|
Research interests
My research involves investigation of the use of natural language conversational agents or “Chatbots” (such as Yhaken) in negotiation of Open Learner Models.
I am also interested in the use of Chatbots in classroom education, on the possibilities for using Chatbots with intelligent tutoring systems, and in user (student) reactions to finding Chatbots in their learning environment.
Forum for AI Research Students
FAIRS’08 will be held on Monday 8th December in Cambridge, UK, and offers:
- Guidance on conducting research and writing the thesis
- Feedback on research and research plans
- Advice on undergoing a viva
- The chance to meet other research students and develop networks
- An opportunity to discuss work with senior researchers and practitioners
This follows up from the successful free one day event for research students in AI related fields held at AI-2007, the SGAI’s annual conference. Details of the presentations given and student papers are on the 2007 Forum web site.
|
Current project
I have built an Open Learner Model system with an embedded chatbot interface which has been tested with school pupils and university students. This work was undertaken with support from Elzware, a leading UK developer of chatbots based on Lingubot software and methodology, and is based on design principles elicited from my research.
Previous work involved completing a Wizard-of-Oz study into the potential for the use of Chatbots for negotiation over the learner model. User reactions to interacting with a Chatbot were positive, and indicated that further implemented versions of the system would be deserving of significant research attention.
I also carried out an investigation into the opinions about the potential for Open Learner Modelling use in schools held by teachers and other educational professionals.
|
