Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an electronic writing device for interactive teaching of users to reproduce a selected graphical representation. The electronic writing device comprises a casing, a screen and internal logic placed within the casing. The internal logic controls adjustment of a light beam directed at a bottom surface of the screen to temporarily illuminate one or more light segments, visible on a top surface of the screen, in efforts to guide a user in writing the graphical representation.

Abstract: A virtual coach is provided in the form of a master communications device and one or more player associated communications devices. The master communication device includes a processor which receives information on game play conditions and/or player and game object locations, analyzes the information, and formulates an appropriate coaching instruction which is transmitted to one or more selected players.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analysis involving a first factor and a second factor. The first and second factors are related as expressed by a first relationship. The apparatus comprises a base divided into first, second and third sections, where the second section is positioned between the first and third sections. The first, second and third sections are representative of the first factor, the first relationship, and the second factor, respectively. The method of the present invention involves the steps of providing the apparatus and engaging in a dialogue of questions related to both the first and second factors. The apparatus and method of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, such as biopsychosocial analysis, and analysis of the intellectual capital of a business, for example. The apparatus and method may be used for analysis involving more than two factors and presumes that some relationships exist between the factors.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for testing and training health care professionals. Competency tests are stored on machine readable media and transmitted via network connections to remote provider systems, such as workstations or diagnostic systems. A health care professional can take a competency test on a particular topic and input his/her responses at the remote provider system. The health care professional's responses are evaluated, and an assessment of his/her skills displayed at the provider system. The assessment particularly points out those areas, if any, where the health care professional's knowledge is deficient. If the health care professional has any areas which need improvement, a list of relevant courses is also displayed at the provider system. The health care professional may then select a desired course from the user interface. The machine readable media maintains a record of the health care professional's assessment as well as a list of completed courses.

Abstract: Methods and Systems for training a user regarding controlling a device. Through these methods and systems a user may remotely access a device in order to perform an assignment or task designed to train the user in the operation of the device. The user is able to access the devices through a user computer that is remotely connected to a pod controller. This connection may traverse a Internet or Intra-net, or it may be a direct connection. The pod controller receives device control information sent from the user and translates it so it can be directly fed into the device, thus, providing the user with actual control over the device.

Abstract: A virtual school environment for allowing a plurality of teachers from a plurality of schools to communicate with their students or their students' parents over a computer network. The virtual school environment includes a plurality of web pages accessible via the computer network and linked in a hierarchical arrangement. Each of the plural web pages corresponds to one of the teachers. The virtual school environment also includes a computer server system connectable to the computer network and configured to access the plurality of web pages. The server system includes software executable by the server system to receive school assignments from one or more teachers via the computer network, and then add the received assignments to the teachers' corresponding web pages. Optionally, the server system may be configured to automatically transmit assignments to one or more parents via the computer network.

Abstract: A computer-based fully customizable training system for companies and organizations that includes personalized training modules incorporating employee information within the training module. The system provides authorized company representatives the ability to edit and/or augment the training content from a web browser according to the company's specific needs. Online, user-friendly training is provided in an educational and enjoyable format. With this system, an organization's representative(s) may create versions of the training modules specifically for employees of that organization. A further advantage is a cost-effective training program that is significantly less expensive than printed manuals, videos, CD-ROMs, etc.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing educator/student skills, managing the teaching, evaluating, verifying, and reporting of an instructional segment to a given user accessing the instructional segment via a computer system are disclosed. The system for skills assessment and knowledge, managing the instructional segment and providing the verification, evaluation, teaching, and reporting of the user's activity with the instructional segment is implemented within a computer system, typically a network connected system that has access to the Internet. The managing system includes means for streaming or broadcasting the instructional segment to the user for review by the user, means for evaluating the user's comprehension of the instructional segment, means for verifying whether the user has completed or accessed the instructional segment, and means for reporting the user's evaluation results of the instructional segment to an administrator or administrators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for increasing the cognitive function in a fetus. The system transmits a pattern of sonic variations to the fetus. The pattern of sonic variations is formed of a plurality of sequences of tones in which each sequence is repeated at a predetermined tempo. Each sequence of tones is selected to be transmitted to the fetus at a predetermined time during the term of the pregnancy. Preferably, each subsequent sequence of tones is selected to be repeated at increasing tempo during the term of the pregnancy, thereby providing a progressive pattern of sonic variations. A similar system and method can be used for improving the cognitive function of a premature baby. In addition, the present invention relates to a system and method for altering the cognitive function in a postnatal human by transmitting aurally or through bone conduction a progressive pattern of sonic variations or a regressive pattern of sonic variations to the wearer of the system.

