Abstract: A system and method for browsing a multimedia file are disclosed. In playing a multimedia teaching file, a content located within a text recognition area is converted into at least one image-text and a voice signal in the multimedia teaching file is converted into at least one voice-text. Then, an index comprising the image-texts and the respective image-time thereof and the voice-texts and the respective voice-time thereof is generated. Subsequently, after the image-time and the voice-time of the image-text and the voice-text corresponding to the keyword are read out from the index, respectively, the multimedia teaching file is played according to the read image-time and voice-time. Thus, the content of multimedia teaching file may be searched and played rapidly.

Abstract: A method for enabling a teacher and student digital portfolio evaluation system, having a video camera for gathering audio and video data of at least one student's performance, a computer, laptop or tablet for receiving and storing that data, and data migration means for converting said data into HEDI scores, representing forty (40) points of a teacher's one hundred (100) point evaluation in accordance with the Annual Professional Performance Review. Twenty (20) of said forty (40) points represents growth, and said data migration means follows the algorithm: Pr=PreTest Po=Post Test g=Po?Pr g=½(100?g).

Abstract: A system for associating an action of a user with a message corresponding to the action, where the message is visually displayed on a series of sequentially disposed discrete mats. The message is uttered by the user and the message is verified using a speech analyzer. The system includes at least two mats, each mat having a display, a transmitter, a receiver, and a presence sensor indicating the presence of the user and configured to indicate the intention of the user to add an answer to a composite answer. The system also includes an audio receiver that receives an audio input from the user and an indicator device that indicates whether the mat is a head mat.

Abstract: A processor implemented method for scoring a challenge taken by a user, and training the user using a simulation based learning platform is provided. The processor implemented method includes (i) obtaining, from a database, challenges to be taken by a user and associated at least one of information, (iii) processing a selection of, the challenge from the challenges with actions or steps performed by the user, (iv) rendering, hints to solve the challenge, (v) recording, steps taken by the user to solve the challenge, (vi) comparing the steps taken by the user with steps taken by an expert to solve the challenge to compute a deviance of the user from a reference path, (vii) scoring, the challenge based on the deviance of the user from the reference path to obtain a score, and (viii) notifying, a result associated with the challenge to the user based on the score.

Abstract: Methods and systems for interactive web based tutorials are described, to create, manage, facilitate, and develop the writing of the written components of admissions applications. Examples of the tutorials include managing essays, activity summaries, resumes, and other written responses required by admissions applications including their supplemental applications.

Abstract: A system and method for training a student employ a simulation station that displays output to the student and receives input. The computer system has a rules engine operating on it and computer accessible data storage storing (i) learning object data including learning objects configured to provide interaction with the student at the simulation system and (ii) rule data defining a plurality of rules accessed by the rules engine. The rules data includes, for each rule, respective (a) if-portion data defining a condition of data and (o) then-portion data defining an action to be performed at the simulation station. The rules engine causes the computer system to perform the action when the condition of data is present in the data storage. For at least some of the rules, the action comprises output of one of the learning objects so as to interact with the student. The system may be networked with middleware and adapters that map data received over the network to rules engine memory.

Abstract: A video-based teaching aid system and method. Video images are recorded of at least some of a plurality of people in a classroom setting by use of a video camera arrangement. Expressions of the people in the video images are identified by use of an expression recognition module configured to receive the video images from the video camera arrangement. The identified expressions of the people in the video images are correlated with at least one of an event or an outcome of an event occurring in a classroom setting by use of a correlation module. The results of the correlating are outputted by an output device.

Abstract: A device and method for simultaneously capturing a combination of content video, content audio, presenter video and presenter audio, as well as distributing a combination of content video, content audio, presenter video and presenter audio to a digital sink via an HDMI connection. Video sources are automatically routed to the digital sink depending on the source configuration.

