Contributions to learning in an agent-based multimedia environment: a methods-media distinction

How can we foster the process of knowledge construction in learners using an agent based multimedia environment? The paper reviews a set of studies where students learn in various agentbased multimedia environments designed to promote the understanding of an environmental science lesson. The role of media is examined by comparing how students learn from the same microworld delivered via a desktop display, head mounted display without walking, and head mounted display with walking. The role of method is examined by comparing how students learn when the agent communicates with the student via spoken or written words, if the agent´s image is present or not, and students actively participate in the process of knowledge construction or receive direct instruction