Professional Development
Teachscape Partners with Swivl on Video Professional Development
Teachscape, a company that provides resources for classroom observation and
professional development, has partnered with video and robotics company Swivl in an
effort to provide more effective video-based professional development.
"Through the partnership, educators can use the Swivl Robot, in conjunction with their mobile devices, to capture classroom videos of
their own instructional practices and then upload them to the Teachscape Effectiveness Platform to receive meaningful feedback, engage in
self-reflection and collaborate and share best practices with their colleagues," according to a news release.
Swivl allows teachers to attach a smartphone or tablet to the Swivl robot, which then tracks and follows them to record as they interact
with students and move around the classroom.
"We are committed to providing schools and districts with the most robust resources to help improve teaching practices and, ultimately,
student achievement," said Andrew Morrison, CEO of Teachscape, in a prepared statement. "Our partnership with Swivl further advances this goal
by providing educators at all levels — from teaching candidates to experienced educators — with better video of their own classroom practices
so that they can engage in more meaningful self-reflection and evidence-based professional development."
"These technologies have been an asset in allowing our coaches, evaluators and teachers to work together to improve professional practice,"
said Andrew McKenzie, teacher incentive fund project manager of Fort Worth
Independent School District, in a news release.
About the Author
Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at jbolkan@gmail.com.