Development of an Intelligent Tutoring System for SQL SELECT Statement Practice: A Case Study of Buriram Rajabhat University
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Abstract
This research aims to: 1) design and develop an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) for the learners to practice SQL SELECT statement skills, 2) evaluate learning outcomes and SELECT query-writing skills after using the system, and 3) assess learners’ satisfaction. The study integrated ITS design principles with the system development life cycle (SDLC). The participants were 95 undergraduate students of information technology program at Buriram Rajabhat University, selected via cluster sampling. The proposed ITS comprises four modules—User Interface, Pedagogical, SQL Knowledge Base, and Learner—leveraging an ontology with rule-based inference to select appropriate resources/practice tasks, and deliver personalized feedback. The system consists of two major functions: (a) a SELECT practice component that validates both syntax and semantics and provides progressive, effort-contingent feedback; and (b) contents for the SELECT statement. Evaluation results showed process/product efficiency scores of E1/E2 = 79.56/75.12 (exceeding the 75/75 criterion) and an effectiveness index of 0.633, corresponding to a medium N-gain with 93.68% of learners demonstrating medium to high progress. Log analysis indicated purposeful trial-and-error behavior; however, while success rates decreased because of task difficulty, learner engagement persisted due to the specific, timely, and incremental feedback. Learner satisfaction reached the highest level across four areas: usability, content, learning activities, and learning support. This reflects that the system is effective and efficient, and can be used to develop skills and promote learning for students.
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