Intelligent tutor system

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An intelligent tutor system ( ITS ) is a computer program that supports individual learning. Derek H. Sleeman and JR Hartley introduced the system in 1973. ITS usually pursues the goal of imparting knowledge to one or more users in a certain area. Particularly at ITS is the orientation towards the performance of the users. The ITS tries to recognize how well a user's knowledge is developed and adapts the content to be conveyed accordingly. A user who has difficulties with the main features of a subject is (in the best case) not immediately confronted with difficult material. Instead, the user is given the basics until his answers show that he is ready for the higher matter.

construction

ITS are usually composed of three components:

  • Knowledge of a knowledge domain
  • Knowledge of the learner and their knowledge
  • Knowledge of strategies for imparting knowledge

Knowledge domain

The knowledge domain describes the area about which knowledge is to be conveyed, e.g. B. Automotive technology . The knowledge domain must be relatively clearly defined, as an unclear definition makes it difficult to formulate exact questions and tasks. Areas such as mathematics and physics , i.e. topics with clearly formulated rules and contexts, are particularly suitable as knowledge domains, since in these areas it is very easy to see whether an answer is right or wrong. Areas such as religion , politics or ethics leave a lot of leeway in the answers and are therefore less suitable for automated processing.

The learner and his knowledge

In order to be able to support the learner in learning, it is necessary that the ITS can get an idea of ​​the level of knowledge and the solution strategies of the learner. Only then can the assigned tasks be adapted accordingly and the learner given specific assistance if he has difficulties in an area. It should be noted that the learner's behavior cannot be used to draw any direct conclusions about his or her level of knowledge, since the constitution (e.g. attention, motivation, emotions, environmental influences) influences behavior.

Knowledge transfer

In order to successfully impart knowledge, the ITS must have a teaching strategy . Various approaches are possible here. For example, if the answer to a question is wrong, it can provide additional information or ask a simpler question. According to JR Anderson, different types of knowledge (declarative, procedural, contextual) can be distinguished (see memory ). Depending on the type of knowledge, a suitable representation for the acquisition (active construction) of the knowledge can be provided by the system.