June 1997 — Features

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The Future of Computers and Learning

Highly interactive computer material now makes this individualized attention possible. We need programs that continually probe the student, finding out at each instant what the student can and cannot do. Then, based on this knowledge, the program can offer individualized assistance. This approach combines learning and assessment into one seamless activity, not separating them as in current courses. Assessment is used to determine what learning material is to be presented next.

As stressed, very little software of this type has been produced. We consider briefly later in this paper how it can be generated.

Highly Interactive Software

The notion of highly interactive software has already been mentioned. Although the term "interaction" is widely used, most existing software, of all types, can at best be described as only very slightly interactive.

The widespread use of the word interaction predates the existence of computers. A good model of interaction is a conversation between two people, where each is paying close attention to what the other person is saying. Such an interactive conversation need not be concerned with learning, but it may be. Thus Socrates working with a small group of students, or three or four students working cooperatively, or a student working with an individual tutor, give us non-computer examples of interactive learning situations.

A more complete discussion of highly interactive learning software is contained in other papers of mine. The following factors are critical:

ï Conversation between the student and the computer is in English, or another natural language. That is, both the student and the computer use a powerful natural language. Pointing and multiple choice are inadequate for a high degree of interaction. The widespread use of pointing has led to less interactive software than we had 20 years ago. Our natural languages are the most powerful communication device ever devised by human beings; complex learning demands such tools.

This interactive computer-based natural language conversation can be done without the use of artificial intelligence, although those techniques may eventually help. In designing the learning unit we need to draw primarily on the experiences of excellent teachers.

ï The computer must maintain information about each student, over long periods of time and internationally, as students move from country to country. Thus, the student database has detailed information about what the student has already done, and what problems are being encountered.

This information is frequently consulted in making decisions within the learning programs, and is frequently updated by the programs. This information is always available, no matter where the student is located, probably through networks. Student privacy is maintained through appropriate coding of the information.