Judy Van Biljon
580 California St., Suite 400
San Francisco, CA, 94104
A model for intelligent computer-aided education systems
1995, Computers & Education
https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-1315(95)00001-3
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Abstract
Education is important. Some students learn faster than others, some have access to more and better resources, e.g. teachers, than others do. We can no longer teach all the relevant knowledge in any course. However, if we can teach the skill of finding the relevant information in a problem-solving situation, and using that information to solve a problem, then we are teaching a life skill. We propose a model for intelligent Computer-Aided Education (CAE) systems to provide such an education to a student. It bases on the paradigms of cooperative learning, constructive problem-solving and a problemcentred approach. Its implementation bases on the paradigms of object-oriented programming, highly interactive user interfaces, and expert systems techniques. The learner (student) interacts with the CAE system via an interface called the virtual world in which he/she has to solve a problem. In this way the student learns. The student can devote all his/her attention to the problem, because the user interface and the tools at his/her disposal, are all designed to support the student in the problem-solving attempt. The student is intelligently assisted by the system. The model also supports the teacher by analysing the problem-solving attempt of the student. It provides an analysis/diagnosis of the problem-solving skills and strategies employed by the student, and shows Hso weaknesses and omissions in the student's problem-solving skills and strategies. The student hao the opportunity of reviewing his actions and associated thought processes during a session with the teacher. The paper discusses the details of the model. --Dynamic adaptation of assistance to the student. Intelligent and immediate evaluation of the student's problem-solving effort. --Active learning: the CAE system does not merely present screens to the student, but the student actively controls the learning prozess and environment. -A virtual problem-solving world which extends the student's learning environment and adds a dynamic dimension to it. --A framework for identifying and improving thinking skills. Education is very important. In a world that becomes increasingly complex, it is difficult for the average person to be empowered with the skills needed to compete for a quality life. More and more people are, therefore, demanding a proper education, which can have the following --PLATO (and even PLATO on a PC) is expensive. --PLATO contains several methodological limitations. --PLATO supports "a delivery-system approach which is prescriptive and inhibiting".
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