On Thursday I attended the press launch of our latest Telecare initiative. The Council has become the first local authority in Scotland to use GPS technology to train pupils who have some special needs. Its success builds on previous pioneering Telecare initiatives, which have helped hundreds of older people in the Capital remain independent in their own homes.
Traditionally some pupils being taught to self travel are done so by teachers who have to accompany them over an average eight week period as they travel from their homes to school.
However, thanks to a GPS device, the need for staff to accompany them is eliminated and training is completed a lot quicker, with teachers able to train more pupils.
The pupil carries the hand held device whilst the teacher is able to rely on the computer system to tell them the exact location of the pupil, with the added reassurance of two way communication and an SOS facility.
This initiative is terrific. It helps the user gain confidence and Independence and really opens doors for them as many people can't get college placements etc if they can't self travel.
The scope of what we can do with this technology can be widened to help maintain the independence of others such as people with dementia. All in all it is a very exciting time for our telecare team.
Traditionally some pupils being taught to self travel are done so by teachers who have to accompany them over an average eight week period as they travel from their homes to school.
However, thanks to a GPS device, the need for staff to accompany them is eliminated and training is completed a lot quicker, with teachers able to train more pupils.
The pupil carries the hand held device whilst the teacher is able to rely on the computer system to tell them the exact location of the pupil, with the added reassurance of two way communication and an SOS facility.
This initiative is terrific. It helps the user gain confidence and Independence and really opens doors for them as many people can't get college placements etc if they can't self travel.
The scope of what we can do with this technology can be widened to help maintain the independence of others such as people with dementia. All in all it is a very exciting time for our telecare team.
Original Article: http://pauledie.blogspot.com/2011/01/gps-device-helps-students-learn-to.html
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