Abstract: Collaborative computer-based learning allows a group of users to access, share, and contribute content. A computer-based system can be accessed by a community of users over a communications network. A data storage device can store data comprising items of teaching content and items of user content, such that the data is accessible by the community of users. A set of collaborative system tools can provide users with the ability to create an item of user content associated with items of teaching content or with other items of user content. An annotation mechanism can provide users with the ability to comment on items of teaching content or items of user content in the form of an annotation that is then stored in the data storage device. The annotation mechanism is configured to merge the annotation with the associated item of teacher or user content and generate merged content with the annotation overlaid on the associated item of teacher or user content.

Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly retrieving information is disclosed. The system and method include a digital icon which is provided on a product or a printed publication or incorporated with printed or stenciled or other copy and which digitally encodes a captured image of the digital icon for transmission to a resolving host for the purpose of accessing and retrieving pertinent information relevant to the printed copy. A camera-enabled wireless electronic device can be used to capture an image of the digital icon and encoding software transmutes the digitally captured image into a value for transmission to a resolving host for the purpose of accessing and retrieving the pertinent information. If desired, a purchase of a product or service can be made through this system or the information can be accessed from an information source such as an Internet URL or other content or data source for the informational enhancement and enjoyment of the user.