Supporting Computational Music Remixing with a Co-Creative Learning Companion

Intelligent learning environments have demonstrated effectiveness for providing individualized instruction to students of computer science (CS). However, the great potential of intelligent agents has not yet been explored within expressive environments, which are increasingly common for supporting and motivating K-12 students. This paper presents the prototype design and implementation of a novel Co-creative Artificial Intelligence (CAI) integrated within EarSketch, an online environment for learning introductory computing concepts through code-driven, sample-based music remixing. CAI is intended to scaffold student learning from EarSketch’s expressive computing curriculum by co-creating algorithmic music alongside a human learner. This paper presents an initial version of CAI, which engages with EarSketch users by offering menu-based dialogue and suggestions based on the state of a project. We report a pilot study in classrooms, showing promising results in students’ satisfaction with the system’s capabilities. The findings of this pilot study suggest the ability of a co-creative agent to support users in learning and creative objectives, and should inspire research into combined computational and creative user models.