Nel: An Interactive Physics Tutor

Abstract

Students often need more one-on-one attention and tutoring than their professor is able to provide. In many cases, a computer-based tutoring system would provide a way to receive help with their studies when the professor is unavailable. A mechanical engineering professor at Auburn University has taken the initiative to create a multimodal tutoring environment called Nel that teaches introductory physics. Using a conversational approach, the interface consists of an animated pedagogical agent, Nel (Johnson et al. 2001). Nel is an inherent and interactive system that is easy for the students to use. It also emulates a one-on-one tutoring session with a professor where Nel guides the students through the systematic steps of solving problems. For data-independence and application administration, a database is used for the storage of problems and terms.