Case Study illustrates several typical elements of expert systems

• Basic problem historically solved (somehow) by experts
• Data often missing or inconsistent
• Cooperative local experts and/or past results aid development

Results

• Clarification of departmental placements
• Much clearer view of boundaries:
  • Pre-calculus/Calculus I
  • Calculus I/Calculus II
• Advice clear and direct
  • Some previous placements had been "start in either Calculus I or Calculus II"
  • CS placements developed to complement math placements
• Letters to students/advisors well-received
  • Letters identify data used to make placements
  • Letters provide course description and/or public relations
  • May be factor in increased math and CS enrollments
• Joint student/faculty paper published by Journal of Computer Science Education
• Current system generally acknowledged to perform better than faculty (including the past "local experts")

created May 1, 2003 last revised May 1, 2003

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