Abstract: A method of using conversation state information in a conversational interaction system is disclosed. A method of inferring a change of a conversation session during continuous user interaction with an interactive content providing system includes receiving input from the user including linguistic elements intended by the user to identify an item, associating a linguistic element of the input with a first conversation session, and providing a response based on the input. The method also includes receiving additional input from the user and inferring whether or not the additional input from the user is related to the linguistic element associated with the conversation session. If related, the method provides a response based on the additional input and the linguistic element associated with the first conversation session. Otherwise, the method provides a response based on the second input without regard for the linguistic element associated with the first conversation session.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing and analyzing a set of tests includes a network, a test system, a manager, and a set of users connected to the network. The method includes the steps of receiving a set of challenges, a set of predetermined responses, and a set of parameters, generating a test message, sending the test message to each user, sending the set of challenges and the set of predetermined answers in response to the test message, receiving a set of audio responses, a set of text responses, a set of video responses, and a set of selected responses from the set of predetermined responses, analyzing the set of audio responses, the set of text responses, the set of video responses, and the set of selected responses, and calculating a set of scores.

Abstract: This invention is a huggable picture frame in the form of a person or doll, with an audio playback and recording unit. The shape of the invention is preferably a human shape in a soft sculpture, with a frame capable of holding a photograph. The audio playback and recording unit is activated by at least one remote button. The audio playback and recording unit contains a microphone or other audio input device and a speaker or other audio output device. The audio playback and recording unit and power supply are enclosed within the soft sculpture with sufficient cushioning that the presence of such relatively hard objects is not easily felt while the soft sculpture is hugged or squeezed. The overall impression of the picture frame is a huggable doll, which with a selected photograph, presents a reminder of a particular person to the user of the picture frame.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an interactive e-book with a coherent type of content presented in multiple formats as tailored to students of varied skill levels and needs to permit a diverse range of students to be presented with a uniform coherent body of instructional material. Further improvements include a system of regular interactive test modules to provide both comprehension feedback and to ascertain any adjustment in the content presentation as tailored to each student.

Abstract: Speech recognition of even a speaker who uses a speech recognition system is enabled by using an extended recognition dictionary suited to the speaker without requiring any previous learning using an utterance label corresponding to the speech of the speaker.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for generating a personalized learning stream in a modular learning system. Learning applications are stored in the modular learning system, each associated with at least one application service. The modular learning system receives a performance request specifying one or more learning applications. After determining an availability of application services associated with the one or more specified learning applications, the modular learning system adds the specified learning applications to a learning stream associated with the learning user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for generating a personalized tutoring stream in a modular learning system. Learning applications are stored in the modular learning system, each associated with at least one application service. The modular learning system receives a performance request specifying one or more learning applications. After determining an availability of application services associated with the one or more specified learning applications, the modular learning system adds the specified learning applications to a tutoring stream associated with the tutoring user.

Abstract: A system for wireless multiple user access to a sensor comprises a sensor unit having a sensor element, a sensor user interface, and a sensor wireless transceiver that transmits information corresponding to the output of the sensor user interface. One or more receiving units each receive the information corresponding to the output of the sensor user interface, and provide that output to a receiver user interface. The receiver may be located near the sensor unit, or may be located remotely from the sensor unit. Multiple receiving units may be used, for example, by students receiving training on the use of a sensor unit.

Abstract: A system for wireless multiple user access to a sensor comprises a sensor unit having a sensor element (e.g. a leak detector), a sensor user interface, and a sensor wireless transceiver that transmits information corresponding to the sensor output. One or more receiving units each receive the sensor information corresponding to the output of the sensor user interface, and provide that output to a receiver user interface. Multiple receiving units may be used, for example, by students receiving training on the use of a sensor unit. An instructor unit can provided to allow an instructor to review the sensor information and create instructional commentary that is transmitted to each of the student receiver units along with the sensor information.

