A Case-Based Reasoning Approach to Intelligent Tutoring Systems for

An automatic system will be developed to bring the experiences and machine shop environment of experienced machinists to Numerical Control (NC) programmers and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software operators. This Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) will teach machining principles and how to apply them with a tailored course of instruction and remediation for use in an office or classroom. The ITS will be designed to foster development of accurate mental models of principles, operationalize these principles through application in realistic task settings, assesses the student'S ability to apply the principles, and remediate as appropriate. The solution is a case-based ITS, enhanced with multimedia including machining animations and simulations. In Phase 1, we will develop a prototype experienced-based ITS within a specific subset of the machining domain. We will also design a generic ITS architecture applicable in many other domains. When ITSs are enhanced with interactive multimedia, students develop a better conceptual understanding of the principles, demonstrate greater motivation during tutoring, and exhibit greater retention of course material. Thus, an ITS provides instruction that is at once cost-effective and potentially superior to traditional classroom teaching methods. We have used this CBR approach with much success in many other tutoring domains.