Computational learning theory (COLT) is a field of AI that examines the design of machine learning algorithms to identify problems that are learnable, aiming to enhance understanding and efficiency of deep learning. It investigates the feasibility of learning tasks within polynomial time, focusing on both positive and negative complexity results, and incorporates various models such as PAC learning and the VC dimension. Learning systems are defined as adaptive entities that improve performance through experience, encompassing diverse applications like pattern recognition and intelligent agents.