Online math learning can be isolating and demotivating for children. This project, an on-going part of my PhD research, explores whether a virtual robot can transform this experience.

Children used Khan Academy, a popular E-learning website to learn mathematics, half with virtual CommU, a social robot developed by researchers at Osaka University, Japan, in collaboration with Vstone Co., Ltd., and half with the standard platform. The robot did not teach math directly; instead, it provided strategic support: sitting beside problems on screen, maintaining eye contact, offering timely encouragement, and helping children refocus after breaks.

The robot's presence made a measurable difference. Children learning with CommU showed better concentration (fewer instances of looking away), higher engagement (more positive expressions and enjoyment), and improved math performance over the three-week study. They also reported feeling more confident in their academic abilities.

This research suggests that virtual robots can address key challenges in e-learning environments: lack of social presence, declining motivation, and difficulty maintaining focus, making them valuable tools for enhancing digital education.