Abstract: A processing system is described which generates stimulus information (SI) having one or more stimulus components (SCs) selected from an inventory of such components. The processing system then presents the SI to a group of human recipients, inviting those recipients to provide linguistic descriptions of the SI. The linguistic information that is received thereby has an implicit link to the SCs. Further, each linguistic component is associated with at least one feature of a target environment, such as a target computer system. Hence, the linguistic information also maps to the features of the target environment. These relationships allow applications to use the linguistic information to interact with the target environment in different ways. In one case, the processing system uses a challenge-response authentication task presentation to convey the stimulus information to the recipients.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are computer-based language phoneme practice systems, products, programs, and methods comprising a digital processing device and a computer program that creates a language phoneme practice engine, wherein said engine comprises: a taxonomy of phonemes of a target language; a software module for providing an interface for practicing each said phoneme in said taxonomy, wherein said interface allows a learner to optionally access a visual representation and an auditory representation of each said phoneme in said taxonomy; and a software module for providing an interface for practicing each said phoneme in the context of the beginning, middle, and end of words of said target language, wherein said interface allows a learner to optionally access a visual and an auditory representation of each said word and each said phoneme in each said word.

Abstract: A system to teach phonemic awareness uses a plurality of phonemes and a plurality of graphemes. Each phoneme is a unique sound and an indivisible unit of sound in a spoken language, and each grapheme is a written representation of one of the plurality of phonemes. A plurality of distinct graphical images and a plurality of unique names are provided where each unique name is associated with one of the graphical images and represents a grouping of graphemes selected from the plurality of graphemes. The system uses a plurality of sets of display pieces having a plurality of individual display pieces. Each individual display piece includes at least a portion of one of the graphical images and the graphemes from the grouping of graphemes constituting the associated unique name. A predefined instructional environment defines a predefined spatial context and predefined rules governing the acquisition and utilization of individual display pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a bag used for individuals with special needs (children and adults) and for typically developing children. The bag is used as a shopping list and schedules for what may happen on other community events to help with an easier transition on these activities for anyone that may need assistance. The inside of the bag contains storage for cards holding many product pieces. The front of the bag holds a small shopping list for those with decreased cognitive abilities. The inside of the bag may have additional hook sew-on fastener tape to provide for a longer shopping list for those with high cognitive abilities. The back of the bag has a large pocket holding product pieces once the user finds a product on their shopping list. The small pocket with flap is used to hold money, gift cards, credit cards, etc.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of word recognition sensitivity of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene, comprising a plurality of letters and a background, to a subject on a display; (2) moving the plurality of letters relative to the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject via at least one; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the saliency of the plurality of letters relative to accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; (6) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (7) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of visual motor response in a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to a subject on a display; (2) modulating the contrast of a predetermined section of the scene; (3) moving the predetermined section relative to the scene with the movement being tracked by the subject via at least one input device; (4) measuring a kinematic parameter of the tracked movement; (5) quantitatively refining the tracked movement; (6) determining the relationship between at least one of the scene and the quantitatively refined tracked movement; (7) adjusting the modulated contrast relative to the quantitatively refined tracked movement; (8) calculating a critical threshold parameter for the subject; and (9) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: These magnetic, write-on/wipe-off letters, numbers, and geometric shapes enable a child to learn to write and spell quickly. Primarily, they are individual pieces that are packaged as a set and have a grooved write-on/wipe-off surface with a magnetic base, so as to adhere to any magnetic surface enabling them to be manipulated quickly and easily, which will accelerate the process of learning to write and spell.

