Robotic telepresence

From his office in the Beverly Taylor Sorenson Arts and Education Complex, Aaron Fischer, assistant professor of school psychology, works with teachers, administrators and young students more than 300 miles away at Crimson View Elementary in St. George, Utah. He doesn’t use Skype or FaceTime, he interacts through a robot that resembles an iPad on a small Segway located inside the classroom. Known as telepresence technology, it allows Fischer to observe, interact, engage and intervene as if he were actually there in-person. He can steer the device to follow teachers around the classroom and adjust to eye level to speak to students, making him an active participant in the classroom. Importantly, it is FERPA and HIPPA compliant unlike many other teleconferencing systems. Fischer plans to expand the program to Alpine, Canyons and Garfield school districts next year and more schools in Washington County School District.

Aaron Fischer | 801-587-1842 | aaron.fischer@utah.edu