Work-in-Progress—Learning Machines: Useful Intelligent Tutoring Within Immersive STEM VLEs

A framework for implementing evidence based principles of learning and memory within a Virtual Learning Space (VLS) using intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) for STEM courses is being created. This framework represents a new domain of application called a "Learning Machines" (LM). The objective of this work in progress paper is to create a framework of design guidelines and evaluation heuristics that promote LM usefulness. Preliminary considerations are explored and a description of an application being developed for this new domain is shared. The evaluation heuristics are generated according to the Procedural Methodology for Heuristics of Usability (PROMETHEUS). The new framework is expected to improve development and evaluation of STEM learning applications.