The impact of an interface agent on middle-grade females affect in learning introductory algebra

was secondary school teacher in Korea

• educational interface agents
  • animated human-like characters in computer-based learning
  • simulate human instructional roles: expert, instructor, mentor, coach, learning companion, virtual peer
  • benefit from simulated social interaction and social relations
• is intelligence really necessary when designing these agents? (“many real teachers are not that intelligent”)

• social stereotypes and influences
• girls' preference for collaborative and interactive environments
  • perform better with highly interactive hints
  • more sensitive to help messages
  • perceive virtual characters (or pedagogical agents) more seriously and positively
• create girl-friendly virtual STEM learning environment

• algebra tutor
  • agent talks: info, motivation, persuasion, pre-recorded human voice (not synthesized computer voice
  • pre-scripted, not intelligent

• research questions
  • will it improve positive attitude?
  • self-efficacy beliefs
  • learning outcome
  • their perceptions of the agent
• students who had delayed taking math - weak/not motivated