Abstract: A tutorial method for teaching the scoring of open-ended questions holistically includes displaying a student response to a scorer and permitting the scorer to access a rubric containing the rules for scoring that response. The scorer can choose a display form from a handwritten form and a typed text form that retains and originally present errors. Following the scorer's having entered a score, a model score is displayed so that a scoring efficacy may be determined. Annotations prepared by expert scorers may be accessed to enhance the learning process. In addition, a running correlation between the model and entered scores is calculated and displayed for the scorer over a tutorial session that includes attempts at scoring different responses. The system includes a processor, a workstation, and software for performing the above-described method.

Abstract: A system and method for teaching sign language to a student. The method includes pre-recording a presentation on a medium. The presentation has an instruction portion wherein instruction related to a plurality of sign language signs is given, and a game playing portion wherein each of the plurality of signs is presented for recognition by the student. The medium is configured to be displayed on a display device, such as a video player or computing device. The method also includes providing a gaming surface having a plurality of symbols thereon, each of the plurality of symbols corresponding to a sign language sign presented in the game playing portion of the presentation. The method further includes instructing the student to record, in response to each sign displayed during the game playing portion of the presentation, the presence of the symbol corresponding to the displayed sign on the gaming surface.

Abstract: An on-line educational system. An instructor builds a course on-line containing identification of assignments and educational materials, which are compiled into an on-line electronic syllabus. Users enrolled in the course may access the electronic syllabus and perform various functions with the on-line educational system in order to participate in the on-line educational course.

Abstract: A methodology in which a learner-constructed response is provided in answer to a question presented by the system, the response being evaluated by comparison with pre-defined expected responses and, based upon the evaluation, the system determining whether to proceed to another question or to offer remedial feedback. Such a learner-constructed response based evaluation methodology greatly reduces the potential for “guess-work” based correct responses and improves the training process through remedial feedback and advancement upon demonstration of knowledge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for training a person to learn a cognitive/functional task that requires a sequence of decisions and a corresponding sequence of actions. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a cognitive/functional task is decomposed into critical elements and non-critical elements. The critical elements have distinguishing features and are essential to the cognitive/functional task. The critical and non-critical elements are presented to a trainee in a predetermined sequence in a simulated environment through, for example, a virtual reality device. The trainee is trained to act in accordance with the critical and non-critical elements presented. Furthermore, a data processing system is used to monitor the actions taken by the trainee in the simulated environment in response to the presented critical and non-critical elements. Moreover, the learning receptivity and learning achievement by the trainee is measured via a brain wave detection device.

Abstract: A system and method for interactively assessing at least one characteristic of a user on-line, developing a personal growth strategy and monitoring the person's progress with respect to the personal growth strategy.

Abstract: A computer-based test creation system and method for generating test items. The test creation process includes creating items in electronic form and allowing access by a plurality of reviewers via a network. The reviewers may review the item for content, fairness and format, and collaborate with each other before indicating that the item is acceptable for inclusion in a test. After the administration of the items to test takers, item performance may be evaluated on-line by reviewing electronic feedback from the administrations and creating electronic evaluation reports. Since the items are created in an electronic form, the items may further include new forms of stimuli such as graphics and multimedia.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for quiz question game play. In order to check the correctness of answers to quiz questions or the like over the media and in events, the correctness of answers given by a participant to questions asked by the organizer is checked. This is done by converting answers into a question-related control data word by automatically allocating a confirmation data word verifying the correctness of the answer given by the participant to the organizer.

Abstract: A method for developing and administering tests over a computer network. The method provides a way for test deliverers to develop tests in response to either internal requests or external ones originating from parties, such as employment agencies or prospective employers, desiring to test the knowledge of others, such as potential employees. This original request usually specifies certain criteria, such as the number of questions desired and whether the test should be administered adaptively or not, which are treated as a first set of rules. Based on the original request, pools of prospective questions and answers are developed along with a second set of rules covering such matters as grouping, selection and ordering. The result is a test definition and the creation of a prototest which is then implemented in a test definition language developed specifically for that purpose.

Abstract: A system adapted for use in permitting a bowling game between bowlers at remotely located bowling centers includes pin fall sensors at each bowling center for sensing pin falls caused by balls bowled to knock down pins. Communication circuitry at each bowling center is configured to send locally generated scoring data based on the pin falls to a remotely located bowling center and to receive remotely generated scoring data from the remotely located bowling center. Display devices at each bowling center display the locally generated scoring data and the remotely generated scoring data.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for interactive, adaptive, and individualized computer assisted instruction. This invention includes an agent (108) for each student (101) which adapts to its student, and provides individualized guidance to the student and controls to the augmented computer assisted instructional materials. The instructional materials of this invention are augmented to communicate the student's performance and the material's pedagogical characteristics to the agent, and to receive control from the agent. In a preferred embodiment, the agent maintains data reflecting the student's pedagogic or cognitive characteristics in a protected and portable media in the personal control of the student. Preferably, the content of the communication between the agent and the materials conforms to specified interface standards, so that the agent acts independently of the content of the particular materials.