Computer Graphics: Problem Based Learning and Interactive Embodied Pedagogical Agents

Abstract

This paper focuses on the use of new tools in order to improve the learning of Computer Graphics, in particular of some aspects that have been detected as specially difficult by the students. Within this context, this paper explores the union of two areas: the educational strategy named Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and the use of interactive embodied pedagogical agents (IEPAs) for education and training tasks. By combining these ideas, we obtain an interactive learning environment created to improve student's learning capabilities. From the PBL point of view, the real problem proposed to the students consists in the development of their own viewing system. While for introducing IEPAs we've developed a powerful engine, called Maxine, that enables the management of 3D environments with special emphasis in the use of embodied animated agents. The engine, based on open source libraries, allows emotional and multimodal interaction with the user in real-time: via text, voice, images, animation (facial expression, lip-synch, body gestures) and the choice of the answers. By carefully orchestrating both ideas the students are encouraged to care more about their own progress, convey the enthusiasm in the learner for the subject matter and simply make learning more fun. Evaluations already done to the students show promising results.