Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for providing collaborative learning. In one embodiment, a method includes presenting a first task to a plurality of users on a shared display and receiving inputs via respective input devices for collectively solving the task. The received inputs are analyzed to determine whether the task is correctly performed and to infer one or more probabilistic conclusions about a level of comprehension associated with the first task. An output is presented based upon the probabilistic conclusions about the level of comprehension.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for providing collaborative learning. In one embodiment, a method includes presenting a visual representation of a task in a first modality to a plurality of users in a group on a shared display and receiving a plurality of inputs from input devices associated with the respective users for solving the task. At least one of the inputs comprises a visual representation of the at least one input in a second modality that is different from the first modality and a successful completion of the task by the group requires a correct solution that is collectively dependent upon all of the inputs.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for use by a computing device to transmit information over a communication medium. The computing device communicates over the medium according to a protocol stack having a plurality of protocol layers. Information having an identifier is received at a first protocol layer from a higher protocol layer in the protocol stack. The computing device determines whether to present the information to the network communication medium based on at least one term of a contract associated with the identifier. Upon determining to present the information to the communication medium, the computing device incorporates the identifier in the information before placing the information on the network communication medium.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and a system for retrieving data relating to at least one of a student's homework, exam or solution to a problem from at least one calculator via a network, wherein the handheld calculator is utilized by the student. The method includes presenting an invitation from at least one of a computer or a calculator of an instructor on the calculator of the student for requesting the data from the calculator of the student, wherein the invitation identifies a location on a computer or a calculator for transmitting the data, attaching the data to at least a portion of the invitation, wherein the data includes identification identifying at least one of the calculator of the student or the student, and transmitting the data from the calculator to the location identified in the invitation.

Abstract: Creating an animated communication includes receiving from a user a series of inputs, wherein the series of inputs defines turns at expression to be taken by a plurality of avatars, wherein at least one of the turns comprises a plurality of expressive modalities that collectively forms a single turn, and wherein at least one of the turns makes use of a virtual writing surface that is shared by the avatars, and rendering the animated communication in accordance with the inputs subsequently to the receiving. Editing a document, such as an animated communication or a portion thereof, includes rendering the document as a sequence of dynamic frames, detecting an input made by a user during the rendering, identifying a dynamic frame of the sequence of dynamic frames whose time of rendering corresponds to a time of the input, and replacing at least a portion of the dynamic frame with the input.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for providing collaborative learning. In one embodiment, a method includes presenting a visual representation of a task in a first modality to a plurality of users in a group on a shared display and receiving a plurality of inputs from input devices associated with the respective users for solving the task. At least one of the inputs comprises a visual representation of the at least one input in a second modality that is different from the first modality and a successful completion of the task by the group requires a correct solution that is collectively dependent upon all of the inputs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for providing collaborative learning. In one embodiment, a method includes presenting a first task to a plurality of users on a shared display and receiving inputs via respective input devices for collectively solving the task. The received inputs are analyzed to determine whether the task is correctly performed and to infer one or more probabilistic conclusions about a level of comprehension associated with the first task. An output is presented based upon the probabilistic conclusions about the level of comprehension.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for use by a computing device to transmit information over a communication medium. The computing device communicates over the medium according to a protocol stack having a plurality of protocol layers. Information having an identifier is received at a first protocol layer from a higher protocol layer in the protocol stack. The computing device determines whether to present the information to the network communication medium based on at least one term of a contract associated with the identifier. Upon determining to present the information to the communication medium, the computing device incorporates the identifier in the information before placing the information on the network communication medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collaborative work is provided. One embodiment of a method for facilitating a collaborative task undertaken by a plurality of users, where each of the users uses a networked computing device that displays a user interface including a public panel representing a shared workspace and a private panel representing a personal workspace, includes receiving, by a server, a first request from a user to move a component from the shared workspace to the user's personal workspace The component represents an individual contribution to the collaborative task. The method then renders the component unavailable for use (e.g., moving or editing) by the other users.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for use by a computing device to transmit information over a communication medium. The computing device communicates over the medium according to a protocol stack having a plurality of protocol layers. Information having an identifier is received at a first protocol layer from a higher protocol layer in the protocol stack. The computing device determines whether to present the information to the network communication medium based on at least one term of a contract associated with the identifier. Upon determining to present the information to the communication medium, the computing device incorporates the identifier in the information before placing the information on the network communication medium.

