Research Findings from Synthetic Character Research Possible Implications for Interactive C.pdf

Research Findings from Synthetic Character Research: Possible Implications for Interactive Communication with Robots Lynne Hall, Sarah Woods, Kerstin Dautenhahn School of Computing Technology, School of Computer Science, University of Sunderland, University of Hertfordshire, Sunderland, SR6 0DD, UK Hertfordshire, AL 10 9AB, UK lynne.hall @sunderland.ac.uk s.n.woods, k.dautenhahn @herts.ac.uk Abstract [8]. However, a key issue is how to obtain these needs, views and expectations, with research identifying that This p ap er considers f indings f rom synthetic directly translating adult design and evaluative techniques character research using Virtual Learning Environments. for use with children has only limited success [9, 10]. Children aged 8-11 years interacted with FearNot, a The validity and reliability of children’s input towards sof tware p ackage that deals with the social p roblem of the design of new products has been the centre-point for bullying in schools. Following the interaction, children many discussions [7, 11]. Findings clearly identify that the p articip ated in Classroom Discussion Forums, a method use of child-centred methods and techniques improves the we have develop ed to assist children in verbalizing their quality of children’s input and the final artefact. views and p ersp ectives. This app roach enables the Whilst some attempts ha