Nline Tutoring System "Kak Eto Rabotaet: Algoritmy"

Abstract

The article describes the features and architecture of intelligent online tutor "Kak eto rabotaet: Algoritmy", which is based on modelling subject-domain concepts on the comprehension level of Bloom's taxonomy. It is designed for learning basic algorithmic structures — sequences, selection statements, and loops — using the task of building an execution trace of the given algorithm. The tutor analyzes the student's solution step by step and displays explanatory messages for every error right after it happens; the error messages include the violated domain rules and their consequences in the specific situation. It can also hint the next correct step with textual explanation of why it is correct. It allows reliable learning of new concepts without control of each exercise from the human teachers which significantly increases the number of exercises learners can perform during a course. A control-flow diagram of the algorithm can be visualized; when the student makes an error, it is displayed with a red line on the diagram. The tutor is based on the formal model of subject domain implement using Apache Jena rules over RDF graph. Teachers can create learning problems using block-based interface and them, receiving links that can be sent to their students. Students can also use the tutor on their own to explore examples of interest to them.