Abstract: A system of notebooks that are color-coded to relate to a particular class or subject. For example, a green notebook could relate to a Science class, a red notebook could relate to Math, etc. The notebooks are fashioned to employ different calligraphy. The system further includes control articles such as an agenda to track student progress using indicia and give rewards to the student for achieving predetermined milestones. The indicia correlates sections in the control article (agenda) with the notebooks or other items. Said indicia visually aids students, parents and teachers to track the student's progress and creating a habit of having an organized schedule for school.

Abstract: Systems, software, and computer implemented methods associated with a smart monitoring system used to monitor, manage, and modify the usage of various applications and/or websites on a mobile or other computing device are described herein. In one example method, user interactions performed at a client device are monitored, and a determination is made as to whether the monitored user interactions are associated with non-educational content or applications. In response to determining that they are, an activity timer is increased based on ongoing interactions with the non-educational content or application. In response to a determination that a current value of the activity timer exceeds a predetermined threshold value, an interruption process is triggered on the client device causing at least one educational activity to be performed by the user of the client device. Before allowing interaction with the non-educational content or application, the educational activities must be satisfactorily completed.

Abstract: Parents and entities incentivize students to learn using pledges of cash, goods, and services. Students earn incentivized rewards by interacting with lessons on a digital computing device, such as a desktop computer, notebook, tablet, or “smart phone.” The lessons may include digital flash cards, text, pictures, figures, audio and video recordings ranging from classroom lectures, to classical music, to animation of scientific principles. In flashcard embodiments, the accuracy of each answer is recorded on a histogram corresponding to a particular flashcard, or the principles taught therein. The application generates performance metrics from histogram data. The performance metrics are used to generate control parameters that control the frequency and order flashcard presentation. Statistical analysis, adaptive learning and/or artificial intelligence programs refine the control parameters governing flashcard review, thereby optimizing the functionality.

Abstract: A computing device may include a display, a memory to store electronic book data having a plurality of different content layers each associated with a different content difficulty level, and a processor coupled to the display and the memory. The processor may determine a selected content difficulty level for viewing of the electronic book data, and display on the display the respective content layer of the electronic book data associated with the selected content difficulty level.

Abstract: A computer system may include a plurality of computing devices each including a display, a memory to store electronic book data comprising at least one configurable problem to be solved, and a processor coupled to the display and the memory. The processor may display the electronic book data with the at least one configurable problem on the display, and apply a changeable seed value to the at least one configurable problem to change an answer associated with the at least one configurable problem.

Abstract: Techniques to provide evidence-based dynamic scoring to limit guesses in knowledge based authentication are disclosed herein. In some aspects, an authenticator may receive an input from a user in response to a presentation of a personal question that enables user access to a restricted resource. The authenticator may determine that the input is not equivalent to a stored value, and thus is an incorrect input. The authenticator may then determine whether the input is similar to a previous input received from the user. A score may be assigned to the input. When the input is determined to be similar to the previous input, the score may be reduced. Another request for an input may be transmitted by the authenticator when a sum of the score and any previous scores of the session is less than a threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to game consoles, game software and games for play on a game console having a touch screen interface. A card having a pattern defined therein is overlaid on the touch screen. The defined pattern is used to activate portions of the touch screen by guiding user interaction with a touch pad or touch screen. The activated portions of the touch pad or touch screen launch responsive activity in a computer program implemented on the game console.

Abstract: A human test that is based on a human conceptual capability. A human test according to the present techniques includes posing a question that is selected to exercise a human conceptual capability, obtaining an answer to the question, and comparing the answer to a correct answer that would be rendered by a human being.

Abstract: A system and method for ensuring that a user on a host system periodically performs educational tasks is disclosed. The system comprises a host system on which an educational application and a primary application can execute; means for suspending the primary application when a suspension criterion is met; means for executing an interactive educational application on the host system until a resumption criterion is met; and means for resuming the primary application on the host system when the resumption criterion is met. The method comprises (a) suspending a primary application based on a suspension criterion; (b) presenting on a presentation device an educational task from a set of educational tasks; (c) receiving a user-generated response on an input device; (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) until a resumption criterion is met; and (e) resuming the primary application when the resumption criterion is met.

