MotiBo: The Impact of Interactive Digital Storytelling Robots on Student Motivation Through Self-Determination Theory

Synthesis: Fung and Lui (2026) examine the impact of MotiBo, an interactive digital storytelling system incorporating a human-like robot, on student engagement and creativity. Recognizing that storytelling can enhance motivation and engagement but that conventional methods often lack interactive elements, the study compares engagement across three modalities: paper-based, PowerPoint, and robot-assisted (MotiBo) storytelling. Using a quasi-experimental design with three groups of students over a five-day learning period, the study finds that students using MotiBo exhibit statistically significant improvements in behavioural and cognitive engagement compared with traditional methods.

Key Findings

Study Design & Method

This is a quasi-experimental study. The researchers compared student engagement and creativity across three storytelling modalities: paper-based, PowerPoint-based, and robot-assisted storytelling using the MotiBo system (a human-like interactive digital storytelling robot). Three groups of students participated over a five-day learning period. The study measured behavioural and cognitive engagement, and considered creativity as an outcome, analyzing differences across the three conditions.

Implications for AI in Education

MotiBo demonstrates how Social Robots can enhance Student Engagement and Motivation in storytelling-based learning, framed through Self Determination Theory. It shows that adding an interactive, embodied robot to storytelling increases behavioural and cognitive engagement compared with paper and PowerPoint methods. This connects to Educational Robotics, narrative learning, and the promotion of Creativity in education. For educators, it provides evidence that embodied, interactive digital storytelling can motivate learners, with implications for K 12 and special/inclusive education settings.

Limitations

The study is quasi-experimental (non-random assignment) with a five-day learning period, limiting causal inference and insight into long-term effects. The specific sample and student population are not detailed in the abstract. Findings focus on engagement measures, and the relationship to deeper learning outcomes and creativity requires further investigation.

Connected Concepts

Connected Articles

Citation

Fung, K. Y., & Lui, T. L. R. (2026). MotiBo: The impact of interactive digital storytelling robots on student motivation through self-determination theory. arXiv:2601.01218.