Employing a Java Expert System Shell for Intelligent Support in Exploratory Activities

This paper presents issues around the integration of a framework for the development of interactive exploratory activities (DANTE) and a rule engine and scripting environment (JESS). The paper initially presents these two systems and their use. We then discuss design decisions and implementation considerations providing an insight for researchers and developers who are considering the integration of exploratory activities with expert systems such as JESS. Finally, the paper presents further lines of research that could potentially provide costeffective development tools for intelligent exploratory environments.