EAI Endorsed Transactions on e-Learning (Jun 2016)

An investigation into the efficacy of avatar-based systems for student advice

  • E. Currie,
  • P. H. Harvey,
  • P. Daryanani,
  • J. C. Augusto,
  • R. Arif,
  • A. Ali

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.15-6-2016.151450
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3, no. 11

Abstract

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Student support is an important function in all universities. Most students expect access to support 24/7, but support staff cannot be available at all times of day. This paper addresses this problem, describing the development of an avatar-based system to guide students through the materials provided by a university student employability service. Firstly, students and staff were surveyed to establish the demand for such a system. The system was then constructed. Finally, the system was evaluated by students and staff, which led to a clearer understanding of the optimal role for avatar-based systems and consequent improvements to the system’s functionality.

Keywords