Abstract: Techniques for real-time observation assessment are provided. The techniques, which are designed for educators, take advantage of handheld computers, desktop/laptop computers and Internet access in order to reduce the paperwork associated with conventional educational assessments. An array of instructional assessment applications are designed to run on handheld computers. The instructional assessment applications may be based on existing and widely used paper methodologies. A common Web-based platform for assessment application distribution, selection, download, data management and reporting is also provided. Users can then periodically synchronize instructional data (assessments, diagnostic results, notes and/or schedules) to the Web site. At the Web site, browser-based reports and analysis can be viewed, administered and shared via electronic mail.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of social cues sensitivity of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene, comprising a single facial expressions and a background, to a subject on a display; (2) adjusting the facial expression on the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject via at least one input device; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the adjusted facial expression relative to the accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; (6) transforming the modulated facial expression; (7) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (8) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of facial emotion nulling of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene, comprising a single facial expressions and a background, to a subject on a display; (2) adjusting the facial expression on the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject via at least one input device; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the adjusted facial expression relative to the accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; (6) transforming the modulated facial expression; (7) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (8) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of spatial sequence memory in a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to the subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of elements and a background; (2) modulating the saliency of a predetermined section of said scene (3) receiving feedback from the subject via at least one input device; (4) modifying the saliency of the predetermined section; (5) adjusting a functional assessment parameter relative to the scene; (6) moving the predetermined section relative to the scene; (7) receiving refined feedback from the subject via the input device; (8) quantitatively refining the refined feedback; (9) calculating a critical threshold parameter for the subject; and (10) recording the critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of social interactions nulling testing of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to the subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of body images and a background; (2) receiving feedback from the subject via at least one input device; (3) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (4) modulating the adjusted body image relative to the accuracy of the received feedback; (5) calculating a critical threshold parameter for the subject; (6) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of verbal memory of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to the subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of symbols and a background; (2) moving the plurality of symbols relative to the scene, the movement being tracked by the subject via at least one input device; (3) adjusting the saliency of the plurality of symbols relative to the tracked movement; (4) increasing the number of said plurality of symbols; (5) receiving feedback from the subject via said input device; (6) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (7) modulating the movement of the plurality of symbols relative to the accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; (8) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (9) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of word identification latency of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene, comprising a plurality of letters and a background, to a subject on a display; (2) moving the plurality of letters relative to the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject via the input device; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the movement of plurality of letters relative to accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; ((6) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (7) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system is presented to address quantitative assessment of functional impairment in a subject, comprising: presenting a plurality of tests to a subject on a display, the tests comprising a series of scenes, the scene comprising at least one stimulus, wherein the scene may be associated with visual, auditory, and tactile stimulus arrays; modulating at least one spatial characteristic of at least one stimulus; receiving feedback from the subject via at least one input device; quantitatively refining the scene relative to the received feedback; calculating the relationship between at least one of the scene, the stimulus, and the quantitatively refined scene; adjusting the scene relative to the calculated relationship; determining equilibrated scene parameter of the subject; recording the equilibrated scene parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium; generating at least one diagnosis to the functional impairment associated with the equilibrated scene parameter; recommending treatment to the su

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of word recognition sensitivity of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to a subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of letters and a background; (2) distorting the scene; (3) moving plurality of letters relative to the scene, the movement being tracked by the subject via at least one input device; (4) receiving feedback from the subject via the input device; (5) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (6) modulating the movement of plurality of letters relative to accuracy of the received feedback; (7) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (8) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of letter identification latency of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to a subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of letters and a background; (2) moving the plurality of letters relative to the scene, the movement being tracked by the subject via at least one input device; (3) receiving feedback from the subject via the input device; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the movement of plurality of letters relative to accuracy of the received feedback; (6) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (7) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to an Audio-Story Engine that includes a repository of prerecorded audio files that, when played in a certain sequence, with user provided recordings placed throughout, tell a story. To obtain the user provided recordings, the Audio-Story Engine asks the user to make audio recordings of various words or phrases. For example, the Audio-Story Engine may ask the user a series of questions in order to record and store the user's audible responses. Upon completion, the Audio-Story Engine plays back a completed story that incorporates the user's audio recordings by playing an appropriate user recording after playing a prerecorded audio file. This is repeated several times in sequence to form a seamless, customized, audio story. In addition, the Audio-Story Engine may alter the pitch or sound of the user's recorded words to match the pitch of the prerecorded story.

