Perspectives and Metaphors of Learning: A Commentary on James Lester’s Narrative-Centered AI-Based Environments

Abstract

This commentary aims to discuss perspectives on narrative-centered learning and metaphors of AI-based learning environments. To this end, the commentary draws from James Lester’s keynote and an interview with a focus on the narrative element that underlies the use of AI in Learning. In both texts, Lester offers an account of the narrative-centered learning environments that he has been developing with his research group. One example of such environments is Crystal Island, an AI-based game for K-12 students learning science. Along with Crystal Island, more metaphors of learning emerge. Based on these, this chapter uses Paul Ricoeur’s narrative theory and metaphor theory to reflect on the role of characters and the narrative plot in relation to Lester’s visualization of the future of learning with AI-based technologies. In this process, new roles in AI-based learning are introduced. One such example is the role of drama manager. The drama manager is a novel metaphor in game-based learning. In addition, more conventional metaphors, such as the tutorial dialogue, are brought forward as well as technological metaphors. The multiplicity of metaphors have agency at the core, as connecting tissue. Agency, although not explicitly articulated in the keynote and the interview, is an all-encompassing metaphor in learning. As technological advancement shakes the boundaries of thinking about agency nowadays, new dynamic metaphors are needed in AI-based learning. Toward this direction, the commentary draws from new materialist and post-humanist thinkers to raise these issues and the need to take the narrative further.