Virtual-Agent-Based Language Learning: A Scoping Review of Journal Publications from 2012 to 2022

Xinyan Gu, Taxue Yu, Jun Huang, Feng Wang (), Xiaoli Zheng (), Mengxiang Sun, Zihao Ye and Qi Li
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Xinyan Gu: Department of Educational Technology, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
Taxue Yu: College of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
Jun Huang: Department of Educational Technology, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
Feng Wang: College of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
Xiaoli Zheng: Department of Educational Technology, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
Mengxiang Sun: Department of Educational Technology, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
Zihao Ye: College of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
Qi Li: Department of Educational Technology, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 18, 1-20

Abstract: Researchers have pointed out the importance of virtual agents in technology-supported language learning; however, how to effectively combine the two remains a challenge for educators and educational technologists. To this end, this study reviewed publications in the field of virtual-agent-based language learning research from 2012 to 2022 in the Web of Science SSCI Core Collection database and explored the dimensions of publication trends, country and regional distribution, participants, research methodology, research platforms, role of virtual agents, language proficiency, research hot topics, theoretical foundations, and hot issues and trends in the field of virtual-agent-based language learning research. Cluster and co-occurrence analysis using VOSviewer software was used to analyze the links among country and region distribution, keywords, and terms. It was found that (1) the top four regions in terms of the number of citations for authors were, in descending order, Iran, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil; (2) the learner characteristics that scholars were most concerned about were learning effectiveness, memory performance, social presence, learning experience, and motivation; and (3) the results of co-occurrence analyses classified virtual-agent-based language learning research into eight clusters, namely, anthropomorphic virtual agents, the effects produced by virtual agents, the social interaction of virtual agents, animated virtual agents and language achievement, the gestures of virtual agents, the effects of virtual agents on learner characteristics, computer-assisted learning, and the design of virtual agents. The lack of the systematic application of virtual agents in language learning prevented previous studies from revealing the language learning process in virtual-agent-based learning environments. Therefore, this study made appropriate recommendations for future investigations on how virtual agents can improve language learning for researchers, teachers, and decision makers.

Keywords: virtual agents; cluster analysis; virtual-agent-based language learning; anthropomorphism; research issues (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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