This semester, the University of Colorado launched a program to help students maintain a presence in class even when they can’t physically be there.
CU purchased 15 Kubi devices: robotic devices that are mounted on tripods, fitted with tablets and placed in classrooms. Then, students who are ill, injured or traveling for academic-related reasons can use their laptops to beam into the class. They can interact with their classmates and move the devices to scan the classroom.
About 10 students used the service this semester, and campus officials have plans to expand the program. It is designed for students facing long-term absences, rather than students who miss just a week of class because of the flu.
“If they aren’t able to be accommodated officially by disability services, this is a great way for them to remain in their classes and not have to lose a semester’s worth of time,” said CU Kubi service manager Tarah Dykeman. “… This is bridging a support gap that could exist.”
For junior Emily Cranny, the technology likely made the difference between her continued enrollment and withdrawal this semester.
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