Abstract
By reviewing data on classroom and tutorial instruction, this article presents a perspective on the value of technology-based instruction in general and intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) in particular. It finds mixed-initiative dialogue and on-demand, real-time generative capabilities to be defining functionalities of ITS. These functionalities are motivated by basic research into human learning and cognition. From this perspective, development of both the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative and ITS are viewed as parallel but presently independent activities. Their common interests in the development and availability on the World Wide Web of sharable (accessible, interoperable, durable, and reusable) instructional objects that can act as either instructional content or algorithmic agents are described and discussed. Sharable instructional objects are likely to reduce the costs and increase the effectiveness of both ADL technologies and ITS. Development of these objects should be cooperatively promoted and pursued by both the ADL and ITS communities. Doing so may lead to the development and wide use of personal learning associates, allowing high-quality instruction and decision aiding to become ubiquitous and affordable.