Discusses the nature and current state of knowledge-based systems and expert systems. Describes an expert system from the viewpoints of a computer programmer and an applications expert. Addresses concerns related to materials selection and forecasts future developments in the teaching of materials engineering. (ML)

To ensure that the classroom of the next century offers all its potential, schools must plan for changes in technology that will bring opportunities that currently can only be imagined. Virtual reality is already amazing, and has the potential to be the most effective method for training people who learn and remember best by doing. Verbal computer…