Pedagogical Agents that Interact with Learners

In this paper, we describe a method for pedagogical agents to choose when to interact with learners in interactive learning environments. This method is based on observations of human tutors coaching students in on-line learning tasks. It takes into account the focus of attention of the learner, the learner’s current task, and expected time required to perform the task. A Bayesian network model combines evidence from eye gaze and interface actions to infer learner focus of attention. The attention model is combined with a plan recognizer to detect learner difficulties which warrant intervention. This capability is part of a pedagogical agent able to interact with learners in socially appropriate ways.