The pedagogical agent enhances mathematics learning in ADHD students

Pergolizzi²,

Nucita

et al. 2020

Preprint

Self Cite

Background Since patients with Rett syndrome (RTT) focus their attention mainly on the faces of people with whom they interact, in this study the role of a human-like avatar in enhancing cognitive processes was examined. More in depth, this study examined patients with RTT performing attention and memory tasks with and without a virtual avatar.Methods Thirty-six girls with RTT participated in the study. They were matched for mental age and randomly submitted to two conditions (with and without virtual avatar) with two tasks (over-selectivity and memory paradigms). Results Results indicated that the RTT group exposed to the virtual avatar condition, presented better attention and memory abilities than the matched RTT group without the avatar condition. Conclusions Results were discussed in light of the relationship between motivation, attention and memory RTT.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of a virtual avatar in attention and memory tasks in Rett Syndrome

Pergolizzi²,

Nucita

et al. 2020

Preprint

Self Cite

“…Delayed Discounting (DD) refers to the human preference for smaller but quicker rewards rather than larger but delayed rewards [40] due to the subjective devaluation of rewards as a function of the delay to their delivery.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Working Memory and Decision making in children with ADHD: an analysis of delay discounting with the use of the dual-task paradigm

Bianco

Caprì

et al. 2019

Preprint

Self Cite

Objective: Deficits in working memory tasks have been widely documented in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) studies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of working memory load in impulsivity during decision-making processes. A delayed discounting (DD) paradigm was used, comparing children with ADHD and age-matched controls. Method: Thirty-two children equally divided between typically developing and ADHD, from 8 to 10 years of age were assigned to sessions of a dual-task paradigm. In the primary task the child has to choice between two different amounts of money at different time delays, while in the secondary task the child has to repeat a random series of digits with different lengths. The experiment was conducted in a school setting. Results: Compared to peers with typical development, delayed discounting was significantly stronger in children with ADHD and discounting rates increased in both groups for heavier memory loads. Furthermore, the memory load impact on frequency of immediate rewards was stronger in children with ADHD compared to typically developing children. Discussion: Results are discussed in terms of the relation between working memory load and decision-making processes, their impact on impulsive behaviour in ADHD and the need for future research to understand possible neurocognitive correlates and use those information to develop better inclusive policies.

“…In the study by Mantziou, Vrellis, Tassos, and Mikropoulus 21 the possibility of recognizing emotions in subjects with autism was investigated, by means of an avatar, able to recreate facial expressions inherent to speci c emotions. Further evidence was provided by experimenting with an avatar 22,23 in Attention De cit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) [24][25][26][27] . These studies suggest that an avatar can be used as a computerized pedagogical agent with realistic characteristics; for example, it can appear on a computer screen and guide users through multimedia learning environments, designed to support learning and direct attention to relevant topics.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These studies suggest that an avatar can be used as a computerized pedagogical agent with realistic characteristics; for example, it can appear on a computer screen and guide users through multimedia learning environments, designed to support learning and direct attention to relevant topics. In the study by Mohammadhasani 22 , a virtual avatar similar to a young male nerd was created for teaching ADHD subjects, it provided options for solving mathematic and logic problems. Results of this study suggested that it could be possible to elicit greater attention in subjects with ADHD and highlight how the presence of a pedagogical agent may improve the performance of subjects.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of a Virtual Avatar in Attention and Memory Tasks in Rett Syndrome

Pergolizzi

Nucita

et al. 2020

Preprint

Self Cite

Background: Since subjects with Rett syndrome (RTT) focus their attention mainly on the faces of people with whom they interact, in this study the role of a human-like avatar in enhancing cognitive processes was examined. More in depth, this study examined subjects with RTT performing attention and memory tasks with and without a virtual avatar.Method: Thirty-six girls with RTT participated in the study. They were matched for mental age and randomly submitted to two conditions (with and without virtual avatar) with two tasks (over-selectivity and memory paradigms). Results: The results indicated that the RTT group exposed to the virtual avatar condition, presented better attention and memory abilities than the matched RTT group without the avatar condition. Discussion: The results were discussed in light of the relationship between motivation, attention and memory in RTT.