Intelligent tutoring systems: how well can they guide students in problem-based learning scenarios

Problem-based learning (PBL) has a strong focus on skills and requires students to use self-regulated learning (SRL). However, SRL puts considerable demands on learners and often leads to students making frequent requests for guidance. This paper reports the outline design, construction and evaluation of a simple prototype web-based Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) which was constructed to provide guidance for self-regulated learning activities in a PBL scenario. It was constructed using Chatbot technology which provides extended dialogue with students in order to guide them through the initial stages of developing learning objectives. User testing with undergraduates suggests that the system prompted them to analyse the scenario in more detail (one of the foundational skills needed in a PBL task) and that the technology can be both usable and provide the adaptability required.