Robots give online students seat in class
WELCOME to the classroom of the future, where robots could outnumber students.
With distance education becoming more desired by students, University of Southern Queensland head of school professor Stephen Winn said it was only a matter of time before technologies such as telepresence robots were completely integrated into classrooms to solve challenges in online engagement.
Mr Winn recently road-tested a Kubi Telepresence Robot with students in remote and rural areas, as part of the USQ Technology Demonstrator Project.
Another demonstration will take place at the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association State Conference at St George.
The project is an initiative that started in 2015 to help academics discover and explore the capability and potential of innovative technologies in a learning and teaching context.
Kubi is a device that combines the video conferencing features of a tablet with a robotic cradle that allows the user to look around using pan and tilt controls enabling remote and virtual interaction.
Professor Winn said the telepresence robot helped enhance remote learners’ educational experience through connectivity and engagement.
“It shows how as a regional university we’re able to bridge that distance gap using devices that provide teaching staff an opportunity to interact with students through peer-to-peer learning like never before,” he said.
“Simply, the Kubi Telepresence Robot can be that virtual student, at the desk, in the classroom.”
Other exciting technologies to be trialled soon include VFairs, ClaroRead and iSee.