Educators’ views on telepresence robots in teaching

Abstract

Remote persons can be represented by telepresence robots (TRs) located at another location and be facilitated in their audio-visual communication with other persons and the surroundings at that location. TRs are used in diverse fields including education. However, most of the previous studies have explored particular instances of introducing TRs in education. The present study aims to bring together the viewpoints of educators from different countries and educational institutes. The partners of the Erasmus+ project “TRinE: Telepresence Robots in Education” conducted interviews and focus groups among 46 educators (10 university professors and 36 high school teachers) in Austria, France, Germany, Iceland, and Malta. Findings indicated that educators appreciated that a remote student using a TR can feel and being felt present as well as move around in the class and the school. TRs enhance inclusiveness since the remote user can be an ill student or anyone at a remote location. The educators mentioned TRs’ weaknesses such as their unstable Wi-Fi connectivity and poor audio video quality. They also pointed out challenges concerning privacy issues, loss of Wi-Fi connectivity, noisy environments and obstacles along the way as the TR moves (elevators, doors, stairs, etc.). Finally, the educators recommended that TRs’ manufacturers build more user friendly, visible, and accessible TRs as well as educational institutes apply effective TRs management procedures.