Artificial Intelligence in Personalized Education: An Exploration of Current Intelligent Tutoring Systems and the Design of an Enhanced Interactive Programming Tutor

This thesis aims to explore the influence and advancements of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, particularly focusing on Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) for programming education. A comprehensive review of existing ITS models will be carried out, examining their implications on academic performance, student engagement, and motivation. Building upon this analysis, the research will conceptualize and design an innovative ITS, prioritizing interactivity, enhanced code evaluation, and accessibility. While empirical testing of this tool will not be within the scope of this study, a theoretical comparison against existing non-programming chatbot tutors and other ITS will be made. This work is expected to provide substantial contributions to educators, policymakers, and researchers interested in the intersection of AI and programming education. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Programming Education, Interactive Learning, Educational Technology, Student Outcomes