Tools for teacher participation in ITS design

Abstract

This research addresses the widening gap between research in intelligent tutoring systems and practical use of this technology by the educational community. In order to insure that intelligent tutoring systems are effective, practicing educators must be involved in their design and evaluation. We have followed a user participatory design process to build a set of ITS knowledge acquisition tools tailored for usability by teachers. The system facilitates rapid prototyping and testing of curriculum and tutoring strategies. In close collaboration with a veteran high school teacher, we have used the interface to design a tutor for statics. In this paper we discuss the ITS design process, including how the tools were used.