Scientists have developed an innovative robot that can help online students more engaged and connected to the instructor and students in the classroom. The study, published in Online Learning, found that robot learning generally benefits remote students more than traditional video conferencing, in which multiple students are displayed on a single screen. MSU's College of Education started using robot learning in 2015. Courses that combine face-to-face and online learning, called hybrid or blended learning, are widely considered the most promising approach for increasing access to higher education and students' learning outcomes. With traditional videoconferencing, remote students generally can not tell the instructor is looking at them and can get turned off from joining the discussion.

Source: Economic Times December 02, 2017 10:52 UTC