A knowledge-based approach to computer-aided learning

This paper describes a methodology for the creation of knowledge-based computer-aided learning lessons. Unlike previous approaches, the knowledge base is utilized only for restricted aspects of the lesson—both for the management of flow of control through a body of instructional materials and for the evaluation of the student's understanding of the subject matter. This has many advantages. While the approach has lower developmental and operational overheads than alternatives it is also able to perform far more flexible evaluations of the student's performance. As flow of control is managed by a knowledge-based component with reference to a detailed analysis of the student's understanding of the subject matter, lessons adapt to each student's individual understanding and aptitude within a domain.