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IT1: An Interpretive Tutor.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: IT1: An Interpretive Tutor.
Authors: Melton, T. R., Texas Univ., Austin. Computer-Assisted Instruction Lab.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 59
Publication Date: 1971
Sponsoring Agency: National Science Foundation, Washington, DC.
Report Number: TR-NL-4
Descriptors: Computational Linguistics, Computer Assisted Instruction, Computer Programs, Generative Grammar, Language Instruction, Lexicology, Program Descriptions, Reading Instruction, Semantics, Structural Grammar, Syntax
Abstract: A computer-assisted instruction system, called IT1 (Interpretive Tutor), is described which is intended to assist a student's efforts to learn the content of textual material and to evaluate his efforts toward that goal. The text is represented internally in the form of semantic networks with auxiliary structures which relate network nodes to particular sentences of the original text. The data base is completed with the addition of a lexicon, also in network form, which is used to store definitions and work-related syntactic information. A very simple command language is used by the student to request explanations, definitions, or quizzes over a specified set of sentences in the original text. A syntax-directed, natural-language sentence generator derives from the data base a set of simple sentences which preserve the meaning of the text passage specified by the student. The sentences may also be transformed into questions which help the student to evaluate his understanding of the text. A generative grammar and auxiliary functions were developed which produce sentences conforming to standard English practice with limited use of third-person pronouns. A conversational system was implemented in the LISP programing language. Potential applications of the existing system to language instruction are described. (Author)
Journal Code: RIENOV1971
Entry Date: 1971
Accession Number: ED052604
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:A computer-assisted instruction system, called IT1 (Interpretive Tutor), is described which is intended to assist a student's efforts to learn the content of textual material and to evaluate his efforts toward that goal. The text is represented internally in the form of semantic networks with auxiliary structures which relate network nodes to particular sentences of the original text. The data base is completed with the addition of a lexicon, also in network form, which is used to store definitions and work-related syntactic information. A very simple command language is used by the student to request explanations, definitions, or quizzes over a specified set of sentences in the original text. A syntax-directed, natural-language sentence generator derives from the data base a set of simple sentences which preserve the meaning of the text passage specified by the student. The sentences may also be transformed into questions which help the student to evaluate his understanding of the text. A generative grammar and auxiliary functions were developed which produce sentences conforming to standard English practice with limited use of third-person pronouns. A conversational system was implemented in the LISP programing language. Potential applications of the existing system to language instruction are described. (Author)