Abstract: A system for allowing multiple parties to collaborate is disclosed. The system comprises multiple remote computers, each having a display and storage space for programs, and a host computer having a storage space for programs, the host computer running a program which is shared by the remote computers. The system also includes means for linking the remote computers and the host computer together, using a network, substantially identical programs, running on each remote computer, for allowing the user of each of the remote computers to select and run a program stored in the storage space of that remote computer, provide program input to the program selected, for showing output of the program selected on the display of each of the remote computers, allowing the user of each remote computer to draw annotation images on the display of the user's remote computer, and replicating the annotation images on the displays of the remote computers.

Abstract: The invention concerns using multiple computers to hold a conference. Under the invention, an application program can run on a single computer, yet remote participants can issue commands to the program. Remote participants can watch the program operate, because the invention replicates the display window of the running program onto the displays of the remote computers. Any participant can make annotations on the participant's own computer display. The invention copies the annotations to the displays of the other participants.

Abstract: The invention concerns placing an exploratory telephone call to a party, using a first telephone channel, in order to inquire whether the party wishes to hold a video conference. If the party does, the caller then actuates the invention, which establishes an initial video conference on a second data channel, without disrupting the existing telephone call. Then, after the video conference has been established, the exploratory telephone call is terminated, and the first channel is used to carry the video conference data, along with the second channel.

Abstract: The invention concerns computer-assisted education, in which a school curriculum is stored in computer repositories. A learning profile is maintained for every student, which indicates the student's capabilities, preferred learning style, and progress. Based on the profile, an Intelligent Administrator (IA) selects appropriate material for presentation to the student during each learning session. The IA then assesses whether the student has mastered the material. If not, the material is presented in a different way. If repeated different presentations fail to instill mastery, the IA establishes a video conference between the student and a professor.