Abstract: A system and method for rewarding educational accomplishment is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing rewards to a user, such as a child, for achievement of one or more goals within an educational activity. The rewards are preferably credit in a form that is widely accepted by merchants and other entities for items, such as goods and services, that they offer. Preferably, information associating the user and items the user purchases with the credit is used to create a purchase history file for each user.

Abstract: A computerized learning method is provided. The method typically includes, receiving user performance data from each of a plurality of learning application programs, at a learning service program, and determining an assessed user learning level based on the user performance data. The method may further include awarding a trophy to the user upon determining that the assessed user learning level meets or exceeds a predetermined learning level threshold.

Abstract: A motivational apparatus including an enclosure wherein the enclosure opens, a space within the enclosure, one or more locks securing the enclosure in a closed position, one or more inputs on the one or more locks for inputting combinations for unlocking the one or more locks, a prize within the enclosure accessible by unlocking the one or more locks, and wherein the combinations are determined by correct answers to questions correlated to the one or more inputs on the one or more locks.

Abstract: Method for developing a flexible and efficient educational system in a computer environment, with the opportunity to protect instructions and data. An educational system consists of multiple program elements, composed by program elements from both a user computer device and possibly program elements from a server computer or other sending devices, such as those computers, represented on the Internet. All elements of the program is managed using instruction sets which exit's on the user's computer device or are being sent from a server or other sending device. The instruction sets are divided into groups by topics, which for example relate to “overview map”, “self-study”, “lecture”, “assignment preparation” and “group collaboration” plus “browse”. Using the instruction sets, an electronic educational process can be developed, which is very much similar to a normal educational process.

Abstract: A method and a system for implementing a multi-way game are disclosed, wherein a combination of a learning software and a game software is used, and the user can still perform the game playing procedure. The present invention first divides the game software into a number of game stages, according to the difficulty level or the procedure property of the game software. Then, a source weight for each of a number of game sources needed by each of the game stages is determined, so that a game evaluating module is set up. According to the difficulty level and content of the learning software, a learning weight is respectively determined, so that a learning evaluating module is set up. Next, a related database is set up according to the source weight, the learning evaluating weight, and a transformation function, so that the source weight and the learning evaluating weight can be exchanged to each other.

Abstract: A computer-aided learning method and apparatus based on a super-recommendation generator, which is configured to assess a user's or a student's understanding in a subject, reward the user who has reached one or more milestones in the subject, further the user's understanding in the subject through relationship learning, reinforce the user's understanding in the subject through reviews, and restrict the user from enjoying entertainment materials under certain condition, with the entertainment materials requiring a device to fulfill its entertainment purpose. The generator does not have to be configured to perform all of the above functions.

Abstract: A program for assigning and correcting homework on-line based upon the authorization of and feedback from users. The program includes various parts, including a homework assignment portion, a student tutorial portion and various review and grading portions for use by authorized users. After a homework assignment is completed by an authorized student, the homework is automatically reviewed and entered into a grade book. The student may be required to redo the assignment if certain criteria are not met. Stored grades may also be reviewed or compared to other grades entered in the system. Authorized users may also receive various e-mails and/or reports generated by the system regarding speed of comprehension, areas of comprehension, areas where comprehension is lacking, grade status, class standing and behavioral/citizenship status.

Abstract: In a scale building system and method for an educational management system, education goals are added to lists of different knowledge areas for enabling a teacher or administrator to tailor the assessment of student achievement. As each goal is added, the system and method computes a difficulty factor for use in weighting the achievement assessment. Additionally scales can be translated into different languages.

Abstract: The product—which is adapted for use with an information transmission system—presents an original image; uses criteria to present a test image, where the test image has a non-alphanumeric element perceptively distinguishable from a corresponding element of the original image and to invite responses which locate the distinguishable element of the test image; and generates data relating the responses to the criteria.

Abstract: A knowledge based wagering game affords a plurality of players an opportunity to place a wager on the game. A sequential series of questions is displayed to each player who must select a correct answer from a plurality of possible answers within a predetermined period of time. The answers selected by each player are recorded and the players are ranked with respect to all of the other players based on the number of correct answers selected and the amount of time taken to select the answers. Under a pari-mutuel betting system payouts are made in accordance with the players' relative scores.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive quiz based internet system that provides for the release of stored prize points to a user after the user has completed an educational quiz.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing participant retention of advertisement information, including one or more advertisements for presentation to one or more participants; associated with each of said one or more advertisements, one or more questions for presentation to said one or more participants, the one or more questions being conclusively answerable based on the information contained in an associated advertisement; and a prize awarded to at least one of said one or more participants. Optionally, the present invention may be embodied in whole or in part in computer-readable media tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a computer. Also optionally, presenting and submitting may occur in whole or in part over one or more communication networks. Also optionally, a timer may be utilized to measure how fast each of said one or more participants submits answers.

