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Benefits of Virtual Characters in Computer Based Learning Environments: Claims and Evidence

Gulz, Agneta LU (2004) In International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education p.313-344
Abstract
Pedagogical theory of today gives high priority to social components of learning. Within the field of computer supported learning there are many attempts to acknowledge this. One approach involves the addition of virtual characters to electronic learning environments. Such character enhanced systems are the focus of the present article. Firstly, a systematic overview is given of pedagogical benefits that have been proposed in the literature regarding character enhancement of electronic learning environments, for example increased motivation, stimulation of particular learning activities, enhanced flow of communication and fulfillment of a need for deeper personal relationships in learning. Secondly, I examine the empirical results... (More)
Pedagogical theory of today gives high priority to social components of learning. Within the field of computer supported learning there are many attempts to acknowledge this. One approach involves the addition of virtual characters to electronic learning environments. Such character enhanced systems are the focus of the present article. Firstly, a systematic overview is given of pedagogical benefits that have been proposed in the literature regarding character enhancement of electronic learning environments, for example increased motivation, stimulation of particular learning activities, enhanced flow of communication and fulfillment of a need for deeper personal relationships in learning. Secondly, I examine the empirical results presented in the literature with respect to the proposed positive pedagogical effects. Based on these reviews, I finally discuss possible directions for continued research and design in the field from a pedagogical point of view. I propose a research agenda for the near future and conclude with some reflections on a longer-term perspective. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
in
International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education
issue
14
pages
313 - 344
publisher
International AIED Society
external identifiers
  • scopus:85013569184
ISSN
1560-4306
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
690c6bed-6009-44b1-aba5-49830df2ae6d (old id 144283)
alternative location
http://aied.inf.ed.ac.uk/abstract/Vol_14/Gulz04.html
date added to LUP
2016-04-01 12:23:53
date last changed
2022-04-21 06:48:50
@article{690c6bed-6009-44b1-aba5-49830df2ae6d,
  abstract     = {{Pedagogical theory of today gives high priority to social components of learning. Within the field of computer supported learning there are many attempts to acknowledge this. One approach involves the addition of virtual characters to electronic learning environments. Such character enhanced systems are the focus of the present article. Firstly, a systematic overview is given of pedagogical benefits that have been proposed in the literature regarding character enhancement of electronic learning environments, for example increased motivation, stimulation of particular learning activities, enhanced flow of communication and fulfillment of a need for deeper personal relationships in learning. Secondly, I examine the empirical results presented in the literature with respect to the proposed positive pedagogical effects. Based on these reviews, I finally discuss possible directions for continued research and design in the field from a pedagogical point of view. I propose a research agenda for the near future and conclude with some reflections on a longer-term perspective.}},
  author       = {{Gulz, Agneta}},
  issn         = {{1560-4306}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{14}},
  pages        = {{313--344}},
  publisher    = {{International AIED Society}},
  series       = {{International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education}},
  title        = {{Benefits of Virtual Characters in Computer Based Learning Environments: Claims and Evidence}},
  url          = {{http://aied.inf.ed.ac.uk/abstract/Vol_14/Gulz04.html}},
  year         = {{2004}},
}