Abstract: A system for enhancing reading performance operates on a network-connected server with software executing from a non-transitory medium at the server providing an interactive interface for a user connected to the server via a browser link. There is a data repository coupled to the server. The interactive interface provides a word search exercise for the user for improving the user's reading performance, displays a passage comprising a first number of words and a search list with a second number of words that each appear at least once in the passage, the second number smaller than the first number, and when the user clicks on every word in the passage for a word that appears in the search list, that word is indicated in the list as found, until all the words in the search list have been indicated as found.

Abstract: Social networking applications may be improved by incorporating a user's language proficiency to make content suggestions to the user. A language preference of a user, which may represent one of a plurality of signals, may be received. A signal may be, for example, an online activity of the user, a text generated or received by the user, or content requested by the user. At least one of the plurality of signals may be analyzed using a machine learning program. A machine learning program may be trained on data for a test group of users with a known language proficiency. A user-assigned language proficiency may be incorporated as a signal in training a machine learning program. The language proficiency of the user may be determined based upon the analysis of at least one of the plurality of signals. Content may be presented to the user based upon the language proficiency of the user.

Abstract: A method for teaching a person, such as a child, to read aloud is disclosed. The method is implemented as a voice activated, visual software application that provides a visual display of a story as the person reads the words of the story. The method provides pronunciation assistance to the person, which in the software includes a simulated “teacher” that helps the person with assistance in reading the story. The method progresses through a sequence of story passages which together represent the entire story. The method progresses to each story passage upon successful completion of the current story passage by the person reading the story, such that the method will not allow the visual story to progress for the reader if a word is not read correctly out loud.

Abstract: Systems and methods for learning a high-level visual vocabulary generate inter-visual-word relationships between a plurality of visual words based on visual word-label relationships, map the visual words to a vector space based on the inter-visual word relationships, and generate high-level visual words in the vector space.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for automatically generating recitation items. For example, a computer performing the recitation item generation can receive one or more text sets that each includes one or more texts. The computer can determine a value for each text set using one or more metrics, such as a vocabulary difficulty metric, a syntactic complexity metric, a phoneme distribution metric, a phonetic difficulty metric, and a prosody distribution metric. Then the computer can select a final text set based on the value associated with each text set. The selected final text set can be used as the recitation items for a speaking assessment test.

Abstract: The present invention measures reading fluency, which is simultaneous decoding and comprehension. Whether or not a person is a fluent reader is determined by the size of the visual unit, or sting of letters, used in word recognition. In order to measure the size of the visual unit used in word recognition, a lexical decision task (“LDT”) is used in which short and long words are presented on a display device. The person determines if the string of letters formulates a word. The person enters their response on an input device and the results are recorded. A score is calculated that measures reading fluency. The ability to correctly identify a string of letters as a word using holistic processing, rather than letter-by-letter, is the hallmark of a fluent person.

Abstract: The language-based video game places a player avatar into a game environment contained within a display field following a story narrative or an adventure for completing an objective. The gameplay reinforces pronunciation and writing of a given language. The display field includes a minor head graphic, as can be highlighted text in the given language, interactive text objects, and can include a control icon and a progress icon. The minor head graphic is a representation of a human head, or portion thereof, animated to show pronunciation of the highlighted text. As the player progresses through the game, the player encounters the interactive text objects that, upon activation, transform into useful objects for overcoming challenges present in the game environment, the interactive text object being the same as, substantially the same as, or corresponding to the highlighted text. Avatar movement and interactions are controlled through a control scheme via an interface.

Abstract: A group of vocabulary words are selected for students at an educational institution. The vocabulary words together with corresponding definitions are put on clothing items worn by different students at the educational institution. The students at the educational institutional are tested regarding the group of vocabulary words and their definitions are before the clothing is worn and some period of days after the clothing started being worn. Selected words from the group of vocabulary words are selected for removal from the group based on the results of the second testing. New clothing items with new vocabulary words together with corresponding definitions are worn by students at the educational institution in place of the clothing items with the word selected for removal from the group.

