Telepresence robot mediated embodied interaction in hybrid language learning environments

Principal Investigator: Teppo Jakonen (University of Turku, Finland)

Project description

This project studies how telepresence robots can be used to support participation in classroom education at a distance. Telepresence robots are remote-controlled moveable devices with videoconferencing capabilities. The project analyses video-recorded language lessons from higher education classrooms in which one or more distance students participate alongside face-to-face students by operating a telepresence robot remotely. The analysis employs multimodal conversation analytic methodology and focuses on how the ability for remote movement is used as a resource for interaction and participation. The results can help establish a clearer picture of the possibilities of telepresence technologies in supporting participation across distance and in increasing equality of access to education for vulnerable groups such as homebound or hospitalized students.

Purpose

This project studies how telepresence robots can be used to support participation in classroom education at a distance.

Project goals

• To analyze the ways the ability for remote movement is used as a resource for interaction and participation.
• To reveal the potential of telepresence technologies in increasing equality of access to education for vulnerable groups.

Activities

Data analysis sessions, conference presentations, various forms of academic dissemination.