5 research outputs found
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A general theory of discrimination learning
One important component of learning is the ability to determine the correct conditions under which a rule should be applied. We review a number of systems that discover relevant conditions through a generalization process, and discuss some drawbacks of this approach. We then review an alternative approach to learning through discrimination, in which overly general rules are made more conservative when they lead to errors. Unlike generalization-based programs, a discrimination-based system is able to learn disjunctive rules, discover regularities in errorful data, recover from changes in the environment, and learn useful rules despite incomplete representations. We show how our theory of discrimination learning can be applied to the domains of concept attainment, strategy learning, first language acquisition, and cognitive development. Finally, we evaluate the theory along the dimensions of simplicity, generality, and fertility
A report on the commercial and educational applications of expert systems
Expert, or intelligent knowledge-based, systems have emerged as the main practical application of Artificial Intelligence research. This thesis reports on their history, development and increasing commercial application. An analysis of the tasks and domains of 785 systems is reported which indicated a level of task specificity. The technology is suggestive of significant educational relevance as it is closely linked with concepts of expertise, intelligence, knowledge and learning. These basic educational concepts are discussed. The thesis reports on a survey of the use of the NCC Expert System Starter Pack in Further and Higher Education. The relationship between other computer-based learning systems and expert systems are discussed and it is argued that the development of intelligent tutoring systems is a more complex operation than the educational application of expert systems. A wide spectrum of potential educational applications is indicated. It is suggested that placing pupils in the position of knowledge engineers provides an exciting curriculum application. It is further argued that the use of expert systems in a commercial training role promises to be a major future development. Other educational applications are considered and the wider social implications associated with the use of expert systems are summarised