Expert systems represent a branch of artificial intelligence aiming to take the experience of human specialists and transfer it to a computer system. The knowledge is stored in the computer, which by an execution system (inference engine) is reasoning and derives specific conclusions for the problem. The purpose of expert systems is to help and support user’s reasoning but not by replacing human judgement. In fact, expert systems offer to the inexperienced user a solution when human experts are not available. This book has 18 chapters and explains that the expert systems are products of artificial intelligence, branch of computer science that seeks to develop intelligent programs. What is remarkable for expert systems is the applicability area and solving of different issues in many fields of architecture, archeology, commerce, trade, education, medicine to engineering systems, production of goods and control/diagnosis problems in many industrial branches.

This study explores how teaching as a form of higher level parent involvement is a source of empowerment for parents. Parent teachers from the Kingston, WA, Options East Program, a small, choice, alternative, elementary program, in which parents regularly teach students in both formal and informal contexts, were participants. Parents who have taught students in Options Mini Classes were interviewed in focus groups with a series of questions that asked them to tell their stories about how they came to be parent teachers, and what they experienced through this process. They were also asked to tell stories about how they view the experiences of fellow parent teachers. A literature review was conducted to explore the dynamics of community, small schools, the history of parent involvement in schools, parental involvement in schools today, and parent involvement as a source of empowerment. Findings revealed that when parents teach students they are empowered beyond the empowerment experienced from other kinds of higher level parent involvement. Through the confidence and community building benefits that teaching creates, parents often find the experience a catalyst to self improvement, higher education and career opportunities.