Conceptual Design of WHALE: A Wise Helper Agent for the LEAF Environment

Abstract

This approach introduces and elaborates the idea of combining learning path recommendations with the use of pedagogical agents in computer-based learning environments. For this purpose, we conceptualize and propose a pedagogical agent named WHALE (Wise Helper Agent for the LEAF Environment) together with a suite of multiple educational tools enhancing the LEAF learning platform. The main idea is to generate learning path recommendations based on a multi-layered background model comprising an action sequence layer, a resource item layer, and a knowledge graph layer. We expect the acceptability of recommendations to be enhanced by transmitting them through a personalized pedagogical agent. Based on this idea, we describe the design of a pedagogical agent that can recommend what to learn next, what materials to use for that purpose, and what to do with the materials in a multi-faceted educational tool environment.