Telepresence robot mediated classroom interaction

2021-2026
Telepresence robot mediated embodied interaction in hybrid language learning environments
Principal Investigator: Teppo Jakonen (University of Turku, Finland)
Collaborators: Olcay Sert (MIND Research Group, Mälardalen University), Heidi Jauni (Tampere University)
Funded by Academy of Finland

Telepresence robot in a classroom

This project studies how telepresence robots can be used to support participation in classroom education at a distance. Telepresence robots are remote-controlled moveable devices with videoconferencing capabilities. The project analyses video-recorded language lessons from higher education classrooms in which one or more distance students participate alongside face-to-face students by operating a telepresence robot remotely. The analysis employs multimodal conversation analytic methodology and focuses on how the ability for remote movement is used as a resource for interaction and participation. The results can help establish a clearer picture of the possibilities of telepresence technologies in supporting participation across distance and in increasing equality of access to education for vulnerable groups such as homebound or hospitalized students.
For more information: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/faculty-of-humanities/school-of-languages-and-translation-studies/research

Publications

Jakonen, T., Jauni, H. & Sert, O. (2025). Achieving joint attention and understanding of task responsibilities in synchronous hybrid L2 classroom group work. Applied Linguistics. 46(2), 211-229. 10.1093/applin/amae017

Presentations

Jakonen, T. & Sert, O. (2023). Accommodating interactional practices to technological affordances: learning to use a telepresence robot’s zoom function. The 7th Nordic Interdisciplinary Conference on Discourse and Interaction, 15-17 November 2023, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.

Jakonen, T. & Sert, O. (2023). The visual space and achievement of joint attention in robot-mediated L2 group work. International Conference on Conversation Analysis (ICCA2023), 26 June-2 July 2023, Brisbane, Australia.

Jakonen, T., Jauni, H. & Sert, O. (2022). Achieving joint attention and understanding of task responsibilities in robot-mediated L2 classroom group work. ICOP L2. 8-9 September 2022, Barcelona, Spain.

Jakonen, T., Jauni, H. & Sert, O. (2022). Achieving joint attention in robot-mediated L2 group work. At the crossroads of artefacts, technologies, and pedagogies: Interactional pathways for learning and teaching (Symposium organized by MIND Research Group). 15 June 2022, Mälardalen University, Västerås.