Abstract: A lightweight, non-intrusive memory anomaly detector has been designed that focuses on time sub-windows in the time-series data for selected memory related metrics that can efficiently be collected by probes or agents without being intrusive with the virtual machines (VMs) being monitored. In addition, the memory anomaly detector extracts features from those sub-windows of correlated features to present a smaller input vector to two classifiers: a fuzzy rule-based classifier and an artificial neural network. This allows the memory anomaly detector to be “lightweight” because it is less computationally expensive to run a smaller artificial neural network. The fuzzy rule-based classifier applies fuzzy rules to the input vector and provides classification labels, which are used to train an artificial neural network (ANN). After being trained, the trained ANN is refined with supervised feedback and presents its output of classification probabilities for application performance analysis.

Abstract: To adapt anomaly detection to changing canonical behavior and reduce the chances of feeding in feature value combinations that appear to be outliers but correspond to canonical behavior, multi-variate non-parametric density estimation is employed. An adaptive canonical behavior filter builds a sample dataset from observed time-series values of memory related metrics and then performs kernel density estimation on the sample dataset. With the resulting probability density function, the adaptive canonical behavior filter filters out subsequently observed time-series values of the memory related metrics that fall within a canonical behavior range that is specified/configured.

Abstract: An improved system and method for updating software is described. The system, upon detecting one or more changes within the set of eligibility attribute values associated with the one or more particular components of previously-provided software, selects a replacement component. The component is selected based on one or more changed eligibility attribute values within the set of eligibility attribute values, and the metadata of the user device. Using the replacement component, the replacement software is constructed and sent to the user device.

Abstract: Techniques are described for identifying unhealthy nodes in a multi-node system. One or more parameters of each node is monitored, then compared with the values for the same parameter running on other nodes in the multi-node system. Based on the comparison, a determination is made whether a node is healthy. If the multi-node system comprises one or more nodes with differing capabilities, an adjustment is performed to account for the differing capabilities of each respective node. Further provided are methods of taking remedial action upon a determination that a node is unhealthy. A tuner is used to modify values of health parameters until the node is performing similarly to its peers.

Abstract: A method for selecting a tag for a content item includes obtaining a first content item; obtaining data associated with a first user; based on the data associated with the first user, selecting a first tag for the first content item; and generating a second content item comprising (a) at least a portion of the first content item and (b) the first tag.

Abstract: An improved system and method for updating software is described. The system, upon detecting one or more changes within the set of eligibility attribute values associated with the one or more particular components of previously-provided software, selects a replacement component. The component is selected based on one or more changed eligibility attribute values within the set of eligibility attribute values, and the metadata of the user device. Using the replacement component, the replacement software is constructed and sent to the user device.

Abstract: An automated resource resolver system receives a client request for a learning resource. The system selects a format for a target resource, to be delivered to the client device, based on user information and context information for the client device. Thus, the selected format will be accessible by the client device, utilizing the capabilities of the device, and will be the best-fit format for the user. After the system selects the format, the system determines whether the target resource stored at a resource repository is in the selected format. If not, then the system selects an instance of the target resource, not in the selected format, to convert to the selected format. The system converts the selected resource instance to produce an instance of the target resource that is in the selected format. The system makes the target learning resource, in the selected format, available to the client device.

Abstract: An improved system and method for updating software is described. The system, upon detecting one or more changes within the set of eligibility attribute values associated with the one or more particular components of previously-provided software, selects a replacement component. The component is selected based on one or more changed eligibility attribute values within the set of eligibility attribute values, and the metadata of the user device. Using the replacement component, the replacement software is constructed and sent to the user device.

Abstract: Techniques are described for identifying unhealthy nodes in a multi-node system. One or more parameters of each node is monitored, then compared with the values for the same parameter running on other nodes in the multi-node system. Based on the comparison, a determination is made whether a node is healthy. If the multi-node system comprises one or more nodes with differing capabilities, an adjustment is performed to account for the differing capabilities of each respective node. Further provided are methods of taking remedial action upon a determination that a node is unhealthy. A tuner is used to modify values of health parameters until the node is performing similarly to its peers.

Abstract: A method for selecting a tag for a content item includes obtaining a first content item; obtaining data associated with a first user; based on the data associated with the first user, selecting a first tag for the first content item; and generating a second content item comprising (a) at least a portion of the first content item and (b) the first tag.

