Browse Theses

The increased emphasis on fifth-generation computers has prompted much attention on the study of artificial intelligence and the sub-field of expert systems. Expert systems are computer programs which solve expert problems using expert knowledge. The primary emphasis of these programs is human knowledge representation of problems that humans solve. One of the areas where expert systems have been used is in education. The linking of expert systems and traditional Computer Aided Instruction is known as Intelligent Computer Aided Instruction. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of an expert system applied to undergraduate instruction.

An expert system was developed to model the problem solving knowledge of Dr. J. L. Meriam from his text Engineering Mechanics Volume I, Statics. The rules and heuristics for solving two-dimensional truss problems were then implemented in the MRS language. The expert system was then validated by solving problems from the text in the same manner as Meriam. Linked to the expert system were three learning style modules. The learning styles modeled in this study were drill-and-practice, learning-by-example, and a new style called buddy-study. The buddy-state learning style represents an implementation of the Whimbley-pairs technique for computer based learning. The learning system comprising the expert system, learning style modules, and associated support programs were then tested for correctness and completeness.

The results of the expert system validation demonstrated a system capable of solving problems within the domain as Meriam did. The learning style module testing showed procedures commensurate with accepted classroom uses of the styles. The buddy-study method demonstrated a computer learning strategy which places the expert system and the student user as colleagues in a problem solving environment. The results of the testing indicate the feasibility of such a system for inclusion in undergraduate statics courses.