Natural Interaction With Pedagogical Agents in Virtual Environments

Abstract

Abstract : The USC / Information Sciences Institute (I SI), in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and USC Behavior Technology Laboratory, conducted a research project named Virtual Environments for Training (VET) between October 1995 and February 1999. VET developed an integrated prototype of an intelligent virtual reality-based training system. ISI's main contribution to this project was the development of the Steve pedagogical agent, an embodied agent that can participate in training simulations, as a virtual coach or a virtual team member. In support of this grant ISI received a supplemental AASERT award, entitled Natural Interaction with Pedagogical Agents in Virtual Environments. Funding for this work began in June of 1997 and continued through August of 2000. The overall purpose of this project was to improve the naturalness and effective of interaction between humans and the Steve pedagogical agent, both during lesson authoring and lesson execution. Several students were supported by this award. This report summarizes the work of each student who was supported by the grant.