Abstract: Automated data exchange between a student information system and a course management system using an application programming interface that is directly exposed to the student information system as a web-service is disclosed. Submission of a new user record, enrollment of a user in a course, or changing user or course information triggers automatic data synchronization between the student information system and the course management system. The application programming interface provides single sign-on and bidirectional synchronization capabilities as well as real-time and asynchronous batch processing capabilities. The application programming interface supports XML, flat file, and web services processes and incorporates the IMS Enterprise v1.1 Specification standards.

Abstract: The invention includes an electronic gradebook having instructor and student interfaces with various points possible values, points awarded values, and instructor comment fields associated with gradable items within various gradebook views. Instructor interface options allow instructors to control student access to point values and to adjust, curve, or weight point values. Gradebook features enable instructors to allow students additional time or opportunity to complete or resubmit items, and to track student activity relative to gradable items. The invention also includes a method of compiling activity concerning course tools into a gradebook for an on-line educational system. The system and method track a student's use of a plurality of disparate course tools in an on-line educational system, and they record information from the tracking identifying the student's activity in the plurality of disparate course tools.

Abstract: The invention provides for automatic deployment, logging, and reporting of online course evaluations based on processing and access schedules and user access designations established by administrators at the time the evaluation survey is generated. Evaluation reports are automatically delayed until student final grades are submitted. Report notifications are sent via email to appropriate faculty and administration including a link or an encrypted link to access the reports.

Abstract: Automated data exchange between a student information system and a course management system using an application programming interface that is directly exposed to the student information system as a web-service is disclosed. Submission of a new user record, enrollment of a user in a course, or changing user or course information triggers automatic data synchronization between the student information system and the course management system. The application programming interface provides single sign-on and bidirectional synchronization capabilities as well as real-time and asynchronous batch processing capabilities. The application programming interface supports XML, flat file, and web services processes and incorporates the IMS Enterprise v1.1 Specification standards.

Abstract: An entity (hereafter “aggregator”) acts as a repository to which sellers submit descriptive information about a product or service available for sale, and business rules (collectively called “product package”) to be used in selling the product or service to buyers. Sellers submit their product packages in a predetermined format (e.g., as a XML file) where individual information within each package are identified by descriptors (e.g., XML tags). The aggregator compiles the product packages from one or more sellers into a catalog that is distributed to buyers as an online catalog, an electronic catalog on a multimedia disk, or a paper catalog. The aggregator customizes the content of the catalog for different buyers and areas of distribution according to the business rules for the products. The catalog can include legally binding offers with words of commitment to sell and specific terms generated from the business rules.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a signal encoded with a plurality of characters (“transaction identifier”) identifies a transaction between a buyer and a seller. The transaction identifier includes a first string of characters that identifies the buyer and a second string of characters that identifies a product. In one embodiment, the transaction identifier further includes a third string that identifies at least one of the following: the seller; the delivery method; the issuer of the transaction identifier; the expiration date of the transaction identifier; the creation date of the transaction identifier; and the maximum number of times the transaction identifier can be used. In another embodiment, the transaction identifier is created before the buyer is aware of the transaction.

Abstract: Sellers send information on to-be-sold items (products or services) to an entity (“aggregator”) that compiles the information into an online or offline catalog for distribution to buyers. The buyers purchase the items by sending orders and payments to a financial institution (“clearinghouse”) that sends a portion of the payments to the aggregator for generating the sales and another portion to the seller for sale of their item. The clearinghouse also sends the order to the seller, or a fulfiller retained by the seller, to deliver the sold item to the buyer.