Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a solution to a given problem comprising the steps of receiving a request for a solution to a known problem, accessing a first set of data comprising a plurality of template solutions to problems, accessing a second set of data comprising a plurality of problem variable value sets, interfacing the first set of data and the second set of data for generating a solution to the problem, and transmitting the solution over a computer network.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a level of empathy between two people includes four sets of questions for each query posed, a first set being how a first participant feels about a topic, a second set being how the first participant thinks a second participant would answer the same question, a third set being how the second participant feels about the topic, and a fourth set being how the second participant thinks the first participant will answer the same question. A “weighted” numerical range of possible answer selections are provided for each question from each set. The first set is compared with the fourth set, the second set is compared with the third set to determine an empathy index for each query for each of the participants. The process is repeated for a plurality of questions that are averaged to also provide an overall empathy index and also various group indices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for language education using a meaning unit and a relational question. The system for language education includes an information provider apparatus and a subscriber apparatus. The information provider apparatus stores sentences in a form of text data with each sentence divided into meaning units, stores relational questions in a form of text data to connect the meaning units to each other, and transmits the stored meaning unit text data and the stored relational question text data in learning order via a network. The subscriber apparatus receives and outputs the meaning unit text data and the relational question text data transmitted from the information provider apparatus, and transmits text data input by a subscriber to the information provider apparatus.

Abstract: A Consolidated Online Assessment System (COLA System) that creates, manipulates, and distributes an objected-oriented paradigm that represents the scoring and related activities as a unified and integrated family of loosely coupled objects, most notably a “Case” representing a state-machine that replaces the constructed response from the test taker as the unit of work. The Scoring Model and associated Properties that encapsulate the business rules associated with what actions are appropriate or required for a unit of work and the Responses to the unit of work which represent the test-taker-contributed content (e.g., essays or other text-based responses, audio responses, digitized video responses, scanned images, diagrams, lessons plans, etc.) and ties that content to its creator are linked to a Distinct Scorable Unit (DSU) which represents a tree-based mechanism that connects and provides inheritability for the other primary system objects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus advanced leadership training simulation wherein the simulation teaches skills in leadership and related topics through an Internet-based distance-learning architecture. The distance-learning features link trainees at remote locations into a single collaborative experience via computer networks. Instructional storylines are created and programmed into a computer and then delivered as a simulated but realistic story to one or more participants. The participants' reactions are monitored and compared with expected results. The storyline may be altered in response to the participants' responses and synthetic characters may be generated to act as automated participants or coaches. Constructive feedback is provided to the participants during or after the simulation.

Abstract: A repository manager and copy editor may be used to create an offline course, which allow learners to process course material locally on their computer without the need to connect to the e-learning system. A generic packaging list is created when the course is offered offline. A specific packaging list customized for the learner is created when the offline course is downloaded. An offline manager tool provides an interface for taking the course offline.

Abstract: A print media receiving unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the print media receiving unit comprises a platform that includes a surface adapted to receive a print medium comprising a spine. The spine may be disposed in a spine receiving portion in the platform. A location detection system capable of determining a location of a selected region of the print medium may be associated with the platform.

Abstract: An input device of a multimedia board inputs lecturer-written information that a lecturer writes on a display page. An information processor sends the lecturer-written information input by the input device to a plurality of information terminals. A reader/writer of each of the plurality of information terminals reads out textbook information from a recording medium recording the textbook information representing contents of a textbook. A display device displays the read textbook information and the lecturer-written information supplied from the information processor, which are superimposed one on top of the other. The reader/writer records the textbook information and lecturer-written information, which are displayed by the display device, as a single file on the recording medium.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for encouraging communication over a network between participants engaged in a learning activity. A communication channel is opened over the network between participants. An objective shared by the participants is presented. Cooperative interaction between the participants is required to complete the objective. Content related to the objective is displayed to each participant of the learning activity. Messages are exchanged in real-time between the participants over the communication channel to allow the participants to progress cooperatively towards completing the objective. Input from one of the participants of the learning activity is received. The input represents an action taken in response to the exchanged messages. The content displayed to the participants is dynamically updated based on the action taken by one of the participants during the learning activity, to depict progress towards the objective.

Abstract: An adaptive learning system and method (“ALS”) for optimized, automated learning is disclosed. The optimal sequencing method is adaptive in the sense that it continuously monitors a student's speed and accuracy of response in answering a series of questions, performing a series of classification tasks, or performing a series of procedures, and modifies the sequencing of the items presented as a function of these variables. One goal of the technique is to teach the subject matter in the shortest possible time. The optimal sequencing method may be used independently or in conjunction with disclosed perceptual learning and hinting methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for language teaching that involves training to an automatic level a set of core vocabulary items, and then presenting learned items in combination as a means of implicitly teaching grammar. In one aspect, a method for teaching a language, consistent with the invention, comprises: (a) while displaying to a learner a graphical representation of a vocabulary item comprising at least one word, playing to the learner an audio recording comprising the spoken form of the vocabulary item; and (b) while displaying to a learner both a graphical representation of the vocabulary item and the written form of the vocabulary item, playing to the learner an audio recording comprising the spoken form of the vocabulary item.

Abstract: A system where a child or other individual arranges one or more computer-recognizable characters on a working platform to spell words or provide a mathematical result in response to computer generated questions or prompts, the system then indicating whether the words or mathematical result is correct.

Abstract: Computer software and portable memory for an electronic educational toy designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially planar surface for being contacted by the child.

Abstract: A course editor includes an input to accept author commands. An interface processes and displays the author commands to facilitate the creation of a course. The interface may include a workspace to display and assemble the structural elements into the course. The workspace may include a menu of structural elements that may be added to the course. The workspace is configured to display a structural element in response to an author command selecting the structural element from the menu. The structural elements may be a sub-course, a learning unit, and/or a knowledge item.

Abstract: An electronic educational toy having a housing for teaching children comprising a toy housing supporting a substantially planar work platform on which a child can make selections by causing contact with the work platform and enclosing a speaker, a processor, and a sensing system sensing occurrences of contact caused by the child across the surface of the work platform.

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: An electronic educational toy having a housing for teaching letters, words, numbers or pictures comprising a toy housing supporting a substantially planar work platform on which a child can make selections by causing contact with the work platform and enclosing a speaker, a processor, and a sensing system sensing occurrences of contact caused by the child across the surface of the work platform.

Abstract: A teaching module (10) and method for enhancing skills and reducing risks in the practice of medicine or other areas of healthcare. Each module (10) comprises a multi-media presentation of information relating to a variety of important aspects of a particular healthcare-related topic, such as, for example, a medical technique or technology, including enhancing skills and reducing risks associated with that technique or technology. Skill enhancement information is reviewed by relevant healthcare practitioners, and risk reduction information is reviewed by a malpractice attorney. Each module (10) is added to a virtual web-based library of similar modules so as to be accessible anywhere and at anytime. Review may be sought to approve the module (10) for use in satisfying continuing medical education credit requirements, malpractice insurance premium reduction, or license renewal. A test may be developed and administered for testing user understanding or retention of the information.

Abstract: An e-learning course may include a number of structural elements that are aggregated into one or more levels. Each higher level may refer to any instance of a lower level. The structural elements include a course, a sub-course, a learning unit, or a knowledge item. The structural elements may include metadata. The structural elements also may include relations between structural elements. The course and its structural elements do not enforce any sequence of structural elements that the learner may use to traverse the course. In addition, the structural elements may be reused and reassembled to form different courses. A content repository is configured to store course data and its structural elements. A content player is configured to access the stored course data and assemble the structural elements.

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.