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ATTENDEE: an AffecTive Tutoring system based on facial EmotioN recognition and heaD posE Estimation to personalize e-learning environment

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Abstract

In recent years, the main problem in e-learning has shifted to personalization of learning environment by Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs). Therefore, by designing personalized teaching models, learners are able to have a successful and satisfying experience in achieving their learning goals. Affective Tutoring Systems (ATSs) are some kinds of ITS that can recognize and respond to affective states of learners. In this study, we have designed, implemented, and evaluated an ATS named ATTENDEE (AffecTive Tutoring system based on facial EmotioN recognition and heaD posE Estimation) to personalize the learning environment based on the facial emotions recognition, head pose estimation, and cognitive style of learners. First, a unit called Intelligent Analyzer (IA) created which was responsible for recognizing facial expression and head angles of learners. Next, the ATS was built which mainly made of two units: ITS, IA. Results indicated that with the ATS, participants needed less efforts to pass the tests. In other words, we observed when the IA unit was activated, learners could pass the final tests in fewer attempts than those for whom the IA unit was deactivated. In addition, we have examined the effect of the IA unit on the educational achievement and satisfaction of learners.

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Correspondence to Gholam Ali Montazer.

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Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. The research presented in this manuscript, which focused on evaluating two groups of people using an E-learning system, adhered to the highest ethical standards as prescribed by Tarbiat Modares University. In this study, informed consent was obtained from all participants, ensuring they were fully aware of the study's nature and their involvement. The research was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines of Tarbiat Modares University's Institutional Review Board, with a particular emphasis on respecting participant privacy and data confidentiality. All participant information has been anonymized to maintain confidentiality. We confirm that there were no conflicts of interest affecting this research, and all procedures were conducted ethically and responsibly.

Ethical Statement

We declare that this manuscript, titled “ATTENDEE: an AffecTive Tutoring system based on facial EmotioN recognition and heaD posE Estimation to personalize e-learning environment,” represents our original research and collective effort. The development and assessment of the affective tutoring system have been conducted with adherence to ethical research standards, including the informed consent of all involved parties and the protection of their privacy. No personal data were misused, and facial expressions and head pose data were anonymized. This work has not been published elsewhere, nor is it under consideration by another publication. The undersigned authors share joint responsibility for the cont ent and adherence to ethical guidelines.

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Pourmirzaei, M., Montazer, G.A. & Mousavi, E. ATTENDEE: an AffecTive Tutoring system based on facial EmotioN recognition and heaD posE Estimation to personalize e-learning environment. J. Comput. Educ. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-023-00303-w

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