The role of expert systems in integrated curriculum design

Knowledge-based systems and, particularly, expert systems, are bringing new thinking to how we view knowledge. Increasingly, we see knowledge as a commodity or an object, something generated, discovered, restructured repackaged and delivered. Powerful tools have been developed for expediting our work in manipulating knowledge. Knowledge-based systems provide the structure, the process and multidisciplinary integration tools to better understand and further develop projects in areas such as reengineering the organization, concurrent engineering, quality management and other critical management efforts in business and government. Curriculum development in education also benefits greatly from using the integrative powers of the KBS disciplines. Examples taken from education focus on knowledge-based systems applied to the areas of K-12 course design, bachelor's degree curriculum design in integrated science, and graduate studies serving ''professional transitioning.'' Concepts of ''idea fields'' in organizational behavior are also discussed. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd