Adaptive reading and writing instruction in iSTART and W-Pal

Amy Johnson, Kathryn S. McCarthy, Kristopher J. Kopp, Cecile A. Perret, Danielle McNamara

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Intelligent tutoring systems for ill-defined domains, such as reading and writing, are critically needed, yet uncommon. Two such systems, the Interactive Strategy Training for Active Reading and Thinking (iSTART) and Writing Pal (W-Pal) use natural language processing (NLP) to assess learners' written (i.e., typed) responses and provide immediate, accurate feedback. The current paper reports on efforts to implement adaptive instruction and task selection into both systems. In iSTART, we developed a new practice module, in which learners' past performance data governs two adaptive functionalities: 1) the use of self-explanation scaffolding and 2) the increase or decrease of difficulty of practice texts. In W-Pal, adaptivity is implemented by triggering targeted instructional support on the basis of deficits identified in learners' essays. In this paper, we describe the need for adaptive reading and writing instruction, along with the design and development of adaptivity in the two systems.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationFLAIRS 2017 - Proceedings of the 30th International Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Society Conference
PublisherAAAI Press
Pages561-566
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781577357872
StatePublished - 2017
Event30th International Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Society Conference, FLAIRS 2017 - Marco Island, United States
Duration: May 22 2017May 24 2017

Other

Other30th International Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Society Conference, FLAIRS 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMarco Island
Period5/22/175/24/17

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Software

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