Avatars and Social Learning Theory

Recently, I posted about Bandura’s Social learning theory, this posting continues the discussion and relates it specifically to instruction involving avatars.

Social Learning Theory

Robert Bandura in the late 1970’s articulated the concept of social learning theory as a method in which individuals learn from one another in the context of a social situation through observation. Social learning theory is based on the premise that observation and imitation by an individual leads to learned behavior. Research in this area indicates that, indeed, human social models can be effective in influencing another to change behaviors, beliefs or attitudes, as well as social and cognitive functioning.

Additional research has provided evidence that humans can be socially influenced by automated anthropomorphic agents (avatars) just as they would be by human social models. The use of virtual models to demonstrate desired behaviors can and is effective for transferring those behaviors to the learners.

Therefore, the use of avatars for presenting the proper model of behavior does transfer learning. And there are several advantages to implementing avatars as social models.

First, an avatar implemented as a social model can be available via distance to model behavior regardless of the location of the learners. This means that desired behaviors can be projected whenever and wherever the instruction is needed.

Second, the behaviors can be modeled in an environment in which they are desired to occur as opposed to a classroom space. The virtual world allows the creation of an unlimited number of contexts in which the behavior can be modeled.

Third given the ease of use and “replayability” in a virtual environment, the learning experience can be replayed within the virtual environment several times to aid with retention.

Finally, virtual environments provide the opportunity for the learner to practice the observed behavior in a safe and secure environment.