Character Development to Facilitate Retention in a Storytelling Robot

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to further the innovation of education technology and education based on technological theory mediated through robotic storytelling agents. Through the development of robotic applications, the researchers create a tool to improve the story and literacy-based retention rates of elementary level students. This investigation seeks to analyze the effects of student retention while participating in story-time with a SoftBank NAO robot that delivers the narrative of multiple characterizations through pre-programmed voice variability, LED lights, and motions. It is the ultimate goal of this research to study the impact of agent character distinctions in storytelling as compared to human storytellers.