Embodied conversational agents: developing usable agents [education instruction applications]

Improvements in computer hardware and software have governed the design of embodied conversational agents, and there has been little empirical research related to the development of full-body agents that exhibit visual and auditory properties to convey instructional information in engineering programs. The purpose of this study is to utilize recently developed software to formulate agents specifically developed to function in a knowledge-based learning environment and provide non-verbal expressions through gaze, gesture, and locomotion. Embodied conversational agents are computer-generated images with lifelike facial features and body movements, capable of performing a collaborating role as instructors. Agents generally resemble human-like forms with auditory qualities that range from human to cartoon. This study focuses on the development of agents that are functional in a variety of educational environments and learning domains.