Abstract
One of the key challenges in today’s digital learning environment is how learners can learn collaboratively in a cyber-physical environment where some learners are physically in class while others are online. This thesis shares some of our initial findings in using a cyber-physical telepresence robot for a cyber-physical learning environment. Our results show how user engagement in terms of collaborative learning and learning intimacy can be better achieved through the proposed cyber-physical telepresence robot. The results are analyzed by comparing our developed system with the currently available commercial video conferencing (VC) mode of delivery such as Zoom or Microsoft (MS) Teams. In addition, the key considerations and perspectives from learners and instructors including user experience and interface of the developed design thinking approach for cyber-physical learning are shared. In conclusion and considering the research direction, a contextualized cyber-physical learning framework and pedagogical guides will also be presented in this thesis, as well as other possible plans for future research.