Antecedent Knowledge and Intelligent Computer Assisted Instruction

Abstract

Intelligent Computer Assisted Instruction (ICAI) is an area of artificial intelligence that has received considerable attention from educators. Recently, special educators have taken an interest in this form of computer based instruction, particularly given the growing disappointment in traditional computer assisted instruction. This article reviews ICAI programs as they are typically conceptualized and notes their shortcomings for students with learning disabilities. The remainder of the article discusses ways in which ICAI programs could be useful to these students if sufficient attention is paid to antecedent knowledge; that is, a structured knowledge of the important facts, concepts, rules, and/or strategies of a particular content area. The authors argue that antecedent knowledge is taught best when content analysis and design techniques are used.