Abstract: A computer system contains and displays a cartoon-like story with a plurality of displayed components (such as cartoon characters, play items, etc.) recognizable by a preschool student on a first portion of the display screen along with an accompanying voice message on the speaker. Written instructions for teachers to follow in a personal one-to-one interaction with one or more students are displayed on a second portion of the display screen. For some activities, the student may actually respond using the computer such as by touching a touch screen or using a mouse to select one of the displayed components in response to a request to select a displayed component having a predetermined aspect. For other activities the teacher enters the response of the student as observed by the teacher. When one or more correct responses are entered by the student or teacher, achievement of a goal can automatically be entered into the educational management system.

Abstract: A method of automatically converting alphabetic text written in a text based language into a non-text based language. The method can include parsing the text to identify at least one word. The method also can include via a processor, identifying within a lexicon database data corresponding to the word, wherein the data corresponding to the word identifies at least one pictograph or symbol selected from a group of pictographs or symbols consisting of between twenty seven and thirty three distinct pictographs or symbols that visually look different than the text, wherein each pictograph or symbol corresponds to a unique speech sound of the text based language. The pictograph or symbol can be rendered in a view.

Abstract: An interactive computer based system and method for multi-sensory learning to teach students to read, to write, to improve their fluency, and to improve their reading comprehension. The multi-sensory system combines phonics and reading comprehension to teach students how to decode the alphabet and understand what they read. The multi-sensory system can be individually customized and tailored to meet needs of an individual student.

Abstract: A method is presented to address quantitative assessment of facial emotion sensitivity of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to the subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of faces and a background on a display, the plurality of faces comprising a plurality of facial expressions; (2) adjusting at least one facial expression on the scene; (3) receiving feedback from said subject via at least one input device; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the adjusted facial expression relative to the accuracy of the received feedback; (6) (7) transforming the modulated facial expression; (8) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (9) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium. An apparatus for quantitative assessment of facial emotion sensitivity of a subject comprising a display device, an input device, a control device, and a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for assessing a patient's linguistic comprehension using a pupil response system comprising at least one pupillometer configured to measure the patient's pupil responses. The method includes (a) providing the patient with a list of verbal stimuli comprising at least two sets of verbal stimuli, each set of verbal stimuli comprising one or more verbal stimuli; wherein the two sets of the verbal stimuli differ substantially from each other in terms of the difficulty level; (b) presenting to the patient one verbal stimulus at a time from the list of verbal stimuli; (c) measuring and recording the patient's pupil response data for a period of time ranging from 200 milliseconds to 10 seconds during the presentation of each stimulus; and (d) analyzing the pupil response data to assess the patient's linguistic comprehension.

Abstract: EEG-based acceleration of second language learning is accomplished by measuring via single-trial EEG a learner's cognitive response to the presentation (visual or auditory) of language learning materials and updating a user model of latent traits related to language-learning skills in accordance with the cognitive response. The user model is suitably updated with each trial, each trial being triggered by learner fixation on a portion of visual materials and/or a next phoneme in auditory materials. Additional discrimination may be achieved through the use of saccades or fixation duration features.

