Interactive Soft Skills Training using Responsive Virtual Human Technology

When it occurs, interaction skills training usually relies on peer-to-peer role playing or passive learning through videos. These forms of training lead to a critical training gap, because the students are limited in the practice time and the variety of scenarios that they encounter. But it is exactly this practice, studies show, that leads to significant onthe-job benefits. This paper describes responsive virtual human (RVH) technology that allows natural, interactive dialog between the student and system. RVH’s can improve training by reducing the need for training personnel, by providing students with more practice time and consistent interaction experiences, and by leading to improvements in problem-solving ability and engaging and motivating students. Most importantly, RVH technology provides the benefits of reduced training costs, increased student-teacher ratios, individualized tutoring, and greater student convenience that are associated with computer-based training.