Abstract: Method and system for assessing a student's understanding of a process that may unfold, e.g., overtime and space. The present invention provides a sophisticated approach of directing students to perform self-explanation, and enables instructors to enhance the value of this pedagogical process by providing meaningful and rapid feedback in a classroom setting.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for enhancing participation in an educational environment using networked devices. In one embodiment, feedback is received from a plurality of individual group members regarding material being presented by a group leader utilizing a plurality of networked devices operated by the individual group members. Subsequently, such feedback is processed. The processed feedback is then transmitted to the networked devices operated by the individual group members. Such processed feedback includes the feedback received from each of the individual group members thus allowing each individual group member to view the feedback of other group members. The present invention thus creates an inobtrusive, anonymous means for group members to recognize when their individual perception of the class discussion is actually a shared perception, thereby motivating group members to participate.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and a system for retrieving data relating to at least one of a student's homework, exam or solution to a problem from at least one calculator via a network, wherein the handheld calculator is utilized by the student. The method includes presenting an invitation from at least one of a computer or a calculator of an instructor on the calculator of the student for requesting the data from the calculator of the student, wherein the invitation identifies a location on a computer or a calculator for transmitting the data, attaching the data to at least a portion of the invitation, wherein the data includes identification identifying at least one of the calculator of the student or the student, and transmitting the data from the calculator to the location identified in the invitation.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for use by a computing device to transmit information over a communication medium. The computing device communicates over the medium according to a protocol stack having a plurality of protocol layers. Information having an identifier is received at a first protocol layer from a higher protocol layer in the protocol stack. The computing device determines whether to present the information to the network communication medium based on at least one term of a contract associated with the identifier. Upon determining to present the information to the communication medium, the computing device incorporates the identifier in the information before placing the information on the network communication medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collaborative work is provided. One embodiment of a method for facilitating a collaborative task undertaken by a plurality of users, where each of the users uses a networked computing device that displays a user interface including a public panel representing a shared workspace and a private panel representing a personal workspace, includes receiving, by a server, a first request from a user to move a component from the shared workspace to the user's personal workspace The component represents an individual contribution to the collaborative task. The method then renders the component unavailable for use (e.g., moving or editing) by the other users.

Abstract: Method for transferring objects in a communications network. A preferred embodiment comprises defining a location of an object to be transferred, providing descriptive information for an invitation, specifying a recipient of the invitation, and issuing the invitation. The invitation can provide a way for a creator of the invitation to provide contextual information, such as object names, instructional and descriptive information related to the object, and so forth, to the recipient to help reduce confusion. Furthermore, the invitation can permit the combination of multiple objects (by the recipient or the creator) to further reduce confusion and the loss of objects. Scheduling can be added to help reduce network resource contention when there are large numbers of objects to be transferred.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for providing feedback using networked devices. Initially, a plurality of response types are displayed on a plurality of networked devices. Further, a plurality of presented concepts are depicted on the networked devices. As such, users of a group are permitted to select at least one of the response types and at least one of the presented concepts. Further, the selected response type and the presented concepts are transmitted to a head of the group for providing feedback regarding material being presented by the head of the group.

Abstract: Method and system for assessing a student's understanding of a process that may unfold, e.g., overtime and space. The present invention provides a sophisticated approach of directing students to perform self-explanation, and enables instructors to enhance the value of this pedagogical process by providing meaningful and rapid feedback in a classroom setting.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for giving feedback in an educational environment using networked devices. Initially, an image stimulus is displayed to a plurality of individual group members regarding material being presented by a group leader utilizing a plurality of networked devices operated by the group members. Thereafter, feedback is received from the individual group members in response to the image stimulus utilizing the networked devices. The feedback is then aggregated after which the aggregated feedback is transmitted to the networked device operated by the group leader. Such aggregated feedback reflects the feedback received from each of the individual group members for allowing the group leader to view the aggregated feedback.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for use by a computing device to transmit information over a communication medium. The computing device communicates over the medium according to a protocol stack having a plurality of protocol layers. Information having an identifier is received at a first protocol layer from a higher protocol layer in the protocol stack. The computing device determines whether to present the information to the network communication medium based on at least one term of a contract associated with the identifier. Upon determining to present the information to the communication medium, the computing device incorporates the identifier in the information before placing the information on the network communication medium.