When Off-Task is On-Task: The Affective Role of Off-Task Behavior in Narrative-Centered Learning Environments

Off-task behavior is the subject of increasing interest in the AI in Education community. This paper reports on an investigation of the role of offtask behavior in narrative-centered learning environments by examining its interactions with student learning gains and affect. Results from an empirical study of students interacting with the CRYSTAL ISLAND environment indicate that off-task behavior generally has negative impacts on learning. However, further analyses of students’ affective transitions suggest that some students may be using off-task behavior as a strategy to regulate negative emotions.