thereNow

Innovative Technology for Classroom Observation

thereNow

Innovative Technology for Classroom Observation

R. Shawn Edmondson, Ph.D.CEO, thereNow LLCwww.therenow.net

R. Shawn Edmondson, Ph.D.CEO, thereNow LLCwww.therenow.net

Why classroom observation?

•The reliability and validity of self-report data on teacher practice is questionable. (Mayer, 1999)

•Observation is the gold standard. (Rowann & Correnti, 2009)

•Observation has been a measurement tool in education for 30+ years. (Gage & Needels, 1989)

Challenges to classroom

observation

•Observation requires either trained observers or videographers.

•Therefore, observation is extremely expensive.

•Sampling reduces the expense...

•But the extreme variability of teaching activities requires impractical sampling rates.

(Rowan & Correnti, 2009)

Using technology forclassroom

observation: key issues

•Privacy, legality, security, psychology of observation

•Hardware: portable, easy, unobtrusive, affordable

•Networking: bandwidth, IT coordination

•Video coding and annotation tools

•Video management: security, storage, dissemination

IRIS Connect

• Developed 2007-2009 via IES Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant.

• Remote, synchronous observation

• 360° pan, floor-to-ceiling tilt, 48x zoom

• Adjustable, collapsable stand

• 2 wireless microphones; 2-way communication

• Web application: coding, annotation, sharing

Where is IRIS Connect?

•95 schools

•36 school districts

•10 universities

•3 countries: USA, UK, China

•4 large research studies

•20+ pending grant applications that include IRIS Connect

Use Case:

University of MichiganInstitute for Social Research

•14 IRIS Connect systems; 2 year study

•Atlanta, GA and New York City

•Will capture videos from 1,800 classrooms

IRIS ConnectDemonstration

Video

What’s Next?

Contact:

R. Shawn Edmondson, Ph.D.CEO, thereNow LLC

www.thereNow.netshawn@thereNow.net

435-760-4310