The use of animated software agents support in e-learning environments : an exploratory interpretive case study

Mahmood, AK

Abstract

E-learning implementations have become an important agenda item for academic and
business institutions as an enabler to complement their education and training needs.
Many of the existing e-learning systems, however, present several limitations, such as
being static and passive, and consisting of a time-consuming set of services, which
suggest the need for more creativity, autonomy, and flexibility to the learner. The
inclusion of animated software agent technology in e-leaming environments has been
of growing interest aiming to encourage the learner to become more engaged and
motivated. However, the empirical investigations on the effect of animated agents in
teaching and learning have revealed diverse results in a continuum from animated
software agents being helpful to them being distracting.
The aim of this research study is to understand how the application of the animated
software agents in e-learning environments could lead to effective learning, by
identifying appropriate roles for animated agents in e-learning environments, when
and for whom they would be useful and what use could they realistically be put to.
Also: do social and cultural factors affect the interaction between the users and the
animated agents?
The research has been undertaken using a qualitative, interpretive approach with
supporting case study data as the chosen research methodology. Thus, the contexts of
action and the experiences of individuals in a single, real-life setting was considered,
providing a complementary perspective to the existing studies. The approach
highlights some methodological implications, which contribute to the development of
methods and practice in this field.
The research findings suggest that whilst the use of such animated agents has become
more widespread there is no common framework for evaluating their utility for various
types of e-leaming user. An analysis of the possible contributions to the effectiveness
of teaching and learning based on a conceptual evaluation framework is presented.
The resultant framework is useful for practitioners and researchers into courseware and
animated agents development and provides guidelines for animated agents design and
implementation in e-learning environments.
Keywords: e-Leaming, animated software agent, learning effectiveness, interpretive
case study.

Citation

Mahmood, A. The use of animated software agents support in e-learning environments : an exploratory interpretive case study. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2005