A new approach to computer-aided distance learning: the 'Automated Tutor'

One aspect of the Open University Business School's new course on 'Knowledge management' is the student's exploration and use of new technologies. These include asynchronous dialogue via email, synchronous dialogue via an online tutorial application and an interactive software tool which guides students through specific tasks, the 'automated tutor'. This article examines the 'automated tutor', explores its background, describes the tutor, provides some technical information, reports on positive findings of two large scale pilot runs and places the automated tutor within the context of a new theoretical framework for computer aided distance learning.

Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner.

One aspect of the Open University Business School's new course on 'Knowledge management' is the student's exploration and use of new technologies. These include asynchronous dialogue via email, synchronous dialogue via an online tutorial application and an interactive software tool which guides students through specific tasks, the 'automated tutor'. This article examines the 'automated tutor', explores its background, describes the tutor, provides some technical information, reports on positive findings of two large scale pilot runs and places the ...  [+] Show more