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NLS-SCHOLAR is a prototype system that uses artificial intelligence techniques to teach computer-naive people how to use a powerful and complex text editor. It represents a new type of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) system that integrates systematic teaching with actual practice; i.e., one which can keep the user under tutorial supervision while allowing him to try out what he learns on the system he is learning about. NLS-SCHOLAR can also be used as an on-line help system outside the tutorial environment, in the course of a user's actual work. This capability of combining on-line assistance with training is an extension of the traditional notion of CAI. The techniques used are general and can be applied to the teaching of a wide variety of computer related activities. (Author)

NLS-SCHOLAR is a prototype system that uses artificial intelligence techniques to teach computer-naive people how to use a powerful and complex editor. It represents a new kind of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) system that integrates systematic teaching with actual practice, i.e., one which can keep the user under tutorial supervision while allowing him to try out what he learns on the system he is learning about. NLS-SCHOLAR can also be used as an on-line help system outside the tutorial environment, in the course of a user's actual work. This capability of combining on-line assistance with training is an extension of the traditional notion of CAI. The techniques used in NLS-SCHOLAR are general and can be applied to a wide variety of computer related activities. Examples of the system's capabilities are provided. (Author/DGC)

Intelligent computer assisted instruction (CAI) systems are exemplified by several tutorial systems including Tutor-SCHOLAR, Map-SCHOLAR, NLS-SCHOLAR and SOPHIE. The original SCHOLAR program structure made it possible to model the way human tutors interact with students. Further analyses of tutoring and teaching strategies led to the development of Tutor-SCHOLAR. Intelligent computer systems illustrate how a variety of techniques can be used for tutoring visual knowledge, procedural knowledge, and diagnostic skills using natural language. (Author/CH)

NLS-SCHOLAR is a prototype system that uses artificial intelligence techniques to teach computer-naive people how to use a powerful and complex editor. This new kind of computer assisted instruction system integrates systematic teaching with actual practice, keeping the user under tutorial supervision while allowing him to try out what he learns on the editor. NLS-SCHOLAR can be used as an on-line help system, outside the tutorial environment, in the course of a user's actual work. Testing on this system revealed that the teaching component of NLS-SCHOLAR is very effective, but the system's performance as an on-line help facility needs improvement. Techniques used in NLS-SCHOLAR are general and can be applied to the teaching of a wide variety of computer related activities. (Author/CH)