Intelligent Tutors for Adult Learners: An Analysis of Needs and Challenges
This work addresses the challenge of creating effective educational technologies for adult learners in self-directed learning contexts, though it is incremental as it builds on existing tutoring system concepts.
This study tackled the problem of designing intelligent tutoring systems for adult learners by developing Apprentice Tutors, a novel system with adaptive features, and analyzing user needs through deployment and focus groups, resulting in actionable design recommendations to improve adoption and usage.
This work examines the sociotechnical factors that influence the adoption and usage of intelligent tutoring systems in self-directed learning contexts, focusing specifically on adult learners. The study is divided into two parts. First, we present Apprentice Tutors, a novel intelligent tutoring system designed to address the unique needs of adult learners. The platform includes adaptive problem selection, real-time feedback, and visual dashboards to support learning in college algebra topics. Second, we investigate the specific needs and experiences of adult users through a deployment study and a series of focus groups. Using thematic analysis, we identify key challenges and opportunities to improve tutor design and adoption. Based on these findings, we offer actionable design recommendations to help developers create intelligent tutoring systems that better align with the motivations and learning preferences of adult learners. This work contributes to a wider understanding of how to improve educational technologies to support lifelong learning and professional development.