Telepresence robots: A new model for public administration course delivery. (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rinfret, Sara R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of public affairs education. Volume 26:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 380
• Page End: 390
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• Subjects: Telepresence robot -- course delivery -- access to education -- rural -- western state; Public administration -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Study and teaching; Public administration -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; 351
• DOI: 10.1080/15236803.2020.1744798
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1523-6803

Abstract

ABSTRACT: An integral part of a public affairs education is our ability as educators to adapt and respond to the skills needed for a diverse and changing workforce. Historically, public administration programs have been responsive to an ever-changing workforce by the way we deliver curriculum (e.g., face to face, online, hybrid). This paper invites us to consider a shift in our thinking about course delivery and questions how we can provide an immersive learning experience for our fully online students. In this paper, I suggest Master of Public Administration programs (MPA) should consider the use of telepresence robots so fully online students can also experience a more immersive learning environment. Documenting 20 student experiences in a rural, Western state, this research offers the rich potential for us to rethink the future of public administration course delivery and offer an additional access point for education.