This annual report of the Department of Computer and Information Science at Ohio State University for July 1977-June 1978 covers the department's organizational structure, objectives, highlights of department activities (such as grants and faculty appointments), instructional programs/course offerings, and facilities. In the second half of the…

This selective bibliography of recent publications by Rand researchers in the Information Processing Systems research program includes only those papers concerned with the broad range of topics in cognitive science. These topics include the modeling of complex human behavior, the construction of intelligent computer systems, and the representation…

Computer coaching of students as an aid in problem-solving instruction is discussed. This report describes an advanced form of computer-assisted instruction that must not only present the material to be taught, but also analyze the student's responses. The program must decide whether to intervene and how much to say to a pupil based on its…

This paper discusses the theoretical problem of matching and abstraction of concepts as the processes occur in human minds, and the structures used to represent these processes for use in automated, knowledge based systems. A basic premise of the paper is that hierarchies play a crucial role in structuring knowledge and in solving problems. Data…

The goal of the present project was to identify the types of knowledge necessary and useful for competent troubleshooting/debugging and to examine how new approaches to formal instruction might influence the attainment of competence by students. The research focused on the role of general strategies in troubleshooting/debugging, and how they might…

One aspect of tutoring skill for technical subjects is individualized, adaptive sequencing of the problems given to students as learning exercises. A Curriculum Information Network (CIN) describes the relationships between the problems in a CAI curriculum and the concepts and skills that they are intended to teach. It is a basis for selecting…

People use a variety of plausible, but uncertain inferences to answer questions about which their knowledge is incomplete. Such inferential thinking and reasoning is being incorporated into the SCHOLAR computer-assisted instruction (CAI) system. Socratic tutorial techniques in CAI systems such as SCHOLAR are described, and examples of their…

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.…

Frame-oriented computer-assisted instruction (CAI) systems dominate the field, but these mechanized programed texts utilize the computational power of the computer to a minimal degree and are difficult to modify. Newer, generative CAI systems which are supplied with a knowledge of subject matter can generate their own problems and solutions, can…

This state of the art paper on CBI considers problems facing the development of CBI, and offers suggestions on how practitioners can strengthen its impact in education through research in artificial intelligence and related areas of human motivation and learning theory, as well as innovative techniques in human-machine interfacing. (RAO)

Provides an overview of the capabilities and potential educational applications of CD-ROM (compact disk read-only memory), artificial intelligence, and speech technology. Highlights include reference materials on CD-ROM; current developments in CD-I (compact disk interactive); synthesized and digital speech for microcomputers, including specific…

Research has uncovered the underlying processes of reading. Research on three of these processes is reviewed: (1) elucidating a general model of reading; (2) developing word recognition accuracy and efficiency; and (3) improving comprehension through the training of text processing and through enhancement of vocabulary and background knowledge.…

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)

The article examines characteristics and present or potential applications of expert systems technology for diagnosis and treatment of learning disabilities. Preliminary findings indicate that expert systems can perform as well as humans in specific areas, and that the process of organizing knowledge bases for expert systems helps clarify existing…

Examines the functional characteristics of intelligent computer assisted instruction (ICAI) and discusses the requirements of a multidisciplinary cooperative effort of its development. A typical ICAI model is presented and intelligent features of ICAI systems are described, including modeling the student's learning process, qualitative decision…