Teaching and learning with telepresence

Teaching and learning with telepresence Ensuring every student is known, valued and cared for with the power of technology

What is telepresence?

Telepresence is a means for people to be present in a different location from where they are physically located, utilising the power of technology.

For schools, telepresence is a ground-breaking way for students to continue to attend school when they are physically unable to do so as a result of ill-health or other issues. Students can dial in to a telepresence robot that is inside their classroom from a phone, tablet or computer, from any location.

And, unlike an online video call such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, students can move the telepresence robot around, giving them autonomy over where they are, who they talk to and what they can see and hear.

How could telepresence look in your classroom?

Think of a telepresence robot as being like another student in the classroom. The student will have access to a range of learning experiences, and can move, speak, listen and share with their class.

A telepresence robot doesn’t need a special place in the classroom. It is just like another student and takes their place at a desk, or as part of a learning circle.

Also, for students who have been away for extended periods of time, a telepresence robot is an ideal way to help them transition back to the classroom.

It normalises their presence with other students, allowing for any changes in appearance and assists in getting them up to speed with content and classwork.

Why would you use telepresence?

Teaching and learning with telepresence With the power of telepresence, students can dial in

Students suffering from a chronic or long-

to the classroom for part or all of the day. They can

term illness, or other issues that prevent them

take part in lessons or connect with their teacher

from attending school, can have an ongoing

for lesson instructions and feedback in real time,

presence at school via a telepresence robot.

remaining connected to both their peers and their

This enables students to stay connected with

learning experience. This saves teachers time and

their friends, classmates and teachers, and

ensures the student has access to the same learning

experience continuity of learning in real time.

opportunities as their peers.

Teachers, guest speakers, experts and

It is recommended to work with the student, parents,

dignitaries from across the world are also able

teachers and your learning support team (LST), to

to dial in to a telepresence robot from any

develop a telepresence plan that will work for the

location, enhancing learning opportunities

student. This will help them remain connected and

and bringing the world to the classroom!

allow access to their education, while also being considerate of their situation and needs.

Top tips for incorporating telepresence into the classroom

Possible classroom activities to get started and your students oriented

X Make sure there are clear pathways

Why not develop a treasure hunt or maze for

around your classroom to enable

students to navigate? This will get them used to

the robot to move freely.

driving the robot and normalise having the robot in

X Work with your LST to develop a basic

the classroom.

risk management plan to suit your

If your school already has a robot, consider

environment.

incorporating the robot into school activities such as

X If students are fatigued from their illness, or undergoing treatment, they may only be able to dial in for brief periods at a time.

orientations and assemblies, so the robot’s purpose is clear, and its presence is accepted and embraced by all members of the school community.

But this is still a great way for students to

Consider starting slowly with five or ten minute

remain connected and feel valued, even for

sessions, where students can chat with their

just five minutes each day.

classmates and the class can provide an update. This

X Be agile with telepresence. Allow for technology challenges, changes in the

can be during ‘morning circle,’ ‘news’ or ‘roll call’ – and can be extended from there.

school day and changes in the student’s circumstances.

X If multiple students are using the telepresence robot to dial in at different times, allow enough time in between

Tip: have the principal dial in first and make a spontaneous visit to the classroom to get students engaged with the telepresence robot and help them adjust to the experience.

sessions for the robot to be relocated and for sessions to be extended if needed.

When is telepresence right?

Telepresence is a great way for students to feel connected, but remember to consider the needs of each individual student, and consult with your LST to plan the range of technologies and adjustments to support the delivery of teaching and learning.

Top tips for dialling in

Frequently asked questions

X Encourage students to be in a quiet place without distractions X Ensure students consider their background as this will be visible X Suggest the student let members of their household know when they are dialling in X Recommend the student use headphones so the conversation with the class is private X Encourage the student to dial in on a phone or a tablet as a secondary device, so that a laptop, workbook or other device can be used for classwork.

Tips for introducing telepresence to your school community

How do students dial in?

Students will need an internet connected phone, tablet or computer to dial in. In most cases, a web link is shared so all students need to do is click and connect.

Can a telepresence session be recorded?

Within most telepresence programs, the video session is not able to be recorded.

How many people can dial in at once?

Most telepresence technology operates like a 1:1 online video meeting where only one person can dial in at a time.

Consider having the robot at a parent teacher

How do I move the telepresence robot around?

night or organise a parent information session

Controlling the robot is simple – think of it just

specifically about the benefits of a telepresence robot and how they work. You could even send a letter to your school community announcing the arrival of the telepresence robot.

like playing a video game, using either arrows on the screen or arrow keys on the keyboard to move the robot around.

How do I care for the robot?

Departmental guidelines

Most telepresence robots have a battery life of

To get answers to common questions

the robot will need to be charged at the end of

about using live video with students and to read the full departmental guidelines to inform your use of telepresence technology, go here: edu.nsw.link/LiveVideoGuidelines.

more than four hours to last a full day. However, each day, and stored in a secure place out of sight, such as the staffroom or a storage cupboard.

Tip: make sure the robot is stored near a power point to make charging easy.

Extra links and resources Are you interested or do you have the need for a telepresence robot in your school? If so, contact the T4L team at edu.nsw.link/TelepresenceSupport.

Please note: The telepresence project is still in its infancy, and as such we may not be

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able to fulfil every request, but we do hope to grow the program as demand increases.

edu.nsw.link/T&LWithTelepresence

See the impact of telepresence in action edu.nsw.link/Impact_of_Telepresence Information compiled in collaboration with The Hospital School at Westmead.