Swivl video robot improves teaching, learning Published Aug. 27, 2019 By Jeff Edge 81st Training Support Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 81st Training Support Squadron Faculty Development Flight integrated the intelligent video collaboration platform, Swivl, into the enhanced basic instructor course, here, July 15. Swivl is a video robot designed to allow students to assess their own performance in the classroom, while increasing student engagement and supporting the Student-Centered Active Learning Environment with Upside-down Pedagogies learning model. Swivl gives students more ownership of their learning while reinforcing student interaction learning strategies: student-to-content, student-to-student, and student-to-instructor. Students are required to create and deliver four presentations in the basic instructor course, consisting of 10, 20 and 50 minute presentations and a 50 minute demonstration performance. Evaluators observe the presentations and provide students with feedback based on evaluation criteria outlined in the course. Students often struggle to understand and remember the feedback from one presentation to another. Through the use of Swivl, students can watch their own presentation whenever and wherever they like. Since each recording creates a unique web link, the student controls who can see it. This serves to reinforce the feedback they receive from the evaluators and adds a new perspective to the evaluation – their own. Swivl technology consists of three components: the video robot with an infrared sensor, an internet capable recording device with a camera and access to the Swivl app. The video robot is a small stationary device that can be attached to a tripod. It is designed to receive an infrared signal generated by a marker that can be worn around the users' neck. Wherever the marker goes, the robot follows. The marker has a high definition microphone so no matter how far away the robot is, the audio is clear and the presentation is easily heard. Swivl allows for unbiased formative assessments. The feedback we’ve received following the introduction of Swivl in the basic instructor course classroom has been overwhelmingly positive. Students recognize the value of being able to watch their presentation delivery and identify any areas they need to improve on. “Swivl was very useful because I was able to see what my audience saw during my presentation,” said Staff Sgt. Robin Powell, 333rd Training Squadron, information technology fundamentals instructor. “I can see how it would help to pinpoint mistakes. In my case, I feel more at ease because I didn’t look as bad as I thought. It gives me confidence.” The basic instructor course and the military training leader school are the launch pads for new instructors and military training leaders. Feedback is an integral part of developing new instructors and military training leaders and through the integration of Swivl technology, we are better equipped to hone their speaking and briefing skills while introducing them to the latest instructional technology. Due to its portability and ease of use, the applications are almost limitless. Integrating creative solutions utilizing technology designed to keep students engaged is a big part of what we do in Faculty Development. Swivl elevates the application of the SCALE-UP model while enhancing 21st century skills. This is just another example of how the 81st Training Group is leading learning innovation within the classroom and the command to develop mach-21 Airmen in Air Education and Training Command.