For Jason, a high school junior in San Diego, a long-term hospital stay threatened to interrupt not only his academics but his connection with friends and teachers. Missing school wasn't just about falling behind on lessons—it was about losing the day-to-day experiences that shape high school life. But thanks to Faceport’s telepresence technology, Jason was able to maintain his presence in the classroom, even from his hospital bed.

In the front row of Jason’s usual class seat sat the Faceport Robot. The Faceport Helmet, placed atop the robotic upper body, allowed Jason to look around, engage with the lesson, and even respond when called upon by his teachers. From his hospital room, Jason could see his classmates, watch the board, and participate as if he were physically in the classroom. It was also a natural integration into the classroom environment, and a site that the other kids quicly got accustomed to. They would share responsbility for bringing the robot with them from class to class, and even to lunch. Sometimes one of Jason's friends would wear the Faceport Helmet in the afternoon so that Jason could be in the dug out with his baseball team during a game.

“Being stuck in the hospital was tough,” Jason admitted, “but being able to still be part of the school day made me feel like I hadn’t lost touch with my school life and friends.”

Faceport is designed to be a valuable tool for students like Jason, offering a way to stay engaged in school and maintain connections with peers and teachers, no matter the circumstances.