Enhancing homebound instruction: current status and potential of telepresence technology

ABSTRACT

When a student is homebound from school, they miss out on beneficial classroom experiences. One way to keep homebound students connected is through the use of telepresence technology. However, the existing literature has not been systematically reviewed to address important variables related to successful implementation. The authors conducted a systematic literature review on the use of telepresence technology for homebound K–12 students prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Twelve articles published between 1990 and 2020 were included. Research on telepresence technology in the classroom is variable regarding outcomes studied and methodologies. Anecdotal data revealed that the use of telepresence technology increased homebound students’ academic, social engagement and comfort. Implications for practitioners include feasibility of implementation of telepresence technology for students unable to physically attend classes and guidance in team structure necessary to successfully utilise telepresence. Increased funding allocated to controlled research and necessary infrastructure is essential for successful school-based implementation of telepresence technology.

KEYWORDS:

• Homebound instruction
• telepresence technology
• telepresence robots

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Eliana Rosenthal

Eliana Rosenthal is a fourth-year school psychology doctoral student at Lehigh University.

Sara R. Franklin Gillette

Sara R. Franklin Gillette is a fourth-year school psychology doctoral student at Lehigh University.

Amanda K. Nelson

Amanda K. Nelson is a fourth-year school psychology doctoral student at Lehigh University.

Minyi Shih Dennis

Minyi Shih Dennis is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the Special Education department at Lehigh University.

George J. DuPaul

George J. DuPaul is a Professor of School Psychology and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Education at Lehigh University.