Abstract: The systems and methods taught herein are generally directed to a dynamic point referencing of an audiovisual performance for an accurate and precise selection and controlled cycling of portions of the performance. The dynamic point referencing can be used by a learning artist, for example, in analyzing or performing a portion of the work through an accurate and precise digital audio/video instructional method having the controlled cycling feature. Such systems and methods will be appreciated, for example, by musicians, dancers, and other enthusiasts of the performing arts.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring and gathering data relating to publication usage by participants in publication readership studies. Some methods and systems employ portable monitors carried by participants of the studies along with publications fitted with various devices, such as piezoelectric transducers, RFID tags and others devices and circuits.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting aberrant behavior in a testing environment involve receiving real-time audio-visual data from a detection device and executing an application stored in memory that, when executed by a processor, detect aberrant data within the real-time audio-visual data and reacting automatically to the aberrant data.

Abstract: Computer-based educational systems, methods, and media for a child aged about 1 to about 10 years, comprising: an educational environment comprising: at least three subjects appropriate for the child, wherein each subject comprises a plurality of levels of learning; a plurality of learning activities associated with each subject; wherein the plurality of learning activities teaches toward one or more educational objectives in a subject and is substantially free of activities not teaching toward one or more educational objectives in a subject; a module for creating an avatar to represent the child; and a module for monitoring the progress of the child in each of the subjects, wherein the module for monitoring progress displays an explorable environment comprising the avatar representing the child, a learning path comprising a sequence of lessons or learning activities, and interactive elements configured to teach facts associated with the environment.

Abstract: An event recording system for multiple sensor integration with real time user controlled commenting and flagging includes a portable tablet computer including multiple source integrating recording software configured to i) capture at least one video image during at least part of the event, ii) capture at least one audio record of at least a portion of the event; iii) capture multiple data inputs from data sensors during at least part of the event; iv) contemporaneously flag the common log file by at least one user during the event; and v) Integrate each video image, each audio record, each data input and each flag into a common time sequenced log file; at least one video camera and microphone coupled to the portable tablet computer during at least part of the event configured to supply at least one video image and one audio input during at least part of the event; and at least two independent sensors coupled to the portable tablet computer during at least part of the event configured to supply at least two da

Abstract: According to some aspects there is provided a learning system including at least one capture device for monitoring activity of at least one learner and at least one processor configured to: monitor the activity of the at least one learner during a learning event using the at least one capture device to generate learner activity data associated with the at least one learner; generate learner engagement data based upon the learner activity data associated with of the at least one learner, the learner engagement data being indicative of how engaged the learner is during the learning event; generate at least one learner engagement report based upon the learner engagement data; and provide the at least one learner engagement report to a computing device associated with an instructor.

Abstract: A computer system contains and displays a cartoon-like story with a plurality of displayed components (such as cartoon characters, play items, etc.) recognizable by a preschool student on a first portion of the display screen along with an accompanying voice message on the speaker. Written instructions for teachers to follow in a personal one-to-one interaction with one or more students are displayed on a second portion of the display screen. For some activities, the student may actually respond using the computer such as by touching a touch screen or using a mouse to select one of the displayed components in response to a request to select a displayed component having a predetermined aspect. For other activities the teacher enters the response of the student as observed by the teacher. When one or more correct responses are entered by the student or teacher, achievement of a goal can automatically be entered into the educational management system.

Abstract: A system and method for training a student employ a simulation station that displays output to the student and receives input. The computer system has a rules engine operating on it and computer accessible data storage storing (i) learning object data including learning objects configured to provide interaction with the student at the simulation system and (ii) rule data defining a plurality of rules accessed by the rules engine. The rules data includes, for each rule, respective (a) if-portion data defining a condition of data and (b) then-portion data defining an action to be performed at the simulation station. The rules engine causes the computer system to perform the action when the condition of data is present in the data storage. For at least some of the rules, the action comprises output of one of the learning objects so as to interact with the student.

