Telepresence robots: A new model for public administration course delivery

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.

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