Share Paper: Using Telepresence Robots for Hybrid Learning – Almost Like Being There

  1. Karen Hickenbottom, Seattle Pacific University, United States
  2. David Wicks, Seattle Pacific University, United States
Wednesday, October 5 3:15-3:30 PM Room 2

Abstract: This exploratory study examined telepresence robots' role in helping remote students perceive a sense of embodiment, social presence, and engagement in a hybrid classroom. The study used a convenience sample of four undergraduate courses with two instructors and 69 total students, 43 in-person and 26 remote. Eight Ohmnilabs telepresence robots were interspersed within a classroom. Remote students participated in class by signing into a robot, giving them some autonomy of where their robot body was located in the physical classroom. At the end of the term, students were surveyed using the Telepresence and Engagement Measurement Scale (TEMS) and provided written ...