Agent-oriented interaction in cooperative computer-based training systems

Computer-based training (CBT) has become a major field of investigation. However, authoring and modifiability of current CBT systems remain very open issues. On the software side, object-oriented programming allows to create and maintain libraries of reusable objects. On the cognitive side, even if these objects are designed as artifiact metaphors, they remain passive and rarely include user knowledge. The aim of this paper is to introduce a new view of objects (called agents) that provide a continuity between real life artifacts and artificially created artifacts. In particular, they can be adaptive, and context-sensitive. They are intended to facilitate learning-by-doing. The design of such agents is based on Schank's learning architectures as well as other important training-relevant needs such as evaluation, instructor aids, cooperation and networking. Examples illustrate the applicability of these new concepts, and a discussion is started.