Abstract: The submitted game with folding board stylized like a baseball field is uniquely associated with Baseball, providing entertainment about people or an original learning method to sustain interest and retention of any substituted subject. Rules in an instructive copyrighted Manual simultaneously enhance English use. Also boxed for two to twenty-two players aged five on, are two teams alternating at bat once an inning; laminated picture cards with removable holders represent team manager, umpire and nine members. Each of nine members has playing position originally correlated with the nine speech parts. Defense requires Offense to use speech parts designated at bases to fit the nine designated sentence parts for sentence construction to win with runs and walks. The subject's vocabulary is listed by speech parts, kindergarden through twelve on. After pitcher selects verb for each batter, Offense chooses vocabulary as designated to make and record sentences for reteaching.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for recognizing user personality in accordance with a speech recognition system. For example, a technique for recognizing a personality trait associated with a user interacting with a speech recognition system includes the following steps/operations. One or more decoded spoken utterances of the user are obtained. The one or more decoded spoken utterances are generated by the speech recognition system. The one or more decoded spoken utterances are analyzed to determine one or more linguistic attributes (morphological and syntactic filters) that are associated with the one or more decoded spoken utterances. The personality trait associated with the user is then determined based on the analyzing step/operation.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an educational grade-level based word game that incorporates kinesthetic, tactile, and auditory learning styles for use in teaching children and other learners how to spell in an entertaining manner. The game correlates grade appropriate words to the common core language arts standards. The game may be portable and uses direct social interaction between real people. The game can incorporate a foreign language as well as sign language. The physical game set may include, but is not limited to, playing cards, one regular numbered game die, one six-sided graphical cube, and a kinesthetic implement, such as an elastic rope or a bouncy ball.

Abstract: An exemplary proficiency examination system includes a collaborative system allowing multiple administrators across multiple educational institutions to add questions to a bank of questions from which an administrator at a single educational institution may select for a proficiency examination. The questions may be used in a placement examination for placing students into a class of an appropriate skill level.

Abstract: An apparatus for language instruction including at least one vowel card object having text corresponding to a vowel sound for a language and at least one consonant card object having text corresponding to a consonant sound for the language. Combining the text of at least one of the consonant card objects with the text of at least one of the vowel card objects defines a phonetic sound in the language based on the vowel sound and the consonant sound.

Abstract: A method of automatically converting alphabetic text written in a text based language into a non-text based language. The method can include parsing the text to identify at least one word. The method also can include via a processor, identifying within a lexicon database data corresponding to the word, wherein the data corresponding to the word identifies at least one pictograph or symbol selected from a group of pictographs or symbols consisting of between twenty seven and thirty three distinct pictographs or symbols that visually look different than the text, wherein each pictograph or symbol corresponds to a unique speech sound of the text based language. The pictograph or symbol can be rendered in a view.

Abstract: Techniques for real-time observation assessment are provided. The techniques, which are designed for educators, take advantage of handheld computers, desktop/laptop computers and Internet access in order to reduce the paperwork associated with conventional educational assessments. An array of instructional assessment applications are designed to run on handheld computers. The instructional assessment applications may be based on existing and widely used paper methodologies. A common Web-based platform for assessment application distribution, selection, download, data management and reporting is also provided. Users can then periodically synchronize instructional data (assessments, diagnostic results, notes and/or schedules) to the Web site. At the Web site, browser-based reports and analysis can be viewed, administered and shared via electronic mail.

Abstract: A function of storing character string information added with vowel or nasal sound information; a function of displaying the character string information from a dictionary function or the character string information to be input; a function of displaying read number information of the displayed character string information; a function of designating and inputting desired positional information to the displayed read number information; a function of changeably setting the positional information regarding the designated and input positional information; a function of retrieving and extracting the character string information from the dictionary function at a position corresponding to the positional information obtained by referring to the changeable positional information, wherein the character string information is coincident with the vowel or the nasal sound information regarding a read of a character corresponding to the designated and input positional information; and a function of outputting and displaying

Abstract: Methods for assessing cognitive and linguistic abilities by tracking and recording the eye movements of a patient in response to predetermined verbal and visual stimuli. The methods incorporate conventional eye-tracking technology to acquire eye-fixation location and duration measures for testing linguistic comprehension, working memory, attention allocation, and the effect of semantic associative priming. Visual stimuli presented in the methods are carefully designed to reduce visually distracting features. Verbal stimuli are carefully designed to control for numerous linguistic features.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to an Audio-Story Engine that includes a repository of prerecorded audio files that, when played in a certain sequence, with user provided recordings placed throughout, tell a story. To obtain the user provided recordings, the Audio-Story Engine asks the user to make audio recordings of various words or phrases. For example, the Audio-Story Engine may ask the user a series of questions in order to record and store the user's audible responses. Upon completion, the Audio-Story Engine plays back a completed story that incorporates the user's audio recordings by playing an appropriate user recording after playing a prerecorded audio file. This is repeated several times in sequence to form a seamless, customized, audio story. In addition, the Audio-Story Engine may alter the pitch or sound of the user's recorded words to match the pitch of the prerecorded story.

