Title: Remote collaborative learning support system using avatars with facial expressions

Authors: Masashi Okubo; Shinya Komatsu

Addresses: Department of Information Systems Design, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, 1-3 Tatara Miyakodani, Kyotanabe City, 610-0321, Japan ' Department of Information Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, 1-3 Tatara Miyakodani, Kyotanabe City, 610-0321, Japan

Abstract: Recently, various researches have been conducted about remote collaborative learning. However, unlike face-to-face communication, remote communication is difficult to give nonverbal information such as facial expression and physical. Therefore, it may interfere with the transmission of intention and emotion. In this research, to support intention and emotion transmission in remote collaborative learning, we develop and assess a remote collaborative learning support system using avatar with facial expression on sharing note system. We create 13 types of avatar with facial expression with reference to Russell's emotional circle model. As a result of comparative experiments with and without avatar with facial expression, the drawing time has increased and the test score is higher when there are facial expressions. And since weak positive correlation is observed between the drawing time and the test score, it is presumed that the avatar with facial expression promotes explanatory activities by drawing and enhances the learning efficiency.

Keywords: remote collaborative learning; learning support system; avatar; facial expression; non-verbal information; embodied communication; remote communication; facial stamp; Russell’s circumplex model; facial coding system; avatar pen.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDH.2018.096289

International Journal of the Digital Human, 2018 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.84 - 96

Received: 08 Jul 2017
Accepted: 23 Apr 2018
Published online: 22 Nov 2018 *

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