Some interesting things are happening down at Massey University in New Zealand. The e-learning and computer worlds are abuzz with the news of a decidedly hip and unexpectedly caring teacher named Eve.
Massey scientists, led by Dr Hossein Sarrafzadeh at the Auckland-based Institute of Information and Mathematical Sciences, have created Eve, a computer-generated teacher that can actually adapt its responses to the emotional state of students by interaction through a computer.
Referred to as an intelligent or affective tutoring system, the “Easy With Eve” system is the first of its kind.
Dr Sarrafzadeh says the researchers wanted to create a virtual teacher that could pick up body language and facial expressions – like a real teacher – to interact and to ensure they are holding the attention of students.
Though Eve was developed to teach math to eight-year-olds, there are exciting possibilities for all levels and fields of online learning.
Linked to a child via computer, the animated character or virtual tutor can tell if the child is frustrated, angry or confused by the on-screen teaching session and can adapt the tutoring session appropriately.
The animated Eve (with a human-sounding and very New Zealand voice) can ask questions, give feedback, discuss questions and solutions and show emotion. To develop the software for this system, the Massey team observed children and their interactions with teachers and captured them on thousands of images.
Interesting. I think there was a bit of computer-geek fantasy going on with her design (see above). I mean, does her hair have to be so, well, sexy? And that title–”Easy With Eve”–well, perhaps it’s just me, but I think she’s geared for the 25-year-old male, not eight-year-olds.
Then again, maybe she is the cool tutor every eight year old dreams of.
What matters most, of course, is if Eve inspires kids to learn and helps them when they are struggling. It sounds like she has been designed to do precisely that.
Hmmm. Could this be the solution to the teacher shortage?
See the intro video here
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