William Cain

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

William Cain is an educational technology researcher whose work centers on synchronous hybrid learning and the innovative integration of robotic telepresence in higher education settings. Based at Michigan State University's CEPSE/COE Design Studio, Cain has been at the forefront of exploring how physical robotic devices can bridge the gap between face-to-face and online learners participating simultaneously in real-time classroom environments. His most influential contributions document the practical implementation and iterative design of telepresence technologies — from stationary 2D displays to mobile robotic platforms like the Kubi and Double — in graduate-level educational settings. His 2016 papers, which have collectively accumulated over 45 citations, established foundational frameworks for understanding how comparable and collaborative learning experiences can be created across physical and virtual spaces. His 2017 case study examining doctoral-level hybrid courses added nuanced insight into questions of student embodiment and connection, exploring how different telepresence modalities affect presence and engagement. Cain's research is particularly valuable to educators and instructional designers grappling with the pedagogical and logistical challenges of hybrid learning environments, a topic that has gained enormous relevance in contemporary higher education.