Intelligent tutoring systems: An overview

Abstract: In this paper we look at the evolutionary development of Computer Assisted Instruction from the early days of ‘linear programs’ up to the use of ‘expert systems’ in education and training. We present the basic principles of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) which are capable of rich interaction with the student, which know how to teach, and who and what they are teaching. We point out the need for knowledge representation formalisms which can support ITS and present one such formalism (production systems). In the framework presented we describe systems developed for the teaching of modern languages, electronic trouble shooting and computer programming. Finally we point out the shortcomings of ITS and identify areas where a consensus of opinion does not exist. © 1986 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Masoud Yazdani: Masoud Yazdani studied Computer Science at the University of Essex and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Sussex. He joined Exeter University in 1980 as a lecturer in Computer Science. His research work is in two areas of computational models of creativity and intelligent tutoring systems. This latter area has led to implementation of various systems using artificial intelligence techniques to teach arithmetic and foreign languages. He is Chairman of Intellect Limited, a company specialising in applications of AI and to educate industry in what AI can offer it. He has acted as a consultant to various industrial companies including Acorn Computers, GTE Inc. and ITT Engineering Support Centre. He is the Committee Secretary for the Society for the Study of Artificial Intelligence and Simulation of Behaviour (AISB). His books include New Horizons in Educational Computing, Artificial Intelligence: Human Effects, both published by Ellis Horwood Ltd. and Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Applications published by Chapman and Hall.)