Pedagogical Agents and Affect: Molding Positive Learning Interactions

This chapter explores the relationship between animated pedagogical agents and emotions that are associated with learning. The empirical status of pedagogical agents is reviewed, with the conclusion that, although the literature is murky, properly designed and deployed pedagogical agents have a small, but significant impact on learning. These findings are considered alongside emerging research that focuses on affective considerations, such as empathetic agents, the politeness effect, and social agency theory. It is suggested that the design and behaviors of pedagogical agents are important, not just their simple presence (or lack thereof). The chapter concludes with recommendations for future research on increasing nonverbal fidelity, uncovering links between communicative behaviors and emotions related to learning, and building more meaningful relationships over time.