A user-friendly innovation
“Despite the expectations of having a robot in your lecture, I found the robot very user-friendly. With the person remotely controlling the robot's movements, I could dedicate my attention to the workshop's content and participants, instead of constantly looking at my Zoom chat to see if the person remotely sent a message or if they can still see the room or PowerPoint clearly," Selin remarks. “This makes sure the person on the other side of the world is engaging with the lecture, and it makes it easier for me as an educator to give my training.”
The robot's mobility, able to roam through the lecture hall and engage with various elements, introduces a new sort of flexibility that elevates the overall teaching experience.
Use in various contexts
Not only teachers, but also the Rector Magnificus of VU Amsterdam, Jeroen Geurts, experimented with the robot. During a recent SKO meeting, the robot was used, enabling the rector to participate remotely. This technological approach to virtual participation brought a unique dynamic, with the light and easily movable robot effectively capturing the participants' attention.
Jasper ter Schegget, educational developer at UVA, noted that while it is essentially a regular video call, the robot's ability to turn and move towards speakers facilitates a more active and engaging participation. This opens up interesting possibilities for various occasions where virtual presence is desired.
The future of robotics in education
“This tech experience has inspired me to explore more technological tools in education. I can imagine a future where technological innovations, such as these robots, seamlessly integrate into educational practices. Becoming allies for educators. I encourage my fellow educators to embrace these tools, recognizing their potential to keep on innovating the educational landscape,” Selin emphasizes.
As Selin and other education professionals continue to experiment with the possibilities that robots and other technologies bring to education, this hands-on experience highlights the positive impact and accessibility of integrating technology into teaching methods.
Want to use the robot in your education, or just check it out? Contact onderwijswerkplaats@vu.nl for more information.
