HERA: Learner Tracking in a Virtual Environment
Kahina Amokrane, Domitile Lourdeaux, Jean‐Marie Burkhardt · 2008
Abstract—The main goals of using simulations and Virtual Environments for Training/Learning (VET/L) are to avoid risks and unwanted consequences, to reduce training costs, and to promote trial and error as an effective strategy for learning. Such environments should enable monitoring of the plans followed by learners, the errors they commit and the resulting risks, and show learners the impact of their decisions during the training process. In this paper, we present a research work that aims to develop a learner tracking system in a virtual environment equipped with an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS), that we have called HERA (Helpful agent for safEty leaRning in virtuAl environment). This system is composed of different models representing the data sources, and other modules corresponding to the main processes charged with exchanging, analyzing, transforming, registering, and interpreting data. Thanks to the collaboration between these models and modules, HERA is able to determine learners ’ current tasks, the errors and risks produced, and to help them during and after learning. Our system allows learners to perform their tasks in front of a screen, and to see 1) the impact of their decisions by modifying the Virtual Environment, and 2) a textual feedback of their activities (tasks and errors) in a list form. Index Terms—Virtual environment for learning, intelligent tutoring system, learner tracking, plan recognition, activity model, risk prevention. I.