Opportunities and challenges of using socially intelligent agents: increasing interaction and school participation for children suffering from a long-term illness

Abstract

PurposeChildren suffering from cancer or cardiovascular disease, who need extended periods of treatment in hospitals, are subjected to multiple hardships apart from the physical implications, for example, experienced isolation and disrupted social and academic development. This has negative effects long after the child's recovery from the illness. The purpose of this paper is to examine the non-medical needs of children suffering from a long-term illness, as well as research the field of artificial intelligence (AI) – more specifically, the use of socially intelligent agents (SIAs) – in order to study how technology can enhance children's interaction, participation and quality of life.Design/methodology/approachInterviews were performed with experts in three fields: housing manager for hospitalized children, a professor in computing science and researcher in AI, and an engineer and developer at a tech company.FindingsIt is important for children to be able to take control of the narrative by using an SIA to support the documentation of their period of illness, for example. This could serve as a way of processing emotions, documenting educational development or keeping a reference for later in life. The findings also show that the societal benefits of AI include automating mundane tasks and recognizing patterns.Originality/valueThe originality of this study concerns the holistic approach of increasing the knowledge and understanding of these children's specific needs and challenges, particularly regarding their participation and interaction with teachers and friends at school, using an SIA.

Bretxa Digital a l'Educació d'Alumnat Pal·liatiu: L'Omissió de les Tecnologies Emergents

“…Incluso cuando los alumnos paliativos pueden acceder a la tecnología, ésta no suele estar adaptada a sus necesidades específicas (Máarell-Olsson et al, 2021). La falta de desarrollo de software y hardware diseñado para facilitar el acceso y la participación de estos estudiantes en el aprendizaje digital limita en gran medida su capacidad para aprovechar al máximo las oportunidades educativas (Powell et al, 2021), lo que incluye la falta de herramientas de accesibilidad y adaptaciones personalizadas.…”

Exploring support strategies and training needs for teachers in navigating illness, bereavement, and death-related challenges in the classroom: a scoping review supporting teachers in classroom grief and loss

“…Research indicates that students with chronic illnesses often encounter greater academic and social difficulties compared to their healthy peers (Jones and Wilkie, 2010; A 'Bear, 2014;Máarell-Olsson et al, 2021). These challenges encompass feelings of isolation, disruptions in social and educational development, psychological distress, and decreased academic performance.…”

“…Several studies (Zhu and Van Winkel, 2015;Paul et al, 2019;Máarell-Olsson et al, 2021;Powell et al, 2021) have explored the implications of serious illness on students, shedding light on their educational and social needs. Students dealing with severe illnesses often grapple with increased absenteeism, academic hurdles, and psychosocial issues (Powell et al, 2021).…”

“…Máarell -Olsson et al (2021) propose that artificial intelligence systems (AIS) could reduce loneliness and improve quality of life in young and hospitalized patients by enabling their participation in school activities. The potential of providing AI-based tools to experience and participate in activities they might not otherwise be able to take part in could strengthen their inclusion and mitigate the negative effects of the disease.…”

“…The review of the potential usefulness of telepresence robots for schools suggests that they can enhance education and social development but also highlighted privacy and acceptance concerns. Moreover, Máarell-Olsson et al (2021) found that telepresence robots can improve the connectedness and mood of chronically ill students. They examined the impact of telepresence robots on children and adolescents with cancer and found that they facilitated social and academic connections, reduced loneliness, and perceptions of falling behind academically.…”