Imagine working in a digitally mature, motivated organisation where internal training genuinely engages everyone. Each learner feels that they are studying exactly what they need, precisely when they need it. Progress and performance are transparent, and every attempt is followed by immediate, meaningful feedback.
The technological revolution of recent years has fundamentally reshaped the world of learning. Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant prospect; it has become an integral part of everyday education. But how do so-called Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) actually work? What are they capable of today, and how might they evolve over the next few years? From an organisational perspective, what advantages can intelligent systems bring when embedded into training programmes? How should such an initiative be approached in practice? What are the key steps, and where are the potential pitfalls? This Journal entry explores these questions in detail.
What Is an Intelligent Tutoring System?
An Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) is an AI-based software solution designed to deliver personalised learning content, feedback, and support to every participant in a course. These systems go far beyond traditional digital learning materials or standard e-learning platforms. In practice, they function as “machine tutors”. An ITS continuously analyses learners’ responses, study patterns, strengths, and areas for improvement. Based on these insights, it dynamically adapts learning pathways, ensuring that each learner receives guidance and content aligned with their individual needs and progress.
How Do Intelligent Tutoring Systems Differ from Traditional E-Learning Platforms?
Adaptivity
Intelligent systems adapt dynamically to learners’ knowledge levels as the learning process unfolds. If someone progresses quickly, the system shortens or accelerates the content; if a learner struggles, it provides additional explanations or practice exercises.
Personalised Feedback
These systems do more than identify correct or incorrect answers. They are able to recognise different types of errors and provide tailored explanations, often with the support of natural language processing (NLP).
Learner Profiling
Intelligent Tutoring Systems continuously build and refine a profile for each learner, capturing how quickly they progress, where they tend to make mistakes, which parts of the material affect their motivation, and which instructional approaches work best for them.
What Benefits Can an ITS Bring to Organisations?
Through personalised learning pathways, immediate feedback, and targeted support, each learner can progress in the most effective way and at the most appropriate pace.
One of the key advantages of e-learning systems is their ability to collect and analyse data in real time. There is no need to manually consolidate attendance sheets, test results, or completion rates in separate Excel files. The LMS (Learning Management System) presents all of this information in a clear, visualised dashboard.
What is this useful for?
- You can see who is at which stage of the learning process and identify participants who may need a reminder.
- You can detect where learner engagement drops within a module and respond accordingly.
- You can easily demonstrate the effectiveness of training programmes to management or external partners.
- The data remains accessible over time, making audits or quality assurance reviews straightforward.
AI can partially replace manual tutoring and redirect instructors’ time towards more strategic support activities. An intelligent system provides a precise overview of each learner’s current level and progress, helping to eliminate unnecessary training. As a result, individuals invest only the time and effort that is genuinely required.
Learners are more inclined to engage when they feel that the system understands their needs and offers personalised challenges. This experience-driven approach to learning has a direct positive impact on performance.
Training programmes or onboarding processes can be extended to hundreds or even thousands of participants, while still providing individualised support for each learner.
The system can detect when a learner falls behind or loses motivation and can trigger automated alerts or support mechanisms accordingly.
In Which Areas Can Intelligent Tutoring Systems Be Applied?
The use of intelligent tutoring systems has already delivered tangible results across a range of fields, particularly in professional development and soft skills training. ITS solutions are also playing an increasingly prominent role in onboarding processes, where their ability to provide a consistent yet personalised learning experience to large numbers of participants represents a significant advantage.
In the context of continuous skills development, intelligent systems can monitor learners’ progress on an ongoing basis and focus development efforts on the competencies that deliver the greatest value in a given role or position. In addition, in specialised working environments – such as highly regulated industries or complex, rapidly changing operational contexts – ITS solutions enable the targeted development of cognitive skills and the design of individualised learning pathways.
The New Drive in Learning: What Can Data Do for E-learning?
We have entered an era in which generative artificial intelligence and data-driven systems are shaping the learning experience. This article explores how the use of large-scale data is transforming e-learning, the opportunities it creates for organisations, and the challenges that must be addressed.
