Methods of Improving Communications by a Life-Like Animated Pedagogical Agent

Abstract

In this paper, we developed a procedure for producing head and face movements during speech by a virtual pedagogical agent by combining different voice recordings, different facial expressions and different head movement patterns. We then developed three experimental conditions to evaluate how the facial expressions and head movements contribute to learning experiences and outcomes. Results showed that facial expressions and head movements have great impact on student’s impressions and engagement with the virtual pedagogical agent. Experimental results suggest that virtual pedagogical agent that produce natural head movements and appropriate facial expressions while narrating a story produce much more positive user experiences than virtual pedagogical agent that lack these behaviors.