Promoting Active Engagement in Science Learning Using Artificial Intelligence

• In Event: Design, Development, and Evaluation of Technology-Rich Tools

Abstract

With advanced technology in today’s society, young children are able to gain access to educational programs, however, incorporation of active engagement is crucial for those programs to be an effective educational tool for children to learn science. In this study, we used artificial intelligence in the form of conversational agents to embed interactive components within an educational science television program for children. With 20 four to six year old children participating, we investigated the usability of the conversational episodes by observing the children’s interactions. We analyzed the children’s responses, perceptions of the episodes, and the conversational agent’s performance. Findings show that the children demonstrated high percentages of verbal responses and reported positive perceptions of the interactive experience.

Authors

• Amity Pou Wong, University of California - Irvine

• Ying Xu, University of Michigan

• Mark Warschauer, University of California - Irvine