The evolution of an automated reading strategy tutor: From the classroom to a game-enhanced automated system

The implementation of effective pedagogical software is difficult to achieve. In this chapter we describe one possible solution to this problem, the evolutionary development of an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS). This development process typically involves establishing training practices, developing automated instruction, and then amending motivational elements. While this development cycle can take years for completion because each step requires an iterative process of both execution and evaluation, it also has a greater chance of success. We illustrate such a cycle in this chapter in the evolution of an intelligent tutoring and gaming environment [i.e., interactive Strategy Trainer for Active Reading and Thinking-Motivationally Enhanced (iSTART-ME)] from an ITS (i.e., iSTART), which was originally conceived and tested as a human-delivered intervention (i.e., SERT).