Abstract: An interactive adaptive learning system. A collection of core stimuli consisting of at least auditory and visual symbols and information, are stored on a computer. A number of different relationships between the core stimuli are created which can then be presented as discrimination or identification tasks to the user. Different sets of stimuli are then presented succeedingly to the user and the user is requested to respond. The form of response can either be to investigate and analyze the stimuli, or attributes of the stimuli, or answer of the quarry regarding the discrimination or identification task. The system has a built in strategy for progressing the user through learning tasks. The users actions and responses in reaction to the stimuli are all recorded and analyzed. Based not only on the success rate of the user responses, but also on other characteristics of the users reaction to the stimuli, the users learning strategy is classified.

Abstract: Information is provided to a participant, and a quiz or questionnaire about the provided information is subsequently administered. In the quiz embodiment, the participant receives a reward (such as a credit at an on-line shopping web site) if the performance on the quiz is adequate. Tying the reward to adequate performance on the quiz ensures that the information provided has been adequately learned. In the questionnaire embodiment, the participant receives a reward for answering all of the questions. Preferably, incorrect answers are corrected to promote learning of the information. In a preferred embodiment, a coupon is used to invite participation in the program, and the Internet is used to transmit the information, the quiz or questionnaire, and the answers.

Abstract: The invention relates to providing of a quiz program utilizing the internet and, particularly, it allows the payment of a participation charge and the remittance of prize money to be carried out on a cashless basis and allows prize money to be allotted to payment for on line shopping and the like.

Abstract: A method for a game of skill tournament that is challenging and provides the player a reliable gauge of his skill level as compared to other players. The tournament has a qualifying round and a playoff round, and is played over an interactive computer system. In the qualifying round, a player competes against a host computer. The object of this round is to score a sufficient number of points to qualify for the highest level of performance possible. Once a player obtains a level of performance, he is recognized for his accomplishment and given a reward. This allows the player to gauge his skill level. In the playoff round, those players reaching a predetermined level of performance, play the same game simultaneously against the host computer under the same rules and conditions for a set amount of time. At the end of this time frame, the results are analyzed. Those players with the highest point totals will be recognized and given a reward.

Abstract: A computer-aided learning method and apparatus based on a super-recommendation generator, which is configured to assess a user's or a student's understanding in a subject, reward the user who has reached one or more milestones in the subject, further the user's understanding in the subject through relationship learning, reinforce the user's understanding in the subject through reviews, and restrict the user from enjoying entertainment materials under certain condition, with the entertainment materials requiring a device to fulfill its entertainment purpose. The generator does not have to be configured to perform all of the above functions.

Abstract: A computer-aided-educational system and method for rewarding a student when the student attains a milestone in a subject. The subject is divided into line-items with at least one line-item being more difficult than another line-item. In one embodiment, the system includes a milestone setter, a performance analyzer, a reward determinator and a reward generator. The milestone setter sets a number of milestones, with each milestone being related to a line-item, and with an instructor providing inputs to the milestone setter to set each line-item that has a milestone to be reached. In one embodiment, at least one such line-item reflects the student's understanding in the subject. The performance analyzer coupled to the milestone setter determines whether the student has reached a milestone. The reward determinator coupled to the performance analyzer determines a reward for the student if the performance analyzer indicates that the student has reached a milestone. The reward can depend on the student's preference.

Abstract: A hand held electronic learning toy apparatus that reinforces learning by a user, such as a child, and provides motivation to the user to continue using the learning toy by enabling the user to interact with a plurality of game functions through one or more pre-programmed educational games and activities. The learning toy apparatus provides a tangible reward in the form of a colorful and/or interesting sticker when a question or query is answered correctly during the course of game play. Each sticker has an image of a single object, such as a star, ball, balloon, or the like, or includes indicia that is one segment of a larger picture wherein many stickers must be collected and pieced together to form the entire picture, much like a puzzle. Templates are provided that include indicia corresponding to the indicia of each sticker to indicate the proper placement of each sticker on the template.

