The functional architecture and interaction model of a generator of intelligent tutoring applications

Abstract

This article presents the functional architecture and the interaction model of GENITOR, a generator of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs). The major design issues that arise during the functional design and development of an ITS-generator concern the provision of mechanisms capable of supporting the description of the teaching subject domain and the specification of pedagogical features of the ITSs that it produces. The system described in the article provides ready-to-use yet flexible solutions for the instructional features of the developed ITSs. In this way, authors can concentrate on the compilation, description, and design of training material that relates directly to their area of expertise. Interaction between GENITOR and authors has been designed using IOFG, an interaction model that supports the representation of multiple aspects of interaction, including data flow, control flow, and task decomposition. As a consequence of using this model, the tasks that make up the authoring process are visualized by a number of authoring tools that are grouped into three subsystems: the reusability subsystem, the authoring subsystem, and the execution subsystem. The functionality of these subsystems and the tools they contain are described, as well as interaction with the overall system. Finally, conclusions drawn from the development of two ITSs using the system are presented in order to validate the design.