Steven J. Gilbert, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology & Department Chair
127A Fitzelle Hall,
Phone: 607-436-2557 FAX: 607-436-3753
E-MAIL: [log in to unmask]
Web Address:
http://www.oneonta.edu/faculty/gilbersj/Stevepage.htm
Visit the Psychology Department Web Site
http://www.oneonta.edu/academics/psyweb/
-----Original Message-----
From: Teaching Breakfast List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jim
Greenberg
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2005 8:19 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Technology and Education - Posted to TB List by Jim Greenberg
Tbers,
GIVING A FACE TO ONLINE TUTORS
Some researchers developing electronic tutoring tools
are adding
animated faces that talk to students and respond to
questions. Amy L.
Baylor, associate professor of instructional systems
at
University, has created what she calls
"pedagogical
agents"--essentially a talking head on a screen
that she believes
provides a more compelling experience for students.
Baylor has
conducted research into the effectiveness of varying
types of tutoring
"characters," from older males to younger
female faces. She said that
students always rate male personas as more credible
than female ones,
but research has also shown that "female agents
are more motivating
than male agents." Ronald A. Cole, professor and
director of the Center
for Spoken Language Research at the
has created similar models and said they have
demonstrated real
benefits to student learning. Others are not convinced
that a face adds
much to the learning experience. Kurt VanLehn,
professor of computer
science and a director of the Pittsburgh Science of
Learning Center at
the
tutoring programs. He said he considered adding a
character to his
application but decided against it, noting that the
"literature on the
talking heads is mixed."
Chronicle of Higher Education, 23 November 2005 (sub.
req'd)
http://chronicle.com/daily/2005/11/2005112301t.htm
Mr. James B. Greenberg
Director Teaching, Learning and
Milne Library
email: [log in to unmask]
phone: 607-436-2701
fax: 607-436-3081
IM: oneontatltc
"Ignorance is curable, stupidity lasts
forever"