Abstract: A health care apparatus (10) and methods for rendering audio visual content to a medical patient in the patient's home, in which a content element storage (22) stores a plurality of audio visual content elements (28) to be rendered to the patient, including role playing simulation content elements (40) in which in which the patient is presented with a situation involving an issue related to a medical condition confronted by a character (42) and in which the patient provides input related to the character's situation.

Abstract: A method and system for interactive education and management that includes storing, by a server including a processor, a plurality of different items of media content. The server receives first user input from at least one first user, associates at least one item of media content of the plurality of different items of media content with at least one second user of a plurality of different second users based at least partly on the first user input, associates at least one other item of media content of the plurality of different items of media content with at least one other second user of the plurality of different second users based at least partly on the first user input, and provides the at least one item of media content to reproduction equipment of the at least one second user for reproducing the at least one item of media content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dynamic connected multifunctional system adapted to provide a user at least one of a learning experience, an entertaining experience, a social experience, and combinations thereof, the system comprising: a multi elements base comprising at least a base structure, at least one sensor, and a plurality of detachable elements, a communication manager, and an external supporting subsystem comprising at least a smart device and a server, wherein an action performed by the user on said multi element base via a specific detachable element or a sensor, or both, creates at least one signal containing at least information related to identification of the specific detachable element involved in the action and the relative position over said multi elements base that the action was performed, and at least one signal indicating the sensor in use, said signals are delivered through the communication manager to the external supporting system and activates at least one response to be perform by

Abstract: Provided is an information processing system including a position management unit configured to manage positions of avatars operated by users in a virtual space, a schedule management unit configured to manage a schedule of communication of the users, and a control unit configured to cause communication between terminals used by the users who are scheduled to have the communication to be established when the avatars of the users who are scheduled to have the communication gather in a predefined place in the virtual space and to cause at least one of an image and a voice to be transmitted and received.

Abstract: A method, that may include capturing, by a mobile media capture device, audio information related to the lecture during a time period that at least partially overlaps a time period during which the lecture occurs; repeating, during the time period, the stages of: checking, by the mobile media capture device, for an occurrence of an event related to the lecture; selecting, by the mobile media capture device and in response to an occurrence of the event, a selected manner to acquire visual information related to the lecture out of (a) an acquisition, at a first rate, of multiple still images of at least a first resolution and (b) an acquisition of a video stream of up to a second resolution that is lower of the first resolution; wherein the first rate is lower than a rate of acquisition of images of the video stream; and acquiring the visual information according to the selected manner.

Abstract: Method and system for real-time computerized interactive text memorization. The real-time computerized interactive text memorization aids in the memorization of large amounts of text that contain an established sequence and flow that must be adhered to during the recitation of the text by a speaker. The present disclosure utilizes a data parser, a character selection function, a text to speech engine and a voice recorder to provide visual text displays, digitized and recorded audio playback and digitized and recorded audio annotation. Data is uploaded into the system where they are then scanned by the data parser and prepared to create the various audio/visual elements needed for memorization by the user. The data parser then searches and separates text-based data into its unique theatrical or playwriting character based components. A character selection function of the present disclosure allows a user to select as many characters s desired from the uploaded parsed data.

Abstract: An emotion exchange apparatus comprises: a communication unit configured to receive an emotion signal of an emotion deliverer from an external device; an output unit configured to output the emotion signal; an input unit configured to receive a counterpart emotion signal of an emotion learner in response to the emotion signal; and a controller coupled to one or more of the output unit, the input unit, and the communication unit, and configured to receive the emotion signal from the external device through the communication unit, output the emotion signal in an audible or visual manner, receive the counterpart emotion signal from the input unit, and transmit the counterpart emotion signal to the external device through the communication unit.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method comprising: retrieving, by one or more computer systems, a patient education module for educating a patient about a medical procedure; wherein a structure of the patient education module comprises a first educational section and a second educational section; where the first educational section comprises information and one or more visualizations related to a first stage of the medical procedure; wherein the second educational section comprises information and one or more visualizations related to a second stage of the medical procedure; transmitting, to a device used by the patient, the patient education module for the patient to review the patient education module; receiving, from the device used by the patient, information specifying that the patient has reviewed and understood one or more of the first educational section and the second educational section.

