A Computational Analysis of Emotions and Social Influence in Learning

In this paper, it is analysed how emotions and social environment affect people’s active and reflective learning processes. First, a conceptual analysis is made using recent insights from Cognitive, Affective and Social Neuroscience on the roles of emotions and social interactions in learning. A computational analysis is made using a computational model of learning processes following these insights. In this analysis, neural mechanisms for the impact of both a person’s own emotions and the emotions of others are taken into account. In particular, it is considered how these impacts influence different learning types, such as active or reflective learners. The analysis shows how emotions and social interaction strengthen the learning process. It is discussed how from these insights indicators can be obtained that can be used to design technology-enhanced learning environments able to exploit these impacts. 6.