Abstract: A character programming and control system and method for programming and controlling a virtual character during a social simulation, a character programming method for programming the actions of a virtual character, and a system and method for developing social skills of a user.

Abstract: Providing an interactive environment that requires a user to exercise one or more social skills to achieve a goal, and generating a simulation progress report indicative of the success of the user's exercise of the social skills during the interactive social simulation in a plurality of separate categories that are each related to the one or more social skills based on the user's interaction with the interactive environment.

Abstract: Language learning systems and methods may be provided. An interactive lesson module may be provided. The interactive lesson module may be configured to provide an interactive language lesson that prompts a user to repeat, translate, or define words or phrases, or to provide words corresponding to images, at a controllable difficulty level. An interactive social simulation module may be provided. The interactive social simulation module may be configured to provide an interactive environment that requires the user to use the language to communicate with a virtual character to achieve a goal at a controllable difficulty level. A learner model module may be provided. The learner model may be configured to control the difficulty level of the interactive language lesson and the interactive social simulation based on a lesson progress report and a simulation progress report.