Adequate Decision Support Systems Must Also Be Good Learning Environments

Abstract

Decision support must provide adequate explanation; to do this decision support systems (DSSs) must also support learning. Users who want to understand the reasoning behind DSS output are expressing a desire to learn. During evaluations of our DSS, comments referring to its potential for use as a learning aid have been common. While DSSs may be useful in training if accompanied by sufficient learner motivation, access to experts, etc, they are not generally designed to actively support learning. Our evaluations lead us to the conclusion that ITS components and the application of established educational theory are necessary elements in the design of acceptable DSSs. Here, we describe our existing DSS and how it can be extended and reconfigured to provide adequate learning support.