Board 144: PRIME: Engaging STEM Undergraduates in Computer Science with Intelligent Tutoring Systems
James C. Lester, Kristy Elizabeth Boyer, Eric Wiebe, Bradford Mott, Andy Smith · 2020
Abstract This project focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of PRIME, an intelligent tutoring system for introductory computing. We define computing as the creative design, implementation, and analysis of artifacts to solve computational problems. Leveraging advanced intelligent tutoring systems technologies, PRIME will provide integrated problem-solving and motivational support dynamically tailored to individual students over the course of their problem-solving sessions. PRIME is being designed to address the specific needs of STEM undergraduates in introductory computing courses. These students, most of whom are not computer science majors, exhibit a wide range of initial capabilities and dispositions toward computing. Many have had limited previous experience with computing, a problem that is particularly acute for women and underrepresented minorities. PRIME is being designed to address these important individual differences. The project has the overarching objective of transforming introductory computing for STEM majors by creating an intelligent tutoring system that provides individualized problem-solving and motivational support in order to improve the learning experience for these students. PRIME will track each student’s progress in learning computer science concepts and techniques while providing real-time feedback, multiple levels of hints, and customized problem-solving advice throughout students’ learning interactions with the system. It is being evaluated in introductory computing courses at North Carolina State University and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, a Historically Black University. PRIME evaluations will center on investigating its effect on student learning of computer science (analyzing problems, creating models and abstractions, and building and refining programs), and its effect on students’ attitudes towards computer science (self-efficacy for computing and interest in computing).