Loomo the assessor

Loomo a walking talking robot?

When I introduced Loomo to my class he stole the show it was one of those WOW moments, students didn't know what to make of him but were very intrigued by the two-wheeled machine following me. Suddenly, there was a buzz in the room with students firing all sorts of questions. can it do this? cant it do that? It doesn't matter what age you are a robot always captures the imagination.

Loomo has some key features that make it ideal for assessments and observations. The built in camera has a targeting option. When a target is set Loomo will focus the camera on the person and track their every movement which can be recorded. The second feature is the follow option in this mode Loomo will track and follow the person keeping a safe distance from the person and other objects. When Loomo is unable to follow he lets you know by saying I can't see you. The third option is the fun element you can ride it like a Segway my favourite option.

We carried out two assessments with Loomo observing my student Lovepreet. One with the built-in camera and the second with the 360 camera fitted to a rig attached to Loomo.

Loomo's built camera is approximately 40cm high from the floor and the workbench is 90cm high which made it impossible to see or record student's work on the workbench.

To allow us to record above the workbench I constructed a rig in a time-honored traditional way of the A-Team using what's available at the time. In this case plastic pipe, tape and cable ties.

Voila, something to mount the 360 camera on.

With all new technology, there will be some teething issues. Remember this a Segway which is designed for recreational use, not for education. Loomo design and apps have made it possible to use it in education for assessments, observations and record evidence of learner's work.