Introduction

The fields of computer-assisted instruction and intelligent tutoring systems have had few vehicles for sharing ideas or programs. Different backgrounds and settings meant reading different journals and attending different conferences. The purpose of this book is to foster a mutual understanding of shared issues and contemporary approaches so as to further powerful educational applications of computing. It is unique in drawing on both the intelligent tutoring systems and computer assisted instruction communities.

Each chapter provides an in-depth discussion by leaders in these fields of current work, focusing on instructional programs -- their design, use, and evaluation. The editors and authors have made extensive efforts to ensure each chapter's clarity and readability for both communities.