Skip to main content

Conversational Agents in E-Learning

  • Conference paper
Applications and Innovations in Intelligent Systems XVI (SGAI 2008)

Abstract

This paper discusses the use of natural language or ‘conversational’ agents in e-learning environments. We describe and contrast the various applications of conversational agent technology represented in the e-learning literature, including tutors, learning companions, language practice and systems to encourage reflection. We offer two more detailed examples of conversational agents, one which provides learning support, and the other support for self-assessment. Issues and challenges for developers of conversational agent systems for e-learning are identified and discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Graesser, A.C., N.K. Person, and D. Harter, Teaching Tactics and Dialog in AutoTutor. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 2001. 12: p. 23–39.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Heffernan, N.T., Web-Based Evaluations Showing both Cognitive and Motivational Benefits of the Ms. Lindquist Tutor, in Artificial Intelligence in Education. 2003, IOS Press: Amsterdam, p. 115–122.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Aleven, V., K. Koedinger, and K. Cross, Tutoring Answer Explanation Fosters Learning with Understanding, in Artificial Intelligence in Education. 1999, IOS Press: Amsterdam, p. 199–206.

    Google Scholar 

  4. De Pietro, O. and G. Frontera, TutorBot: an application AIML based for Web-Learning. Advanced Technology for Learning, 2005. 2(1): p. 29–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Feng, D., E. Shaw, J. Kim, and E. Hovy, An Intelligent Discussion-Bot for Answering Student Queries in Threaded Discussions, in 2006 International Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces. 2006, ACM Press: Sydney, Australia, p. 171–177.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  6. Taylor, K. and S. Moore, Adding Question Answering to an E-Tutor for Programming Languages, in AI-2006, 26th SGAI International Conference on Innovative Techniques and Applications of Artificial Intelligence. 2006, Springer: Cambridge, UK. p. 193–206.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Fryer, L. and R. Carpenter, Bots as Language Learning Tools. Language Learning and Technology., 2006. 10(3): p. 8–14.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Abu Shawar, B. and E. Atwell, Fostering language learner autonomy via adaptive conversation tutors, in Corpus Linguistics. 2007: Birmingham, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Lester, J.C., B.A. Stone, and G.D. Stelling, Lifelike Pedagogical Agents for Mixed-Initiative Problem Solving in Constnictivist Learning Environments. User Modeling and User-Adapted Interaction, 1999. 9: p. 1–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Shaw, E., W.L. Johnson, and R. Ganeshan, Pedagogical Agents on the Web, in International Conference on Autonomous Agents. 1999, ACM Press: Seattle, WA, USA. p. 283–290.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Baylor, A.L. and Y. Kim, Simulating Instructional Roles through Pedagogical Agents. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 2005. 15(2): p. 95–115.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Dillenbourg, P. and J. Self, People Power: A Human-Computer Collaborative Learning System in Intelligent Tutoring Systems. 1992, Springer-Verlag: Berlin-Heidelberg, p. 651–660.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Grigoriadou, M., G. Tsaganou, and T. Cavoura, Dialogue-Based Reflective System for Historical Text Comprehension, in Workshop on Learner Modelling for Reflection at Artificial Intelligence in Education. 2003.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Kerly, A., R. Ellis, and S. Bull, CALMsystem: A Conversational Agent for Learner Modelling. Knowledge Based Systems, 2008. 21(3): p. 238–246.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Litman, D.J. and S. Silliman, ITSPOKE: An Intelligent Tutoring Spoken Dialogue System, in Human Language Technology Conference: North American Chapter of the Association for Computational Linguistics. 2004: Boston, MA.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Aleven, V., A. Ogan, O. Popescu, C. Torrey, and K. Koedinger, Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Tutorial Dialogue System for Self-Explanation, in Intelligent Tutoring Systems. 2004, Springer-Verlag: Berlin Heidelberg, p. 443–454.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Chou, C.-Y., T.-W. Chan, and C.-J. Lin, Redefining the Learning Companion: the Past, Present and Future of Educational Agents. Computers & Education, 2003. 40: p. 255–269.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Rickel, J. and W.L. Johnson, Animated agents for procedural training in virutal reality: Perception, cognition, and motor control. Applied Artificial Intelligence, 1999. 13: p. 343–382.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Chan, T.-W. and A.B. Baskin, “Studying with the Prince”: The Computer as a Learning Companion, in Intelligent Tutoring Systems. 1988. p. 194–200.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Aimeur, E., H. Dufort, D. Leibu, and C. Frasson, Some Justifications for the Learning By Disturbing Strategy, in Artificial Intelligence in Education. 1997, IOS Press: Amsterdam, p. 119–126.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Kim, Y., Desirable Characteristics of Learning Companions. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 2007. 17(4): p. 371–388.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Creative Virtual. UK Lingubot Provider, Major Customers List. 2004-2008 [Accessed 27/03/08]; Available from: www.creativevirtual.com/customers.php.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Jia, J., The Study of the Application of a Keywords-Based Chatbot System on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. 2002, University of Augsburg.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Kerly, A. and S. Bull, Children’s Interactions with Inspectable and Negotiated Learner Models, in Intelligent Tutoring Systems. (2008) Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg, 132–141.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  25. Beun, R.-J., E. de Vos, and C. Witteman, Embodied Conversational Agents: Effects on Memory Performance and Anthropomorphisation, in Intelligent Virtual Agents. 2003, Springer-Verlag: Berlin Heidelberg, p. 315–319.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Bull, S., P. Brna, and H. Pain, Mr. Collins: A collaboratively constructed, inspectable student model for intelligent computer assisted language learning. Instructional Science, 1995. 23: p. 65–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Dimitrova, V., STyLE-OLM: Interactive Open Learner Modelling. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 2003. 13: p. 35–78.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Kerly, A., P. Hall, and S. Bull, Bringing Chatbots into Education: Towards Natural Language Negotiation of Open Learner Models. Knowledge Based Systems 2007. 20(2): p. 177–185.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Spärck-Jones, K., Natural language processing: a historical review, in Current Issues in Computational Linguistics: in Honour of Don Walker, A. Zampolli, N. Calzolari, and M. Palmer, Editors. 1994, Kluwer: Amsterdam, p. 3–16.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2009 Springer-Verlag London Limited

About this paper

Cite this paper

Kerry, A., Ellis, R., Bull, S. (2009). Conversational Agents in E-Learning. In: Allen, T., Ellis, R., Petridis, M. (eds) Applications and Innovations in Intelligent Systems XVI. SGAI 2008. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-215-3_13

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-215-3_13

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-84882-214-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-84882-215-3

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics