How to Successfully Incorporate Avatars into E-Learning

An Avatar serves as an alter ego, usually representing the presenter, and is generally in the form of a 3D model. This character is able to mimic human characteristics, including voice, gesture, and body movement. They help introduce an element of humanity and can be used to guide a learner through a learning module and create an emotional connection with the learning, know as the persona effect.  There is a growing body of research to support the use of avatars in on line learning.