EDUWORKS CORPORATION — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) are complex adaptive learning systems that simulate one

Description

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) are complex adaptive learning systems that simulate one-on-one tutoring. Research shows they improve learning and reduce time to mastery. Unfortunately, they are also expensive and time-consuming to produce. Existing IT authoring tools eliminate low level programming but require that domain models, expert models and content be created manually. In Phase I of the Tools for Rapid Development of Expert Models (TRADEM) SBIR project Eduworks Corporation developed an innovative and efficient process for producing expert models. This process relies on natural language processing, artificial intelligence, and probabilistic semantic analysis. It can be used to rapidly transform existing instructional content into an expert model and ITS. In Phase II Eduworks will develop and optimize a prototype that implements this process. The prototype will leverage Eduworks Semantic Technology Engine and be tested in multiple domains. It will be used to produce model-tracing dialog-based tutors and constraint-based tutors. The Student Information Model for Integrated Learning Environments (SIMILE) developed by Engineering & Computer Simulations, Inc. will be used to map events in virtual worlds to expert models produced by the prototype. Results will be independently evaluated by researchers at the Institute for Intelligent Systems at the University of Memphis.