We created a list of more than 140 tools that can be used to create tutoring systems, from complete tutoring systems to low-level tools for preparing instructional materials. Based on this list, we present a preliminary ontology of system dimensions that can serve as a base for a comprehensive review or in building systems. We also note that: (a)…

Librarians are often asked to create instructional experiences and/or learning objects to teach students to avoid plagiarizing. Creating an effective tutorial not only requires following good instruction design principles but also understanding why and when students plagiarize and how to address students effectively about plagiarism. This article…

To provide personalized help to students who are working on code-writing problems, we introduce a data-driven tutoring system, ITAP (Intelligent Teaching Assistant for Programming). ITAP uses state abstraction, path construction, and state reification to automatically generate personalized hints for students, even when given states that have not…

Working as a legislative reference librarian at the Connecticut State Library exposes the author to many complex topics. Law, by nature, is a multidisciplinary field involving social issues and legal ramifications. Each year when the legislature is in session (January-June during even years, February-May during odd years), the Legislative Bill…

Programmed instruction (PI) was devised to make the teaching-learning process more humane by making it more effective and customized to individual differences. B.F. Skinner's original prescription was modified by later innovators to incorporate more human interaction, social reinforcers and other forms of feedback, larger and more flexible chunks…

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 a visual tutoring system for programming distributive-memory multiprocessor networks. Highlights include difficulties of parallel programming, and three instructional modes in the system, including a hypertext-like lecture, a question-answer mode, and an expert aid mode. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of effective computer-based training (CBT), or computer-assisted instruction, emphasizes that the media used should be selected to support and deliver the message, not overpower it with unnecessary elements. Topics include computer as tutor; design and authoring tools; interaction; procedural versus principled tasks; and information and…

This paper describes the design and development of an instructional planner for an intelligent tutoring system for cardiovascular physiology that assists medical students to learn the causal relationships between the parameters of the circulatory system, to understand how a negative feedback system works, and to solve problems involving…

Discusses the increasing amount of educational content on the Internet for both educational and business applications and reviews basic learning theories, instructional design theories, and factors affecting successful Web-based tutorials. Proposes a model synthesizing instructional design pedagogy and Web design concepts. (Author/LRW)

Discusses problems with using tutorials for digital art assignments in higher education, including plagiarism, and suggests focusing on concept mastery and customizing assignments for better assessment. Provides three examples, including using shapes to draw a series of objects, designing a thumbnail gallery of 10 images, and creating a computer…

This guide to search engines for the World Wide Web discusses selecting the right search engine; interpreting search results; major search engines; online tutorials and guides; search engines for kids; specialized search tools for various subjects; and other specialized engines and gateways. (LRW)

Describes two systems that incorporate tutoring elements into pre-existing software packages: one supporting Geometer's Sketchpad and the other Microsoft Excel. An analysis of their similarities and differences provides a foundation for standardizing the components of learning environments, simplifying their creation and increasing the power of…

Considers the use of self-paced tutorials on the Internet to teach library users how to search the Internet. Discusses the present lack of an adequate tutorial, recommends the use of animated graphics, and suggests the need for good tutorials on the Internet that foster systematic learning. (LRW)

Discussion of multimedia chemistry courses in higher education focuses on the educational development of a Web-based organic chemistry tutorial which aims to enable students to learn chemical concepts through the manipulation of structural formulae and the provision of appropriate feedback. Describes the online chemical structure modeling tool and…