Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning: An Introduction

Abstract

Early computer programs for educational use were of the drill‐and‐practice type. The developing techniques of artificial intelligence were seen as applicable to computer‐assisted learning. Systems which offer natural‐language communication to the user, and those which are generative, adaptive or self‐improving are discussed. The current interest in student‐built learning environments as exemplified by work with LOGO and PROLOG is examined. Obstacles to progress are seen to be lack of an adequate understanding of most aspects of cognition, a need for more powerful hardware at the users’ level, and a shortage of research and development personnel.