Abstract: A design application allows one or more authors to create a learning path associated with a given topic. The learning path includes content curated from various online resources. The design application allows the authors to aggregate the content from the various online resources. The design application allows the author to curate content to include or associate with nodes. The design application also allows the authors to arrange the nodes in a hierarchy. When the learning path is complete, the design application presents the learning path to users. Users access the content within the learning path according to the hierarchy of the nodes. Advantageously, the author is able to present content, which may otherwise be distributed across the internet, within a cohesive learning path.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable media for treating a user having a learning disability. In embodiments, the method comprises displaying, at a physical location on a display device, at least one graphic element associated with a virtual sound source position in a three dimensional soundfield corresponding to the physical position of the at least one graphic element, and responding to a user selection of one of the at least one graphic elements by playing a three dimensional audio effect having a perceived source located at the virtual sound source position corresponding to the selected graphic element.

Abstract: An embeddable video playing system and method. A user interface executing the method generates a display window for displaying video content to teach a course. The course includes a plurality of selectable lessons. The method displays a play control to play the video content and control bars to play several time-coded segments associated with the lesson. The method might also display an embedded exercise link, file attachment link and communication interface link.

Abstract: Techniques for providing an immersive storytelling experience using a plurality of storytelling devices. Each of the storytelling devices may be configured to perform one or more actions based on a current context of a story and in response to a stimulus event. The actions include at least one of an auditory and a visual effect. Embodiments also provide a controller device configured to manage a playback of the story, by adjusting the stimulus event and the effect of each of the plurality of storytelling devices, based on the current context of the story, thereby creating an interactive and immersive storytelling experience.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for providing a learning aid using pictorial mnemonics. The method can include receiving a first input including a selection of a content topic. The method further includes displaying a first pictorial mnemonic associated with the selected topic, wherein the first pictorial mnemonic comprises one or more sub-images, and a list of one or more attributes, wherein each attribute is associated with a corresponding sub-image.

Abstract: A system and method for on-line interactive learning and feedback is provided. The system elicits user responses and provides a means for the users to evaluate responses and receive feedback from other users and from subject matter experts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for training brain development disorders involving impaired social interaction and communication. The system delivers audio-visual content, including varieties of lessons, instructions and tests for gradually improving neurological processing and memory through repetitive stimulation. The system and method maximizes effectiveness of learning by combining visual stimulation with reward delivery upon achieving goals. The system includes elements for module configuration, user validation, content delivery, user response/input including touch screen displays and eye tracking technology, and provides for real-time monitoring and feedback including altering delivered content. The configuration engine includes a progress module which monitors a user's performance on learning, review and/or test modules and changes lessons based on monitored performance. Recording and monitoring both subject behavior and display changes allows real-time alteration of lessons and stimuli.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an electronic learning aid apparatus including a base unit. The base unit includes a surface for accepting a printed activity worksheet, a sensor positioned beneath the worksheet surface, a microprocessor, a code-reading device, a memory for storing digital speech data and digital control data, a speech synthesizer and speaker, an input device, and a communication port capable of permitting the electronic learning aid apparatus to communicate with a personal computer. The apparatus further includes at least one printed activity worksheet having a code thereon that is readable by the code-reading device and serves to identify activity worksheets and associated digital speech data and digital control data. The digital speech data and digital control data serve to generate an output to the user in response to the user's manipulation of the input device as detected by the sensor when the child touches the stylus to the activity worksheet.

