
- Father of a PEBBLES student |
| “The (PEBBLES) project proved overwhelmingly successful.” |
- H.M. Mock, B.A., M.Ed., Principal, Sunnyview Public School, Toronto |
| “It’s made being in the hospital a lot funner”. |
- User (child) of PEBBLES |
| “After a day the whole class got used to having the robot here. The technology was easy.” |
- Teacher |
| “I believe that this new technology was crucial in the improvement of (child’s) performance, both academic and social.” |
- Ontario Ministry of Education Inspector |