  Digital agents are considered a general-purpose technology. They spread
quickly in private and organizational contexts, including education. Yet,
research lacks a conceptual framing to describe interaction with such agents in
a holistic manner. While focusing on the interaction with a pedagogical agent,
i.e., a digital agent capable of natural-language interaction with a learner,
we propose a model of learning activity based on activity theory. We use this
model and a review of prior research on digital agents in education to analyze
how various characteristics of the activity, including features of a
pedagogical agent or learner, influence learning outcomes. The analysis leads
to identification of IS research directions and guidance for developers of
pedagogical agents and digital agents in general. We conclude by extending the
activity theory-based model beyond the context of education and show how it
helps designers and researchers ask the right questions when creating a digital
agent.
