Jonathan S. Herberg

National University of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research

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About

Jonathan S. Herberg is a researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and educational technology, with a primary focus on how social cues in robotic tutors affect learning outcomes. His most influential work, "Robot watchfulness hinders learning performance" (2015), which has garnered 28 citations, challenges the assumption that social presence in educational robots is always beneficial. Herberg demonstrated that a robot’s watchful gaze—intended to mimic human attentiveness—can paradoxically impair children’s learning by increasing anxiety or distraction, revealing a critical nuance in designing effective tutor robots. Earlier, in "Eliciting ideal tutor trait perception in robots" (2013), he explored how 3rd to 5th graders perceive robot traits, identifying key design elements—such as appearance and behavior—that foster trust and engagement. This foundational work informs the creation of robots that are socially supportive without being intrusive. Herberg’s contributions are vital for developers of AI-driven educational tools, reminding us that less social mimicry can sometimes mean more learning. His research underscores the importance of evidence-based design in technology-mediated education.