Today marks the start of my second week at No Isolation, and what a whirlwind it's been. I joined this organisation to make a difference in the lives of young people, especially those who are disadvantaged or isolated. So it meant the world to me that during my first week, I was able to visit schools and meet communities who are benefiting from AV1 Robots firsthand.
On Wednesday, I joined my new colleague and AV1 Ambassador Simone Isaacs on a visit to Hunters Hill Academy in Dagenham, a primary school led by forward-thinking and kind headteacher Michael Kaitell. Michael is a visionary whose main aim is to regulate children upon arrival at school, focusing on making them calm before entering the classroom. Think posters on how to stay in control of emotions, fish tanks, and therapy dogs (I won’t start on the mobile swimming pool outside!). Even as a 33-year-old adult, it's safe to say I felt regulated. Michael kindly offered to chat with me and Simone, who is our in-house expert on managing AV1 fleets, about the impact AV1 is having on Child C, who sadly cannot attend school due to a long-term illness.
Here’s how the chat went:
Simone: Can you explain the main objective of AV1 for you at Hunter’s Hall?
Michael: The key thing for us is fostering a sense of belonging. We know that belonging can significantly aid in recuperation. Child C was missing school and the associated social interactions. So, our primary aim is to address the social aspect, with the belief that learning will naturally follow.
Simone: How has the AV1 technology helped with this?
Michael: The AV1 has been pivotal. It’s enabled Child C to feel like a part of Hunter's Hall again, which is crucial for her and her family. The parents have downloaded the app on their phones, which they also use for work, so it’s very convenient. When Child C feels ready, she can interact with her classmates using the AV1. This autonomy is exactly what she wanted.
Simone: How did the staff and students respond to the new technology?
Michael: Initially, some staff were apprehensive about learning new technology, but they quickly adapted. The children were fascinated by the AV1. They named it Christopher, and it quickly became an integral part of the class. The kids were blown away, and seeing the robot in action helped alleviate Child C's worries about being seen.
Simone: What impact has this had on Child C’s social inclusion and well-being?
Michael: It’s had a very positive effect. Just hearing her voice during break times uplifts everyone. She can interact with her friends, which she hadn’t been able to do while in isolation at home or in the hospital. This connection is vital for her well-being.
Simone: Do you think this technology can be used more broadly in your school?
Michael: Definitely. While we’re currently focusing on medical reasons, there are numerous other potential applications. For instance, it could be used for behaviour management, transitions, and even internal exclusions. The possibilities are endless.
Simone: How does the AV1 compare to platforms like Teams or Zoom?
Michael: It’s far more personal. The AV1 allows for movement and interaction that you can’t get from a screen. It brings a different level of engagement, especially in informal settings like the playground or dinner hall.
Simone: Are there any concerns regarding security?
Michael: The AV1 is very secure. We’ve generated several keywords for quick access, which is a security feature you don’t get with platforms like Teams. This ensures a safe environment for the children.
Simone: Any final thoughts?
Michael: I'm just excited to see where we go with it. We're working on social belonging and will next use it for lessons. It's about doing the right thing for children. It’s the missing piece.
The AV1 technology at Hunters Hill Academy isn’t just transforming classrooms; it’s bringing a touch of sci-fi charm to school life. Hearing kids name their school robot “Christopher” and seeing it become part of daily routines has been both heartwarming and a bit surreal—like watching a friendly robot takeover in action!
As I finish up my second week at No Isolation, I’m excited to see how this technology continues to shape the future of education, one robot at a time.
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