The Structured Language Algorithm Writer (SLAW) has been developed at Tulane University for use on IBM-PC's over the past several years. The environment, currently in its third generation, allows for the creation and editing of a structure chart with automatic translation of the algorithm into Pascal, FORTRAN and BASIC code. The scope of this research has centered around the artificial intelligence methods and techniques necessary to include an expert tutor into the SLAW environment. The main aid provided by this expert tutor is assisting the user in the creation of valid algorithms and acquiring certain algorithm design concepts. The main tasks which were necessary to accomplish these goals have been the ability of the tutor to understand the goal of the algorithms and also the proper creation and use of a knowledge base of algorithms. The overall focus of the environment, which differs from other programming environments, is that it centers upon the design phase, rather than programming coding and syntax. By focusing on design it leads to developing problem solving skills rather than programming skills, which are the underlying basis of computer science and all sciences. Thus the objective of the research has been to investigate the marriage of software engineering and artificial intelligence into a useful teaching tool focusing on design rather than coding skills