Abstract: An uninterrupted reading experience can be provided by calculating a vocabulary level for a user in a first language and comparing difficulty levels of words within a document in the first language to the vocabulary level of the user in the first language. Each word of the document having a difficulty level that exceeds the vocabulary level of the user in the first language can be selected.

Abstract: A method of play, wherein play emphasizes storytelling and story recounting abilities, and wherein the method comprises: (a) providing a gaining device which provides for: a plurality of subject elements, wherein each subject element from the plurality of subject elements comprises a topic for a particular story; and a plurality of situational elements, wherein each situational element from the plurality of situational elements qualifies the subject element; (b) pairing a subject element from the plurality of subject elements with a situational element from the plurality of situational elements; and (c) providing a story based on the paired subject element and selected situational element.

Abstract: A reading comprehension system and method that uses language micro-variables is disclosed. The system provide training using these language micro-variables in order to provide reading comprehension training. This training also is highly impactful for the instruction and improvement of reading fluency and vocabulary.

Abstract: A method is presented to address quantitative assessment of visual motion discrimination in a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting a scene, comprising a plurality of elements and a background, to a subject on a display; (2) moving a plurality of elements relative to the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject; (4) quantitatively refining the feedback; (5) modulating the movement relative to accuracy of the received feedback; (6) monitoring the response error; (7) calculating a critical threshold parameter for the subject; and (8) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium. An apparatus for quantitative assessment of visual motion discrimination of a subject comprising a display device, an input device, a control device, and a tangible computer readable medium. In its simplest sense, a quantitative assessment profile of visual motion discrimination by psychophysical responses is generated on a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: The invention teaches students all of the graphic representations of phonemes and orthography using a series of word charts (covering over 18,000 independent words) and integrated program materials. The graphic representations of phonemes are presented to a student according to the frequency of use in words and in the language, and the progressive dependence of one set of graphic representations of phonemes on another. The teaching methods of this invention provide a system for learning how to decode and encode as interchangeable skills. Thus, the student learns to reason out the sounds and spelling of thousands of words. Integrated program learning materials provide mnemonic devices to reinforce the learning in a systematic way.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching grammar structure to a student. The apparatus comprises a representation of a human face a language base structure overlaid on the human face, a plurality of language patterns, each language pattern corresponding to one of a unique verb types selected from the group consisting of action verbs, linking verbs, general verbs, give and take verbs and cause and effect verbs and a pointer adapted to follow the language pattern. The method comprises identifying the verb and verb type to be used in the sentence, selecting a language pattern corresponding to the verb type, providing a representation of a human face having a language base structure thereon, overlaying the language pattern over the language base structure and beginning at a starting position of the language pattern, moving a pointer along the language pattern to determine a correct sequence of each word in the sentence.

Abstract: A system and method for teaching combining letters, images and sounds. A keyboard having letters on keys has sounds associated with each key. Keys for words used in a lesson may be highlighted to provide clues how to spell a word. Sounds associated with a selected word may be played upon the successful completion of spelling of the word on the keyboard.

Abstract: A method of interpreting keypad input includes identifying a first letter of a target word from activation of an initial key, identifying a set of possible intermediate letters of the target word in response to non-activating traversal of associated keys of the keypad following activation of the initial key, identifying a last letter of the target word from activation of a final key following the non-activating traversal, and then determining the target word based upon the identified first, intermediate and last letters. The method is particularly useful in key input devices sensitive to non-activating finger position above the keys.