Abstract: A computer-aided-educational system and method for rewarding a student when the student attains a milestone in a subject. The subject is divided into line-items with at least one line-item being more difficult than another line-item. In one embodiment, the system includes a milestone setter, a performance analyzer, a reward determinator and a reward generator. The milestone setter sets a number of milestones, with each milestone being related to a line-item, and with an instructor providing inputs to the milestone setter to set each line-item that has a milestone to be reached. The performance analyzer coupled to the milestone setter determines whether the student has reached a milestone. The reward determinator coupled to the performance analyzer determines a reward for the student if the performance analyzer indicates that the student has reached a milestone. The reward generator, coupled to the reward determinator, generates the reward for the student.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling educational and amusement use of a television. The apparatus includes a switch for switching an output between an amusement input and an educational input. The output is coupled to a television input. A measuring device measures the amusement input when it is switched to the output. A controller device controls switching of the educational input to the output when the measuring device measures a predetermined value for the amusement input and the, controller keeps score of a user's responses to the educational material displayed on the television and controls switching of the amusement input to the output when the user attains a predetermined score. In a specific embodiment the measuring device includes a timer for measuring the time the amusement input is switched to the output and the controller switches the educational input to the output when the timer measures a predetermined time.

Abstract: A test scoring system and method of testing a plurality of individuals utilizes a hand-held answer recording unit for each individual including a user operable input device for receiving and storing user answers. A scoring processor is provided for receiving answer data from each answer recording unit and comparing the answers with an answer key in order to determine conforming answers. A data transfer unit is connected with the scoring processor to receive answer data from the answer recording unit and transfer the answer data transparently to the scoring processor. Each student is provided a hand-held answer recording unit, along with a test, which is typically in written format. The user scrolls through the answer locations in the hand-held answer recording unit and inputs in each location an answer to each question.

Abstract: When an entertaining electronic game is played, it is interrupted by an educational game, and can be resumed only after a problem of the educational game is solved by a player. Otherwise, it is interrupted again by the educational game, until the problem is solved.

Abstract: A method of teaching a student and using a computer game teaching system, a computer game and educational information contained in one or more tutorial modules. A plurality of questions contained in the tutorial module are presented to the student at pause points in the game, the scoring algorithm for the game is modified as a result of positive responses to the questions to permit higher probability of scoring in the game. The student's responses to the questions are stored in a scores database which is transmitted for analysis, at a central location which analyzes the responses from many students and prepares a report for transmittal to a parent or teacher to guide the student's further education.

Abstract: A video entertainment system includes a central station (10) that is connected to a plurality of remote display terminals (12) through a data link (14). Each of the display units (12) has a display (16), a currency receptacle (18) for receiving currency to activate the system and a currency dispenser (20) to provide a reward to the player. The players at each of the remote display terminals (12) are presented with an identical query or situation, instructions on how to respond to that query or situation and various select subjective responses. All of the players then individually select a response which is then transmitted to the central station (10). These responses are then analyzed and the proper winning selected response determined by some algorithm that compares all responses or set of responses. All of the remote terminals are provided with information regarding which response was the proper response.

Abstract: An electronic teaching device for teaching addition and subtraction to students in the primary grades. The device is of simple construction utilizing digital electronic components. The invention utilizes an enclosure or box which invites students to use the device as a toy or game while facilitating learning of simple mathematical tables. In the preferred embodiment the student gains access to the box, and a reward, which may be placed inside it, if he correctly completes a simple algebraic equation which had previously been setup by a teacher.

Abstract: A display board having a window in which an education exercise unit or task is presented for viewing on a removable plate. Front and rear panels enclose a rotatable disk containing radially arrayed pockets for carrying stacks of removable task plates individually into registry with the front panel window. Each pocket is adapted to maintain a plurality of task plates in tiers. Retaining rings concentric with the axis of rotation of the disk, mounted on the inner face of the front panel, and of successively greater diameter and lesser height, are arranged to be engaged with detents on the removable task plates. A slot in the margin of the front and rear panels in radial alignment with the viewing window, enables a handle on the task plates to be grasped individually for release of their detents and withdrawal from the disk pockets. The task plates, as tokens of achievement by the student, can be accumulated on display racks on the front face of the board.