Download Research: Current, New, and Future

Distance Learning and Education
Center for Advanced Research in
Technology for Education
Lewis Johnson, Ph.D., Director
Erin Shaw, presenter
Research Scientist, CARTE, USC Information Sciences Institute
Adjunct Lecturer, Distance Education Network
Research @ USC ISI
Information Sciences Institute
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USC Viterbi School of Engineering (>300 researchers, students, staff)
R&D advanced computer and communication technologies
Intelligent Systems Division (Artificial Intelligence)
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Robotics
Knowledge systems
Natural language understanding
Machine translation
Virtual humans
Intelligent agents
@ Center for Advanced Research in Technology for Education (CARTE)
CARTE
Erin Shaw, Research Computer Scientist
Joined 1995
 Participated in development of first
Distance Education course at USC,
Introduction to Cinema
Prior to joining ISI
 Digital library researcher
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Computer graphics engineer
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Cornell University, New York
MIT startup company, Boston
Math and science teacher
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US Peace Corps, Nepal
W. Lewis Johnson, Director
Pedagogical agents
Interact with students in learning environments
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Engage in instructional dialogue
Assess learner knowledge
Model skills being taught
Address
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Motivational factors
Control, curiosity, challenge, confidence
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Cognitive factors
Goals, inquiry & explanation, interactive problem solving
Enhance motivation and interest
Research items
Typical system
 Agent
(reasoning engine)
 Agent
Persona
Simulation
 Interactive exercise
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(e.g. Flash animation,
Java Applets)
VFTS (Virtual Factory Teaching System)
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Course
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Operations Scheduling in Manufacturing, Production and
Inventory Management
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Gives hands-on experience running a virtual factory
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Deliver over the Internet
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Provide on-line monitoring and assistance
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Intelligent agents monitor student progress and provide
immediate feedback
VFTS simulation (scheduling work)
Digital Puppets (Elementary grades)
Clinical Practice
Agent embedded in interactive 2D ‘game’
Supports medical and dentistry cases
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Users typically first year graduate students
Assists students in learning best practices
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Features virtual patient
Ask questions based on history
Order labs and x-rays
Score based on type and order of procedures performed
(Demo Adele, Agent for Distance Learning Envs., Dentistry, 1.5m)
Trauma care
Introduction to clinical medicine
Geriatric dentistry
Pedagogical Drama
Agent integrated into 2D animated ‘story’
Part of BRIGHT IDEAS social work program
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Users typically mothers of children with cancer
Assists students in learning coping skills
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Identify with a character
Choose character’s thoughts and decisions
Experiment with different paths (branching)
(Demo Carmen’s Bright Ideas 1.5/3m)
Carmen’s Bright Ideas
Carmen’s Bright Ideas
Language Training
Agents embedded in 3D virtual game
Focus on language and communication skills training
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Users typically military personnel
Practice language and gestural skills
Contextual problem-solving in mission-based scenario
Game score based on performance
(Demo Tactical Language 3m)
Tactical Language
Leadership Training
Agents embedded in interactive 3D environment
Focus on leadership training
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Users typically military personnel
Practice decision-making in context
Ethical conflicts in mission-based scenario
Scored by human observer
(Demo Mission Rehearsal 1.5m)
Mission Rehearsal Exercise
Behind the scenes
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2D simulations were produced with modest NSF- and NIH grants
(< ½ $million a year)
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3D simulations were produced with large DARPA and ONR grants
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(> 1 $million a year)