Abstract: A multi-platform learning environment is provided. The environment supports instructor/expert-facilitated learning in multiple modalities, tracks learners, and displays content that is relevant to a particular course, learning need and/or platform (e.g., personal computer, mobile device or tablet). The environment includes a learning interface that integrates various training into a single component that supports multiple training modalities. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A method and system for improving user satisfaction with a computer system that includes a computer. The computer prompts a user at a user machine to select a language usage pattern preference from at least two language usage pattern preference choices respectively including at least two text passages, each text passage expressing different text. After the prompting, the computer receives from the user machine a language usage pattern preference selected by the user from the at least two language usage pattern preference choices. The computer stores, in a user profile of the user located in a database accessible to the computer, a flag indicative of the selected language usage pattern preference.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a system for a remote instructional session comprises one or more servers (240). The one or more servers receive, from an endpoint (220) corresponding to an instructor, information associated with a schedule for which users may book time for an instructional session with the instructor (440). The one or more servers also receive, from an endpoint (210) corresponding to a user, search parameters for instructors (340) and then provide, to the endpoint corresponding to the user, search results corresponding to the search parameters for the instructors. The one or more servers additionally receive, from the endpoint corresponding to the user, booking information for a particular time with the instructor (350) and then initiate a remote instructional session over a instructional session over a network at the particular time (370, 460).

Abstract: Interactive electronic training systems and methods are described herein. Certain embodiments provide preprogrammed video, audio, and/or textual presentations of training materials which provide information related to skills/information to be trained. A scenario including real or animated actors is presented, simulating an interaction. The training system presents related queries for the trainee who audibly responds. The training system stores a score based in part on a comparison of the trainee's response with an answer stored in training system memory. Optionally, the scores are substantially immediately presented by the system to the trainee.

Abstract: An electronic learning device for receiving a book having a plurality of successive page spreads, at least one page spread having selectable content and an optically readable page identifier. The device includes a housing configured to receive the book, a position sensor in the housing configured to determine the location of the selectable content on the at least one page spread, an optical sensor in the housing configured to irradiate and detect the page identifier on the at least one page spread and control electronics in the housing operatively coupled to the optical sensor and to the position sensor and configured to synchronize sequential operation of the position sensor and the optical sensor.

Abstract: An interactive and motivational game apparatus and game are disclosed for encouraging children to eat a healthy meal. Provided is a table game apparatus comprising meal time images, and interactive elements including light, sound, or motion that game players can interact with by pressing activation buttons located on the game apparatus.

Abstract: A method of using conversation state information in a conversational interaction system is disclosed. A method of inferring a change of a conversation session during continuous user interaction with an interactive content providing system includes receiving input from the user including linguistic elements intended by the user to identify an item, associating a linguistic element of the input with a first conversation session, and providing a response based on the input. The method also includes receiving additional input from the user and inferring whether or not the additional input from the user is related to the linguistic element associated with the conversation session. If related, the method provides a response based on the additional input and the linguistic element associated with the first conversation session. Otherwise, the method provides a response based on the second input without regard for the linguistic element associated with the first conversation session.

Abstract: A method of golf instruction utilizing a schematic represented by a plurality of vertical, diagonal and circular lines which demonstrate a preferred golf swing. A video recorder, processor and monitor can be used to record the golf swing of a student aligned within the schematic. Corrections to the students swing can be made based on the deviation from the schematic. Additionally, the flight path of the ball can be determined based upon the deviation from the schematic and the adjusted flight path can be displayed.

Abstract: A method of determining a mastery level for an examinee from an assessment is disclosed. The method includes receiving one or more of an overall skill level for an examinee, a weight for the overall skill level, a covariate vector for an examinee, and a weight for the covariate vector. An examinee attribute value is computed using one or more of the received values for each examinee and each attribute. The computation of the examinee attribute values can include estimating the value using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo estimation technique. Examinee mastery levels are then assigned based on each examinee attribute level. Dichotomous or polytomous levels can be assigned based on requirements for the assessment.