Why an avatar?

I have been hunting around for some studies on using avatars in presentations, training and/or education where the focus is not on virtual worlds but on the advantages of an avatar or animated character supporting progress through learning materials or tasks.

A frequently cited landmark study is...
Reeves, B. (2000). The Benefits of Interactive Online Characters. Center for the Study of Language and Information, Stanford University.

Reeves' Major Points:
(1) Human-Media Interactions Are Fundamentally Social
(2) Character Interfaces Bring Social Intelligence to Online Interactions

The Project

eNursing@GippsTAFE aims to develop a customised e-learning program for GippsTAFE's Diploma of Nursing Students.

The program will contribute directly to the following three nursing units:

• HLTEN401A - Work in the nursing profession
• HLTEN502A - Apply effective communication skills in nursing proactice
• HLTEN514A - Apply research skills

Learners will acquire new knowledge and practice specific skills using freely available interactive web sourced content.

The program will pilot the use of avatars as well as incorporating Web 2.0 technology to provide learners with a user friendly, engaging elearning solution available around the clock.

This blog will record our journey.