Pedagogical Agents as Scaffolders and Teachers of Self-Regulated Learning

• In Event: Learning and Teaching With AI

Abstract

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) support self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies via pedagogical agents (PAs) that prompt learners to use SRL strategies. This study examined PAs’ effectiveness as scaffolders and teachers of SRL as learners engaged with MetaTutor, an ITS on the human circulatory system. Undergraduate learners (N=118) were randomly assigned to either the Prompt and Feedback condition where PAs prompted learners to use SRL strategies, or the Control condition where learners could only self-initiate strategies. Log-file data captured when strategies were used, strategy initiator (i.e., learner, PA), and relevance of instructional content pages to learner subgoals. Results supported PAs as effective scaffolders and teachers of SRL. Findings provide implications on improving the effectiveness of PAs to support learners’ subgoals.

Authors

• Daryn Dever, University of Florida

• Megan Wiedbusch, University of Central Florida

• Sarah Romero, University of Central Florida

• Roger Azevedo, University of Central Florida