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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
Sunnyview Public School – Toronto, Ontario
Bloorview
MacMillan Site – Toronto, Ontario
Ronald McDonald House
– Toronto, Ontario
Conseil scolaire
de district du Centre Sud-Ouest
French School
Board – Richmond Hill, Ontario
Ottawa Carleton
School Board – Ottawa, Ontario
York Region
School Board – Newmarket, Ontario
Clarence Creek, Ontario
London, Ontario – Amethyst Provincial and Demonstration School
Calgary
– Alberta Children’s Hospital |
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| Testimonials: |
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| “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 |
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| “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. |
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| “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 |
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| “The (PEBBLES) project proved overwhelmingly
successful.” |
- H.M. Mock, B.A., M.Ed.,
Principal, Sunnyview Public School, Toronto |
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| “It’s made being in the hospital a lot
funner”. |
- User (child) of PEBBLES |
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| “After a day the whole class got used to having
the robot here. The technology was easy.” |
- Teacher |
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| “I believe that this new technology was crucial
in the improvement of (child’s) performance, both academic and
social.” |
- Ontario Ministry of Education
Inspector |
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