Intelligent learning technologies (ILT) include a diverse array of computer-based systems and tools designed to foster meaningful student learning. These technologies are intelligent to the extent they implement artificial intelligence principles and techniques to create teachable structure from content, analyze and model inputs from the learner, and generate personalized and adaptive feedback and guidance. Intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) represent a classic example. ITSs, broadly defined, possess an outer loop that intelligently selects the next relevant task, or content object, for learners to complete based on prior performance, and an inner loop that provides iterative and intelligent feedback as learners work toward completing their tasks. However, intelligent learning technologies encompass more than just intelligent tutors. Increasingly, educational games, automated writing evaluation, virtual pedagogical agents, simulations, virtual worlds, open-ended problem solving, generative concept maps, AI-assisted authoring systems, learning content aggregation programs, and e-textbooks rely on some form of artificial intelligence to enrich the learning experience.

This special issue of AI Magazine presents articles on some of the most interesting projects at the intersection of AI and Education. Included are articles on integrated systems such as virtual humans, an intellgent textbook a game-based learning environment as well as technology focused components such as student models and data mining. The issue concludes with an article summarizing the contemporary and emerging challenges at the intersection of AI and education.