Abstract: An improved system and method for updating software is described. The system, upon detecting one or more changes within the set of eligibility attribute values associated with the one or more particular components of previously-provided software, selects a replacement component. The component is selected based on one or more changed eligibility attribute values within the set of eligibility attribute values, and the metadata of the user device. Using the replacement component, the replacement software is constructed and sent to the user device.

Abstract: A method for selecting a tag for a content item includes obtaining a first content item; obtaining data associated with a first user; based on the data associated with the first user, selecting a first tag for the first content item; and generating a second content item comprising (a) at least a portion of the first content item and (b) the first tag.

Abstract: An improved system and method for updating software is described. The system, upon detecting one or more changes within the set of eligibility attribute values associated with the one or more particular components of previously-provided software, selects a replacement component. The component is selected based on one or more changed eligibility attribute values within the set of eligibility attribute values, and the metadata of the user device. Using the replacement component, the replacement software is constructed and sent to the user device.

Abstract: An automated resource resolver system receives a client request for a learning resource. The system selects a format for a target resource, to be delivered to the client device, based on user information and context information for the client device. Thus, the selected format will be accessible by the client device, utilizing the capabilities of the device, and will be the best-fit format for the user. After the system selects the format, the system determines whether the target resource stored at a resource repository is in the selected format. If not, then the system selects an instance of the target resource, not in the selected format, to convert to the selected format. The system converts the selected resource instance to produce an instance of the target resource that is in the selected format. The system makes the target learning resource, in the selected format, available to the client device.

Abstract: An improved system and method for updating software is described. The system, upon detecting one or more changes within the set of eligibility attribute values associated with the one or more particular components of previously-provided software, selects a replacement component. The component is selected based on one or more changed eligibility attribute values within the set of eligibility attribute values, and the metadata of the user device. Using the replacement component, the replacement software is constructed and sent to the user device.

Abstract: A method for selecting a tag for a content item includes obtaining a first content item; obtaining data associated with a first user; based on the data associated with the first user, selecting a first tag for the first content item; and generating a second content item comprising (a) at least a portion of the first content item and (b) the first tag.

Abstract: A method of operating an online teaching system provides an activity tool that enables participation in an activity related to a learning object. The method provides a note tool for taking notes. The method determines that notes taken by users using the note tool were taken in conjunction with the users participating in an activity using the activity tool. Metadata is generated for notes based on any of: semantic analysis of content of each note, content of the learning object, performance information that indicates how the user that created the note performed on tasks, performance information that indicates how users that read the note performed on tasks, or professional performance information of the user that created the note. The method stores data that associates the notes with the metadata generated for each note. The method performs further action on notes based on the metadata generated for each note.

Abstract: An improved system and method for updating software is described. The system, upon detecting one or more changes within the set of eligibility attribute values associated with the one or more particular components of previously-provided software, selects a replacement component. The component is selected based on one or more changed eligibility attribute values within the set of eligibility attribute values, and the metadata of the user device. Using the replacement component, the replacement software is constructed and sent to the user device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing events in a first application on a first device and replaying the events in a second application on a second device is provided. In an embodiment, a capture unit records all actions that occur within a first application on a first device and save them as event records. The capture unit sends the event records to an application sync service which labels the events as a session and performs analytics on the records within. After receiving a request to resume the application on a second device, the application sync service sends the event records to a playback unit executing on the second device. First playback unit then executes the events in an application on the second device.

Abstract: Techniques are described for a syllabus authoring and publishing system that allows educators to create and customize syllabi using data integration to optimize for various criteria. A syllabus begins with one or more course objectives, wherein one or more data services are consulted for optimal selection of course activities to satisfy the course objectives. After the appropriate course activities are selected and customized, the syllabus may be saved as one of several syllabus versions and a particular version may be published downstream for further customization by other users. The syllabus is a dynamic document with rich metadata and may directly link to and launch interactive learning objects. The metadata may also specify user role based and workflow context based permissions for viewing, editing, and interacting with the syllabus. All changes and interactions with the syllabus may be tracked in the metadata for analytics and other uses.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein for storing and managing activity objects. The activity objects represent activities that are designed to achieve objectives. The activity model reflected in the activity objects allows the activity objects to be associated with objective objects that represent the objectives of the activities represented by the activity objects. A mechanism is provided to transition activity objects through various states, to allow people with various roles to each apply their own customizations to an activity before the activity is published in association with the syllabus of a particular course offering. Techniques are also described for collecting instrumentation data as users perform the activities associated with the activity objects, and for recommending activities based on previously collected instrumentation data.

Abstract: An improved system and method for providing software is described. The system, upon receiving a software request from a user device, obtains metadata about the user device. Based on the metadata and the software requested, a template of the software is obtained. The template specifies a list of categories, where each category is associated with component(s) in a component database. Based on the metadata and eligibility attributes of the respective components, one component from each category is selected for inclusion in the software. From the selected components and the template, the requested software is constructed and sent to the user device. In some embodiments, for popular user devices, a previously stored selection of components can be accessed. In some embodiments, an updated version of the software is provided if the metadata of the user device changes or if there is a change in the available components or software templates.

Abstract: Methods, stored instructions, and machines are provided herein for suggesting a candidate enrollment item for a candidate student. One or more computing devices, such as one or more recommendation servers, operate a recommendation service that suggests candidate enrollment items. The recommendation service collects, receives, or otherwise accesses information relevant to student interests or goals and information relevant to the quality and characteristics of enrollment items. This information is aggregated, analyzed, and used to suggest individual enrollment item(s) or an academic program of enrollment items that match individual student interest(s) or a set of student interests. The recommendation service may also monitor student actions that are taken based on or in light of the suggestion, and the recommendation service may adjust future suggestions based on these actions.

Abstract: An automated resource resolver system receives a client request for a learning resource. The system selects a format for a target resource, to be delivered to the client device, based on user information and context information for the client device. Thus, the selected format will be accessible by the client device, utilizing the capabilities of the device, and will be the best-fit format for the user. After the system selects the format, the system determines whether the target resource stored at a resource repository is in the selected format. If not, then the system selects an instance of the target resource, not in the selected format, to convert to the selected format. The system converts the selected resource instance to produce an instance of the target resource that is in the selected format. The system makes the target learning resource, in the selected format, available to the client device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling multi-service transactions. When a request to initiate a multi-service transaction is received, the transaction is not immediately initiated. Rather, a determination is first made as to which services need to be invoked in order to complete the transaction. A further determination is then made as to whether at least one of the services is likely to be unable to complete processing needed to further the transaction to completion. If at least one of the services is likely to be unable to complete processing needed to further the transaction to completion (thereby meaning that the overall transaction is likely to fail), then the transaction is not initiated at all. By doing so, the method/apparatus prevents transactions that are likely to fail from being started, which prevents waste of resources and other problems associated with partial processing of failed transactions from arising.