The fields of computer-assisted instruction and intelligent tutoring systems have had few vehicles for sharing ideas or programs. Different backgrounds and settings meant reading different journals and attending different conferences. The purpose of this book is to foster a mutual understanding of shared issues and contemporary approaches so as to further powerful educational applications of computing. It is unique in drawing on both the intelligent tutoring systems and computer assisted instruction communities.

Each chapter provides an in-depth discussion by leaders in these fields of current work, focusing on instructional programs -- their design, use, and evaluation. The editors and authors have made extensive efforts to ensure each chapter's clarity and readability for both communities.

"The editors have deliberately attempted to cover a broad field, so this book would function as a good set of initial readings for a course in computers and education....the book has a slightly more coherent feel than some that derive from conferences....I recommend this as a good library purchase."
—Computers Education

"Intrinsically interesting material applied to the solution of a practical problem along with the [editors'] good job of setting the stage in the Introduction combine to make this book about as good as a book based on the proceedings of a conference can be....the result is a very readable and informative volume...should be read by all those who are interested in learning more about how computers might be used to improve teaching and learning..."
—Contemporary Psychology