ERIC Number: EJ1054374
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Nov
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0663
EISSN: N/A
Learning Intercultural Communication Skills with Virtual Humans: Feedback and Fidelity
Lane, H. Chad; Hays, Matthew Jensen; Core, Mark G.; Auerbach, Daniel
Journal of Educational Psychology, v105 n4 p1026-1035 Nov 2013
In the context of practicing intercultural communication skills, we investigated the role of fidelity in a game-based, virtual learning environment as well as the role of feedback delivered by an intelligent tutoring system. In 2 experiments, we compared variations on the game interface, use of the tutoring system, and the form of the feedback. Our findings suggest that for learning basic intercultural communicative skills, a 3-dimensional (3-D) interface with animation and sound produced equivalent learning to a more static 2-D interface. However, learners took significantly longer to analyze and respond to the actions of animated virtual humans, suggesting a deeper engagement. We found large gains in learning across conditions. There was no differential effect with the tutor engaged, but it was found to have a positive impact on learner success in a transfer task. This difference was most pronounced when the feedback was delivered in a more general form versus a concrete style.
Descriptors: Feedback (Response), Fidelity, Intercultural Communication, Communication Skills, Virtual Classrooms, Computer Simulation, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Computer Games, Animation, Teaching Methods, Educational Practices, Educational Strategies, Instructional Effectiveness, Role Playing, Cultural Awareness, Pretests Posttests, Computer Assisted Testing, Learner Engagement, Achievement Gains, Formative Evaluation, College Students, Learning Strategies, Interpersonal Competence, Interpersonal Communication
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: US Army (DOD)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A