Abstract: A method of operating an online teaching system provides an activity tool that enables participation in an activity related to a learning object. The method provides a note tool for taking notes. The method determines that notes taken by users using the note tool were taken in conjunction with the users participating in an activity using the activity tool. Metadata is generated for notes based on any of: semantic analysis of content of each note, content of the learning object, performance information that indicates how the user that created the note performed on tasks, performance information that indicates how users that read the note performed on tasks, or professional performance information of the user that created the note. The method stores data that associates the notes with the metadata generated for each note. The method performs further action on notes based on the metadata generated for each note.

Abstract: An improved system and method for updating software is described. The system, upon detecting one or more changes within the set of eligibility attribute values associated with the one or more particular components of previously-provided software, selects a replacement component. The component is selected based on one or more changed eligibility attribute values within the set of eligibility attribute values, and the metadata of the user device. Using the replacement component, the replacement software is constructed and sent to the user device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing events in a first application on a first device and replaying the events in a second application on a second device is provided. In an embodiment, a capture unit records all actions that occur within a first application on a first device and save them as event records. The capture unit sends the event records to an application sync service which labels the events as a session and performs analytics on the records within. After receiving a request to resume the application on a second device, the application sync service sends the event records to a playback unit executing on the second device. First playback unit then executes the events in an application on the second device.

Abstract: Techniques are described for a syllabus authoring and publishing system that allows educators to create and customize syllabi using data integration to optimize for various criteria. A syllabus begins with one or more course objectives, wherein one or more data services are consulted for optimal selection of course activities to satisfy the course objectives. After the appropriate course activities are selected and customized, the syllabus may be saved as one of several syllabus versions and a particular version may be published downstream for further customization by other users. The syllabus is a dynamic document with rich metadata and may directly link to and launch interactive learning objects. The metadata may also specify user role based and workflow context based permissions for viewing, editing, and interacting with the syllabus. All changes and interactions with the syllabus may be tracked in the metadata for analytics and other uses.

Abstract: Techniques for providing customized learning material for a particular course so that each student can learn efficiently and effectively based on their own skills and depth of knowledge in the particular subject. The system allows customization of a path through the course material by setting waypoints. Each waypoint corresponds to a particular position within the course material. By setting multiple waypoints, a user can create a customized path through the course material. The user can further specify, for each waypoint, the level of detail of the course material presented to the user. By following the sequence of waypoints, the system can automatically present the course material via a course player to the user in the order the user prefers.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein for storing and managing activity objects. The activity objects represent activities that are designed to achieve objectives. The activity model reflected in the activity objects allows the activity objects to be associated with objective objects that represent the objectives of the activities represented by the activity objects. A mechanism is provided to transition activity objects through various states, to allow people with various roles to each apply their own customizations to an activity before the activity is published in association with the syllabus of a particular course offering. Techniques are also described for collecting instrumentation data as users perform the activities associated with the activity objects, and for recommending activities based on previously collected instrumentation data.

Abstract: An improved system and method for providing software is described. The system, upon receiving a software request from a user device, obtains metadata about the user device. Based on the metadata and the software requested, a template of the software is obtained. The template specifies a list of categories, where each category is associated with component(s) in a component database. Based on the metadata and eligibility attributes of the respective components, one component from each category is selected for inclusion in the software. From the selected components and the template, the requested software is constructed and sent to the user device. In some embodiments, for popular user devices, a previously stored selection of components can be accessed. In some embodiments, an updated version of the software is provided if the metadata of the user device changes or if there is a change in the available components or software templates.

Abstract: Methods, stored instructions, and machines are provided herein for suggesting a candidate enrollment item for a candidate student. One or more computing devices, such as one or more recommendation servers, operate a recommendation service that suggests candidate enrollment items. The recommendation service collects, receives, or otherwise accesses information relevant to student interests or goals and information relevant to the quality and characteristics of enrollment items. This information is aggregated, analyzed, and used to suggest individual enrollment item(s) or an academic program of enrollment items that match individual student interest(s) or a set of student interests. The recommendation service may also monitor student actions that are taken based on or in light of the suggestion, and the recommendation service may adjust future suggestions based on these actions.

Abstract: An automated resource resolver system receives a client request for a learning resource. The system selects a format for a target resource, to be delivered to the client device, based on user information and context information for the client device. Thus, the selected format will be accessible by the client device, utilizing the capabilities of the device, and will be the best-fit format for the user. After the system selects the format, the system determines whether the target resource stored at a resource repository is in the selected format. If not, then the system selects an instance of the target resource, not in the selected format, to convert to the selected format. The system converts the selected resource instance to produce an instance of the target resource that is in the selected format. The system makes the target learning resource, in the selected format, available to the client device.