EnALI: A research and design framework for virtual characters and pedagogical agents

Abstract

Conflicts occur when learners interact with pedagogical agents and virtual characters. Such conflicts – arising from technological limitations, psychosocial perceptions, and pedagogical inadequacies – hinder communication and interaction between virtual characters and learners, and impede successful engagement with learning tasks and experiences. To enhance communication and interaction between virtual characters and learners, we propose a three tier framework of fifteen research-based guidelines. This framework enables theorists, researchers, and designers to view virtual characters with a holistic lens, informing the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of virtual characters in electronic learning contexts.