Navigating the Cyborg Classroom: Telepresence Robots, Accessibility Challenges, and Inclusivity in the Classroom

IF 2.5 Q3 COMPUTER SCIENCE, INTERDISCIPLINARY APPLICATIONS

ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing Pub Date : 2024-06-14 DOI:10.1145/3672569

Houda Elmimouni, Selma Šabanović, Jennifer Rode

引用次数: 0

Abstract

Telepresence robots, designed to bridge physical distances, have unique capabilities and inherent limitations when deployed in classroom environments. This study examines these aspects, focusing on how telepresence robots facilitate or hinder classroom accessibility and inclusivity. Based on field study results from participatory observations, surveys and interviews with 22 participants, we present and catalogue the operational capabilities of telepresence robots, such as mobility and interaction potential, alongside their limitations in areas like sensory perception and social presence. Our findings reveal a nuanced landscape where telepresence robots act as both enablers and barriers in the classroom. This duality raises the question of whether these robots can be considered “disabled” in certain contexts and how this perceived disability impacts remote students’ inclusion in classroom dynamics. Finally, we present use recommendations to improve classroom experience and telepresence design.

查看原文本刊更多论文

驾驭机器人课堂：网真机器人、无障碍挑战和课堂包容性

网真机器人旨在消除物理距离，在教室环境中使用时具有独特的功能和固有的局限性。本研究探讨了这些方面，重点是网真机器人如何促进或阻碍课堂无障碍和包容性。根据对 22 名参与者进行的参与式观察、调查和访谈所得出的实地研究结果，我们介绍了网真机器人的操作能力（如移动性和互动潜力）及其在感官感知和社会存在等方面的局限性，并对其进行了分类。我们的研究结果表明，在课堂上，网真机器人既是推动者，也是障碍者。这种双重性提出了这样一个问题：在某些情况下，这些机器人是否会被视为 "残疾"，以及这种被认为的残疾会如何影响远程学生融入课堂的积极性。最后，我们提出了使用建议，以改善课堂体验和网真设计。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

求助全文

约1分钟内获得全文求助全文

来源期刊

ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing COMPUTER SCIENCE, INTERDISCIPLINARY APPLICATIONS-

CiteScore

6.20

自引率

8.30%

发文量

期刊介绍： Computer and information technologies have re-designed the way modern society operates. Their widespread use poses both opportunities and challenges for people who experience various disabilities including age-related disabilities. That is, while there are new avenues to assist individuals with disabilities and provide tools and resources to alleviate the traditional barriers encountered by these individuals, in many cases the technology itself presents barriers to use. ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing (TACCESS) is a quarterly peer-reviewed journal that publishes refereed articles addressing issues of computing that seek to address barriers to access, either creating new solutions or providing for the more inclusive design of technology to provide access for individuals with diverse abilities. The journal provides a technical forum for disseminating innovative research that covers either applications of computing and information technologies to provide assistive systems or inclusive technologies for individuals with disabilities. Some examples are web accessibility for those with visual impairments and blindness as well as web search explorations for those with limited cognitive abilities, technologies to address stroke rehabilitation or dementia care, language support systems deaf signers or those with limited language abilities, and input systems for individuals with limited ability to control traditional mouse and keyboard systems. The journal is of particular interest to SIGACCESS members and delegates to its affiliated conference (i.e., ASSETS) as well as other international accessibility conferences. It serves as a forum for discussions and information exchange between researchers, clinicians, and educators; including rehabilitation personnel who administer assistive technologies; and policy makers concerned with equitable access to information technologies.