An intelligent tutoring system for computer numerical control programming
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2019 TEMPUS Publications. G-code is the language used to control computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Although most CAD/CAM software can generate G-code based on a design and machine tools needed, the ability to understand G-code is valuable, especially when a machining job does not run smoothly. Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) have been shown to be successful in helping students to learn programming. However, G-code is different from general purpose computer programming languages. CNC programming also requires that students master many hardware-related facts and concepts, such as cutting speed and feed rate, and tools for several types of drilling. We built a web-based ITS for CNC programming called CNC-Tutor, and proposed a data-driven approach to generate proper hints and feedback during students problem-solving process. The approach is based on finding past submissions that are most similar to a students solution. The similarity is measured using a behavior & machine state distance metric. The system was evaluated by 93 undergraduate students. Results suggest that the design is instructionally effective, and that students subjective impressions of the system were positive. It also appears that CNC Tutors explanations and feedback are a good fit for active, visual learners.
