The use of agents to represent learners in role-play training

This paper proposes the use of agents to involve learners in supporting online group work for the study of project management. Role-play training may be an appropriate tool for universities to use as an efficient alternative to on-the-job training (OJT) for project management education. However, we have found that because of the way that role-play exercises using an on-line group work training system in the project management course have operated, students have not been able to share the required information adequately with other students. In order to investigate the effectiveness of using an agent in role-play training, we have developed a role-play scenario so as to practice with agents. The results of analyzing the behavioral track record of each learner in a role-play exercise with agents are discussed. The results of a questionnaire survey taken among students who participated in a role-play exercise with agents indicate that the use of role-plays will enable them to learn human-related skills such as communication, leadership, and team building.