Problem solving with adaptive feedback

Abstract

The virtual laboratory (VILAB) supports interactive problem solving in computer science with access to complex software-tools. During the problem solving processes the learners get fast feedback by a tutoring component. This feedback based in the first version of VILAB only on intelligent error analyses of learners' solutions. Animated by the very positive results of the evaluation of this tutoring component we additionally implemented an user model. Thereby the feedback for a learner consists not only of adaptive information about his errors and performance, but also of adaptive hints for the improvement of his solution. Furthermore, the tutoring component can individually motivate the learners. © Springer-Verlag 2004.