This paper explores the use of learning as a practical tool in problem solving. The idea that learning should and eventually will be a vital component of most Artificial Intelligence programs is pursued. Current techniques in learning systems are compared. A detailed discussion of the problems of representing, modifying, and creating heuristics is…

POLYFACT is a learning program that attempts to factor multivariable polynomials. The program has been successful in factoring polynomials (in simplified form) with a maximum of 84 terms, each term consisting of as many as five variables and a maximum degree of 67. The complexity of this learning task placed unusual requirements on the…

Scientific developments during the last few decades offer a radical new way of looking at learning--one that appears to have enormous potential for helping teachers bring about major gains in students' achievement. (DS)

The ACT theory of the learning of procedures is described. ACT is a computer simulation program that uses a propositional network to represent knowledge of general facts and a set of productions (condition action rules) to represent knowledge of procedures. There are currently four different mechanisms by which ACT can make additions and…

A new heuristic factorization scheme uses learning to improve the efficiency of determining the symbolic factorization of multivariable polynomials with interger coefficients and an arbitrary number of variables and terms. The factorization scheme makes extensive use of artificial intelligence techniques (e.g., model-building, learning, and…

A formal theory of human understanding was developed and embodied in a computer program, UNDERSTAND, which simulates the understanding processes. Due to the number of alternative processing choices, some assumptions were made which are analyzed based on their validity. (Author/DEP)

Proposes that Gagne's nine events of instruction be incorporated into the systematic design of computer assisted instruction (CAI) for microcomputers and describes the nine events in relation to five different kinds of learning outcomes which occur frequently in CAI. Seven references are cited. (MER)

Most current information processing theories of cognition and memory share one common feature: the structure (state-space) of memory is fixed and retrieval from memory involves searching through that structure. Learning, where it is treated at all, involves transforming one such structure into another. This form of representation is questioned and…

Presented is an introduction to the operation and mechanics of the ACTP production system, a version of Anderson's (1976) ACT system. ACTP is already in use modeling geometry theorem proving and counting of a set of objects, and has been identified as a potentially useful programing framework for developing models of the cognitive processes used…

An attempt was made to develop human-like behavior in the computer. A theory of the human learning process was described. A computer game was presented which simulated the human capabilities of reasoning and learning. The program was required to make intelligent decisions based on past experiences and critical analysis of the present situation.…

The current status of creating artificial intelligence (AI) in computers is viewed in terms of what has been accomplished, what the current limitations are, and how vague the concept of intelligent behavior is in today's world. Progress is expected to accelerate once sufficient fundamental knowledge is available. (MP)

A proposed student model consisting of a set of programs to represent the student's knowledge state. Teaching proceeds after a comparative evaluation of student and teacher programs, and learning is represented by direct modification of the student model. The advantages of an explicit procedural model are illustrated by considering a program which…

Discussed are Seymour Papert's ideas about computers and their role in the educational process. He believes that present-day computers program, rather than teach, the child and has developed a simple and fun computer language called LOGO which lures children into learning by exploration and discovery. (KC)

Reviews some of the assumptions underlying authoring guides and evaluation instruments for computer assisted instructional materials and recommends that software design and evaluation criteria be derived from a consistent learning theory base which considers the type of learning, type of learner, and instructional context. (Author/JJD)