Developing a "virtual student" model to test the tutor and optimizer agents in an ITS

Abstract

Education is increasingly using Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS), both for modeling instructional and teaching strategies and for enhancing educational programs. The first part of the paper introduces the basic structure of an ITS as well as common problems being experienced within the ITS community. The second part describes WITNeSS- an original hybrid intelligent system using Fuzzy-GA techniques for optimizing the presentation of learning material to a student. In part three our original work is related to the concept of a "virtual student". This student mode, modeled using fuzzy technologies, will be useful for any ITS, providing it with an optimal learning strategy for fitting the ITS itself to the unique needs of each individual student. Experiments focus on problems developing a "virtual student" model, which simulates, in a rudimentary way, human learning behavior. The paper finishes with concluding remarks. © Springer-Verlag 2004.