Read MoreIntroducing an ITS in Your Organisation – in 11 Steps
Intelligent tutoring systems can represent a genuine innovation in organisational learning, but their full potential can only be realised through a well-planned and deliberate implementation process. To support this, we have compiled the most important steps and practical recommendations, based on both domestic and international best practices as well as relevant research.
1. Define Your Objectives
The first step is to clearly identify where you want to introduce the intelligent tutoring system: which areas, courses, or training modules should be addressed first. Consider what you want to improve – onboarding, internal professional training, or the targeted development of specific skills. Clear objectives also make it much easier to measure outcomes.
2. Launch a Pilot Project
Avoid rolling out the system across the entire organisation immediately. Start with a smaller, well-defined test group. A pilot allows you to evaluate not only the technology itself, but also the learner, instructor, and administrative questions that arise in real-life use.
3. Appoint a Dedicated Owner
Ensure there is a clearly designated owner for the implementation, typically from HR or IT. This creates accountability and ensures that questions, feedback, and suggestions are handled efficiently, allowing the project to progress smoothly.
4. Focus on Integration
An intelligent tutoring system delivers real value only if it integrates effectively with your existing e-learning ecosystem, including platforms, learning content, and administrative processes. Involve developers and experts early – ideally during the pilot phase – to ensure seamless interoperability between systems.
5. Support Instructors
Introducing an ITS also changes the role of instructors. Instead of focusing solely on content delivery, they analyse system-generated feedback and learner profiles, while motivating and mentoring participants. Provide training sessions and workshops so instructors can confidently use AI-based tools.
6. Establish Transparent Data Governance Policies
Because ITS solutions create personalised learner profiles, transparent and GDPR-compliant data handling is essential. Communicate clearly which data is collected, for what purpose, and where learners can seek support if they have questions.
7. Combine Digital and Human Support
While ITS solutions are effective on their own, the best results are achieved through hybrid models that combine AI with human support. Complement intelligent automation with live mentors or subject-matter experts so learners can receive genuinely helpful answers when needed.
8. Design Learning Pathways and Use Motivational Tools
Well-structured, visually clear learning pathways help learners understand what steps lie ahead and when. Integrate motivational and gamified elements where appropriate to sustain engagement over the longer term.
9. Measure Results, Actively Gather Feedback, and Communicate
Set up regular feedback loops – such as short surveys or team discussions – to identify when and where adjustments are needed. Share learner and instructor success stories through internal communication channels to boost motivation and encourage adoption.
10. Provide Continuous Support
Make it clear where and how learners can access support, whether through live or digital helpdesks, group chats, email, or in-person assistance.
11. Be Patient
While early results may appear within weeks, meaningful progress usually emerges gradually. Automated processes often work well, but there will be situations where personal intervention and tailored support remain essential.
What Does the Future Hold for ITS?
The future of intelligent tutoring systems is shaped by highly promising developments. As generative artificial intelligence continues to evolve, ITS solutions will become increasingly capable of delivering personalised support by understanding context and recognising learners’ real intentions and needs. Growing emphasis is also being placed on the development of natural language feedback, enabling intelligent systems to provide responses, recommendations, and mentoring that feel genuinely human, personal, and encouraging.
At the same time, significant challenges lie ahead. Strict compliance with data governance and data protection regulations is essential, as personalised learner profiles involve the handling of sensitive information. It is equally important that automation does not result in biased or overly mechanical learning experiences. The human element must remain an integral part of the process, as it plays a critical role in sustaining learner motivation.
Together, these considerations will shape the future direction of intelligent tutoring systems, ensuring that the technology continues to serve the best interests of both learners and organisations.
You Need Help?
If you would like to make your organisation’s training more effective – whether through Intelligent Tutoring Systems or other technologies – but are unsure where to start, get in touch with us and we will help you identify the most suitable solutions. Even if your available resources are limited, professional guidance can save significant time, effort, and costs in the long run.
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