Intelligent Computer Assisted Instruction Systems: The Nature of Learner Control

Abstract

Learner control, which is contrary in spirit to the design philosophy underlying traditional CAI systems, is an important feature of most intelligent computer assisted instruction (ICAI) systems, as revealed through the learning dialogues they support. Such learner control is made possible by the natural language interface and the type of knowledge base incorporated in these systems. Such systems, it is argued, because they enable unplanned interactions with the learner and capitalize on student curiosity and motivation, can attain a much finer grain of individualization than traditional CAI systems can. The conceptual and affective requirements of instructional adaptation indicate the desirability of substantial learner control as well as the potential danger of overly strong tutorial guidance.