Learning within the ZPD with the AnimalWatch intelligent tutoring system

Intelligent tutoring systems offer a way for schools to meet the challenges of providing effective instruction to students with a diverse range of abilities, interests and needs [Self, 1999]. AnimalWatch is a computer-based tutor that uses artificial intelligence techniques to provide individualized math instruction for 9-12 year olds. Math word problems are integrated into narratives about endangered species, to engage student interest and help students appreciate the value of learning math. We present the results of a large-scale evaluation of AnimalWatch with over 350 students that demonstrates how AnimalWatch taught mathematics effectively through the dynamic selection of problems and the provision of help. AnimalWatch was able to select the amount of challenge and difficulty of problems to fit students’ zone of proximal development. The emphasis of this conference on accountability reflects an increasing need to demonstrate the effectiveness of educational systems. Finding innovative ways to evaluate educational software is an effort in that direction.