Online learning has grown rapidly, with U.S. enrollment rising from 1.6 million in 2002 to 5.8 million in 2014—a trend that accelerated dramatically post-pandemic. The flexibility, accessibility, and elimination of geographic barriers have made online education increasingly attractive to students worldwide. However, learners pursuing science and engineering disciplines often face persistent challenges, particularly in developing practical skills. A widely held concern is that hands-on experiences and peer interaction—critical elements in STEM education—are difficult to replicate in virtual settings. To address this skills gap, we propose the use of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS), designed by educators, as scalable and cost-effective tools for enhancing online learning. These systems, built with platforms like Carnegie Mellon’s Cognitive Tutor Authoring Tools (CTAT), now benefit from integration with generative AI technologies such as ChatGPT. Together, they enable personalized learning by offering adaptive hints, real-time feedback, and scaffolded support.

Keywords: Intelligent Tutoring Systems, STEM Education, Generative AI.