Design of an Intelligent Tutoring System shell

Abstract

Computer technology has brought about numerous changes in the availability of educational media, especially the Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS). Since the development of an ITS is such an interdisciplinary task, the instructor needs assistance in developing these educational aides. An ITS shell, or authoring system, is the tool that will enable ITSs to make the transition from the research arena and into the educational environment. The conceptual model of the ITS shell proposed in this thesis uses a layered approach to accessing the different modules of the ITS. The components, or subcomponents, of each module consist of either existing programs, or are selectable options developed by area experts. These options should allow the instructor to develop an ITS concentrating on the material being presented and on the method of interaction the student has with that material. The emphasis on the construction of these components is portability, modularity, and flexibility. The C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) is used as the inferencing and control mechanism. The design methodology proposed is the Object Oriented Programming approach. The emphasis of this thesis is on interface tools and presentation systems that allow for linking and integration into the ITS shell proposed.