Success Factors for the Social Inclusion and School Belonging of Children and Adolescents with Chronic Health Conditions Using Telepresence Robots
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7146/ejie.v5i1.150150Keywords:
sense of belonging, social inclusion, telepresence robots, school absenteeism, chronic health conditionsAbstract
Belonging is a basic human need and one of the central factors of well-being for children and adolescents in everyday school life. In times of severe illness, pupils may be absent for extended periods of time, which can lead to several negative consequences, such as social isolation. To support pupils’ sense of belonging among classmates and teachers, telepresence robots like the Avatar AV1 have been considered a means to prevent academic, social, and emotional issues arising from absenteeism by allowing pupils to participate in class. The aim of this research was to identify the effects of using the Avatar AV1 on school participation and feelings of social isolation and belonging of children with chronic illnesses. The research project investigated the school participation, social inclusion, and well-being of children and adolescents with chronic health conditions through two studies (qualitative and quantitative). The qualitative study consisted of interviews conducted with users, parents, teachers, and classmates. The interview data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The quantitative study measured the user behaviour of children and adolescents with chronic health conditions using Avatar AV1, as well as pupils’ sense of school belonging and participation. The data from both studies were contrasted to gain an understanding of the experience of using a telepresence robot. Key success criteria, as well as moderating factors, were identified and presented for discussion in this paper.
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