DESIGN HINTS FOR SMART AGENTS AS TEACHERS IN VIRTUAL LEARNING SPACES

Abstract

Immersive virtual learning environments can be used to teach a wide range of competences. Usually the learners are alone in such learning worlds. For help, they then necessarily turn to their class teacher. An alternative is the use of a smart agent as an aid. This approach is known as intelligent tutorship. The difference, however, lies in the immersive nature of the learning environment. This work is based on a literature review to identify requirements for smart agents in the context of a virtual classroom. In addition to multimodal conversation skills and pedagogical competences, the role as a central point of interaction and mentor/tutor is also part of this. The outer appearance (i.e., embodiment) should have a visible shape and be animated. The second part of the work deals with the practical conception of a smart agent. By means of a survey, the preferred visualization of a smart agent for a specific target group was identified. This showed that smart agents with human appearance were preferred.