LONG-TERM INTERACTION WITH A VIRTUAL ROBOT FACILITATOR OF SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Abstract

In this contribution, we present a follow-up work-in-progress on an innovative system for facilitating small-group online discussions using an avatar during a video conference. A previous study has shown that the system had an effective, understandable, and more participatory interaction. Here, we examine long-term usage and its effects on subjective perceptions as well as objective engagement measures. Five groups of fifth and sixth grade students had six interactions with the avatar's facilitation. The results of the study show that all measures remained stable throughout the entire interaction, suggesting that the previous results were not due to the novelty effect and that the system is capable of maintaining long-term engagement and learning