Comparing Design Features of Educational Agents: Student Perspectives

Abstract

Educational agents are virtual characters that guide students in digital learning environments, transfer knowledge, and support the learning process, enhancing human-computer interaction. With the integration of AI-supported systems into education, the use of educational agents is becoming increasingly widespread. Educational agents with human-like characteristics are said to positively impact students’ learning by creating environments that resemble human-human interaction, enhancing social interaction. This study examines the views of learners interacting with educational environments that utilize different types of educational agents (animated, static, and voice-only) with distinct design features. The data was collected qualitatively through semi-structured interviews from students. The findings were analyzed in relation to themes such as voice use, agent appearance, learning process, interaction, and motivation. This research highlights the role of educational agents, student-agent interaction, and the effect of voice, mobility, gestures, and facial expressions on the learning process within the context of students’ experiences and perspectives. In this context, it is considered important for future research in the field of educational technology.