The Minnesota Adaptive Instructional System research program investigates variables and conditions that improve learning through adaptive instructional strategies. The macro- level component of the system includes a learner model, knowledge base, and expert tutor model. At the micro-level there are nine variables which form the possible…

Discusses aspects of the syntax and semantics of film, and presents a scenario for the use of film by intelligent computer assisted instruction (ICAI) systems. An outline of a representation language for educational films on videodisc is presented, and an appendix provides conceptual graphs that explain notations used in examples. (Author/LRW)

Describes the inability of traditional subject index terms to represent relational information among concepts, and the development of frame based knowledge representation methods that provide relational semantic representations of documents and user queries. The discussion covers research in user interfaces and automatic document classifications,…

Discussion of the possibilities of introducing artificial intelligence (AI) into the undergraduate curriculum highlights the introduction of AI in an introduction to information processing course for business students at George Washington University. Topics discussed include robotics, expert systems prototyping in class, and the interdisciplinary…

A computer-based expert system, Mandate Consultant, was designed to review regulatory procedures for developing individualized education programs. Findings of formative and summative evaluation indicated the system generated conclusions that matched those of the "better" human experts, and more appropriate than those of the majority of…

Intelligent computer-assisted instruction (ICAI) allows both student and program a flexibility resembling a one-on-one interaction between student and teacher. This paper reviews the components of artificial intelligence, describes the structure of ICAI systems, and examines the relative strengths and weaknesses of such systems. (MT)

Personal computers are inexpensive, portable, accessible, and adaptable for vocational education instruction, administration, and communications. Successful infusion of microcomputers into vocational education requires staff orientation, improvement in software quality, and careful planning. (SK)

Discusses various aspects of scientific software, including evaluation and selection of commercial software products; program exchanges, catalogs, and other information sources; major data analysis packages; statistics and chemometrics software; and artificial intelligence. (JN)

Reviews factors that have delayed use of expert system authoring tools in education and describes applications of two such tools--Expert-Ease and M.1.--to special education. Learning to use the tools, creating programs, and consulting the systems are the topics covered. Sources for further information on expert systems are provided. (MBR)

Discusses: (1) the architecture of expert systems; (2) features that distinguish expert systems from conventional programs; (3) conditions necessary to select a particular application for the development of successful expert systems; (4) issues to be resolved when building expert systems; and (5) limitations. Examples of selected expert systems…

Overview of the artificial intelligence (AI) field provides a definition; discusses past research and areas of future research; describes the design, functions, and capabilities of expert systems and the "Turing Test" for machine intelligence; and lists additional sources for information on artificial intelligence. Languages of AI are…

Describes an expert system which provides users who have information needs with terms to express search queries; introduces principles on which the system's behavior is based; describes the system's main procedures and decision rules; presents an example of system use; and outlines possible improvements in system search and evaluation procedures.…

Science fiction writers' perceptions of the "thinking machine" are examined through a review of Baum's Oz books, Heinlein's "Beyond This Horizon," science fiction magazine articles, and works about robots including Asimov's "I, Robot." The future of computers in science fiction is discussed and suggested readings are listed. (MBR)

Examines such questions as: (1) Can creativity be fostered by education, and if so, how? (2) What part does language, man's most effective tool, play in this process? and (3) Could the artificial intelligence of computers be enlisted in the quest for greater creativity? (Author/JN)

Discusses the relationship between the problems involved in the creation of expert systems by knowledge engineers, i.e., experts at translating human abilities and knowledge into computer programs, and the major issues dealt with in the planning/analysis phases of instructional development. (MBR)