FearNot! Involving Children in the Design of a Virtual Learning Environment

Authors:
Lynne Hall;Sarah Woods;Ruth Aylett
Affiliations:
School of Computing and Technology, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, SR6 0DD, UK;Psychology Department, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9AB, UK;Department of Computing and Electrical Engineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
Venue:
International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education
Year:
2006

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Abstract

This paper presents FearNot, a virtual learning environment populated by synthetic characters interacting in bullying scenarios, aimed at 8-12 year old children. FearNot was designed within the VICTEC project where a key aim was to ensure that children participated in the design process. A range of techniques were used to gain the children's input. This paper discusses the various techniques used within VICTEC and highlights some key examples of the results gained by using such techniques, challenges encountered, and the design implications.