ERIC Number: EJ984486
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Dec
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-3736
EISSN: N/A
Using Animated Agents in Learner-Controlled Training: The Effects of Design Control
Behrend, Tara S.; Thompson, Lori Foster
International Journal of Training and Development, v16 n4 p263-283 Dec 2012
Animated agents have the potential to increase engagement and learning during online training by acting as personalized tutors. However, little is known about the conditions that make these agents most effective. In this study, 183 e-learners completed a Microsoft Excel training course. Approximately half were assigned an agent with predetermined features. The others were allowed to choose their agent's appearance, personality, feedback style or all of the above features. Offering multiple choices increased learning. Unexpectedly, choice of feedback style alone decreased self-efficacy. Choosing the agent's appearance increased self-efficacy and the number of training modules completed. Overall, this study expands the learner control literature, identifying a new form of learner control that has some beneficial effects on knowledge acquisition. (Contains 4 tables and 4 figures.)
Descriptors: Computer Assisted Instruction, Self Efficacy, Learner Controlled Instruction, Feedback (Response), Learning Modules, Animation, Web Based Instruction, Training Methods, Electronic Learning, Spreadsheets, Computer Simulation, Artificial Intelligence, Instructional Effectiveness, Instructional Design, Comparative Analysis, Student Attitudes, Learner Engagement, Predictor Variables, Control Groups, Experimental Groups, Undergraduate Students, Student Surveys, Multivariate Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A