Same benefits, different communication patterns: Comparing Children's reading with a conversational agent vs. a human partner

Storybook reading accompanied by adult-guided conversation provides a stimulating context for children's language development. Conversational agents powered artificial intelligence, such as smart speakers, are prevalent in homes and have the potential to engage children storybook partners. However, little research has explored effectiveness of using conversational support This study examined how an automated agent can read stories via speaker while asking questions providing contingent feedback. Using randomized experiment among 90 aged three six years, this compared these story comprehension verbal engagement with versus adult. The agent's guided was found be supportive improving that provided adult partner. At same time, uncovered number differences when interacting Specifically, who responded better intelligibility, whereas those higher productivity, lexical diversity, topical relevance. And two groups similar level accuracy. In addition, requiring high cognitive demand amplified between offers important implications developing researching systems • identifies affordances partners during reading. simulate effective partner Having dialogue or enhances comprehension. Adults elicit longer, more lexically diverse relevant responses promote intelligibility. Disembodied great enriching young experiences.