Intelligent Tutoring Tools in a Computer Integrated Learning Environment for introductory numeric disciplines

Abstract

Research in the field of Intelligent Tutoring Systems has failed to provide any substantial or viable systems that could be used in real academic environments. This situation appears to be the result of two factors: first, the failure to identify clearly the objectives and the scope of such systems; and second, the continuously shifting technological platform on which such systems are built. This paper examines the possible objectives for the development of tutoring systems and presents an approach adopted by the Byzantium project. It describes a model of computer integrated learning environment (CILE) and discusses the role of an intelligent tutoring tool (ITT) within this model. The paper also considers the potential of the Internet for various learning environments. Based on our experience of designing and implementing four ITTs that have the same look and feel (but which address diverse subject areas) the paper suggests a possible extension of the Byzantium approach to the Internet through the conversion of ITTs into intelligent tutoring applets (ITAs).