Virtual agents have been shown to be more effective when incorporating social factors such as trust into task action selection. However, there has been less work on how virtual tutoring agents can incorporate social factors into pedagogical action selection. We propose and evaluate how a socially-conditioned task reasoner for a virtual pedagogical…

Tutoring with Alphie is a computer-assisted programme that aims to improve the literacy skills of struggling readers. The programme combines elements of collaborative (or 'cooperative') learning, computer-assisted instruction and small group support. Participating pupils are grouped in pairs and follow a series of activities that seek to improve…

Describes the results of the use of computer-based tutorials to teach the pathology of the cardiovascular system in a veterinary school in the United Kingdom. Concludes that the combined worksheet and computer based learning format is suitable for teaching veterinary pathology. (LRW)

Describes four studies, one experimental and three comparative, that were conducted with university students to assess the instructional effectiveness of separate animated computer tutorials illustrating dynamic processes in microbiology. Results indicated a significant advantage for subjects in the animated condition as opposed to a contextual…

Describes a study of undergraduates that investigated the influence of training format on knowledge structure development and how differing knowledge structure measurement techniques can be used to best assess training effectiveness. Manipulated the presence of diagrams in a computer-based training tutorial to assess mental model development and…

A computer-animated tutor, Baldi, has been successful in teaching vocabulary and grammar to children with autism and those with hearing problems. The present study assessed to what extent the face facilitated this learning process relative to the voice alone. Baldi was implemented in a Language Wizard/Tutor, which allows easy creation and…

This paper reports on a study which investigates the implementation of a synchronous e-learning system ("Interwise") for online tutorials on an information technology related course offered by the Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK). It examines a set of interview data related to students' and tutors' views on the use of the system.…

Examines trends in computer-assisted instruction dissertations by reviewing 322 dissertation abstracts, categorizing them by year, geography, academic area, mode, beneficiary, and thrust. Results indicate that the majority of dissertations addressed the following topics: tutorial mode; analysis of data, and design and demonstration (thrust); and…

This research examines high school students' performance on an interactive multimedia tutorial for learning physics concepts in conjunction with their individual differences. Performance was compared between the initial portion of the tutorial where students learned concepts and the final portion where they applied the concepts. (Author/LRW)

In this study, the Bystander Turing Test (BTT) paradigm is used to determine whether participants rate particular dialog moves in tutoring transcripts to be generated by a computer tutor, AutoTutor, or by a skilled human tutor. Currently, AutoTutor initiates a conversation with the learner by posing a question or presenting a problem for the…

Describes a study of elementary school students grades three though six that compared two methods of keyboarding instruction, one that used a tutorial computer program and one that involved the teacher and lesson plans. Results indicate the more teacher-intensive method was more efficient and effective than the computer program. (LRW)

Relates how C. A. Boneau's research identified the Top 100 terms and concepts of psychology. Describes a computer-assisted exercise for introductory college-level classes to teach these terms through computer tutoring. Discusses the development of the program, its implementation, and its evaluation. (CFR)

Determines effects of computerized science tutoring on the self-esteem of at-risk urban high school students. Through a case study/structured interview dyad, ascertains students' perceptions of the use of this technology in schools. Results indicate students' self-esteem improved from pre- to posttest on the Self-Esteem Index. (MMU)

Most studies on feedback compare elaborated feedback types presenting knowledge on the correct response (KCR) immediately together with further information to simple feedback types providing knowledge of result (KR) or KCR. This study uses bug-related tutoring feedback (BRT-feedback) offering strategic information for error correction, but no…

Presents an architecture of an intelligent system to support learning that is able to address the issues that arise from constructivist theories of learning in a way that, rather than opposing to the standard intelligent tutoring system architecture, characterizes a broader view in all its components which can be appropriately attuned to address…