Abstract: An educational word game for play on a cell phone or hand held device that utilizes the linguistic concept of onsets and rimes in order to teach and develop skills in pairing and forming appropriate sets of said onset and rimes in order to form full words.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for automatically assessing text difficulty. Text reading difficulty predictions are expressed on a scale that is aligned with published reading standards. Two distinct difficulty models are provided for informational and literary texts. A principal components analysis implemented on a large collection of texts is used to develop independent variables accounting for strong intercorrelations exhibited by many important linguistic features. Multiple dimensions of text variation are addressed, including new dimensions beyond syntactic complexity and semantic difficulty. Feedback about text difficulty is provided in a hierarchically structured format designed to support successful text adaptation efforts.

Abstract: The various phonemes of a language to be learned are each assigned a unique color. The student learns to associate a particular color or color group with its particular sound or sound group. Since there are no exceptions, the student will now easily be able to speak a new, previously-unread word (or even language), if the word has been colored correctly with each letter or set of letters representing a phoneme is properly colored with its assigned color.

Abstract: The disclosed implementations provide systems, methods and computer program products that provide computer accessibility for visually impaired users by audibly presenting exemplary descriptions of homophones. Commonly used characters can be described by using a common multi-character word that includes the character. Rarely used characters can be described using an Ideographic Description Sequence (IDS) that splits characters into individual components. Each component can then be read aloud individually as a description of the homophone character.

Abstract: A letter placement game based on solving for missing characters in empty cells in a grid of characters. The grid includes horizontal rows, vertical rows, and subgrids. Each solution character must be singular in its horizontal row, vertical row, and subgrid. Simultaneously some solution characters must also belong to one or more sets of solution characters (for example, one or more words). Clues are provided for each set of solution characters. Typically, each letter placement game has multiple sets of solution characters. The letter placement game thus has dual sets of requirements, one for singularity rules for every solution character and another for the requirements of sets of solution characters (for example, words).

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the method for recommending teaching plan for literacy education includes obtaining learning patterns from a teaching plan database that includes the following steps: collecting results of a first literacy test of a first group of students, gathering teaching plan data, collecting results of a second literacy test of a first group of students, and identifying learning patterns based on the student profile data and teaching plan data, and implementing a recommendation engine. The implementation of the recommendation engine includes the following steps: collecting results of a third literacy test of a second group of students, matching a student profile of a student of the second group of students with an identified learning pattern, and recommending a teaching plan for a student of the second group of students.

Abstract: A digital media device comprising an integrated circuit configured to send and receive content on receipt of a serial identification number unique to the personal digital media device, a processor and a display screen. The personal digital media device's processor utilizes a radio frequency integrated circuit to send and receive content with, for example, a personal computer or other host processing device.

Abstract: A method is presented to address quantitative assessment of spatial distractor tasks in a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to a subject on a display, said scene comprising a plurality of elements and a background; (2) modulating the saliency of a predetermined section of the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject; (4) superimposing an additional cue onto the scene; (5) generating a shift in attention of the subject; (6) receiving refined feedback from the subject; (7) quantitatively refining the refined feedback; (8) adjusting the motion associated with the scene relative to accuracy of the refined feedback; and (9) calculating a critical threshold parameter for the subject; and (10) recording the critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium. An apparatus for quantitative assessment of spatial distractor tasks of a subject comprising a display device, an input device, a control device, and a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A system and method outputs vocabulary quizzes and/or games that are based on text on an input document, such as a webpage. The system and method are further adapted to provide such quizzes in a manner that is tailored to a particular user.

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: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are computer-based language immersion teaching systems, products, programs, and methods comprising a digital processing device and a computer program that creates a language immersion teaching environment, wherein said environment comprises: a plurality of learning activities associated with a target language; a software module for providing voiceover audio in said target language; and a software module for providing translation of said voiceover and/or text from said target language to a specified language, wherein said translation is both written and voiced, and wherein said software module for providing translation of voiceover and/or text is adapted for use by a mentor to a learner of said target language.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are computer-based language immersion teaching systems, products, programs, and methods for learners aged about 3 to about 10 years comprising a digital processing device and a computer program that creates a language immersion teaching environment, wherein said environment comprises a plurality of learning activities associated with a target language, and wherein said plurality of activities comprises: at least one learning activity based on a taxonomy of phonemes; at least one learning activity selected from: songs, chants, books, poems, puzzles, games, art activities, and printable activities; voiceover audio in said target language; and a software module for recording said learner's pronunciation and comparing it to one or more model pronunciations.

Abstract: A computer-based method of providing reading training to a student is provided. The method, based on a training model having individualized program streams, incorporates automatic system intervention to enhance program mastery and decrease reliance on teacher resources. This automatic intervention may accelerate a training stream for students demonstrating early mastery or it may add a review step and/or program modifications for students who are struggling with assigned tasks. Although teachers are advised of a student's progress through the multi-stage program, hands-on intervention is only required for students experiencing extreme difficulties.

Abstract: This invention is a method for incrementally and multi-dimensionally adjusting prose style in the following steps: creating a database of sets of phrase synonyms; assigning rankings and/or values to phrases in the database for each phrase's ranking and/or value with respect to a selected dimension of prose style, for at least two different dimensions of prose style; receiving input prose from a user; receiving a style adjustment preference from a user for at least one dimension of prose style through a multi-dimensional style-adjusting interface; and making adjustments to the style of the input prose using the database of phrase synonyms and phrase rankings and/or values in order to achieve the style adjustment preference specified by the user.

Abstract: An activity device including an activity sensor for generating an activity interaction signal responsive to a sustained large-muscle physical activity of a user operating the activity device; a controller, coupled to the activity monitor, generating a virtual environment supporting a virtual user frame-of-reference in the virtual environment, the controller generating a set of virtual education elements in the environment and a goal for the set virtual representation with respect to the virtual education elements wherein the controller is responsive to the activity interaction signal to produce an affected interaction of the virtual representation with the virtual education elements with the controller measuring a conformation of the goal by the affected interaction; and a feedback system, coupled to the controller, for presenting the virtual environment with the frame-of-reference in relation to the virtual education elements for providing the user with feedback.

Abstract: Computer-implemented method for improving cognition. Multiple first and second stimulus elements are provided, where some of the second elements correspond to the first elements. A sequence of first stimulus elements is presented, each element presented for a duration separated by an interval. After a specified delay period, equal to the duration plus the interval, times a non-integer factor N, a sequence of groups of second elements is presented concurrently with the sequence of first elements, where each group includes a matching second element that matches a corresponding first element presented earlier by the specified delay period, i.e., presented N first elements back. For each presented group, the participant indicates the matching second element, or a second element in the group that doesn't match. The delay period is modified based on whether the participant responded correctly. The presenting, presenting, requiring, determining, and modifying are repeated in an iterative manner.

Abstract: A system for teaching plural, different, short-vowel sounds, in their intrinsic forms, in the context of associated short-vowel-sound words. The system incorporates, for each such sound, an associated pair of relatively rotatable, foreground and background word-fragment carriers—the former in each pair carrying but a single, first-category, readable, word-ending word fragment having within it the vowel whose sound is associated with the carrier pair, and the latter in each pair carrying a plurality of second-category, readable, word-beginning word fragments, each dedicated to working in teaching cooperation with the single word fragment carried on the associated foreground carrier to combine readably with that first-category word fragment to form a complete, short-vowel-sound word which is correctly pronounceable utilizing the associated short-vowel sound. All word-beginning word fragments end with the same, common consonant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for generating a vocal organ animation very similar to a pronunciation pattern of a native speaker in order to support foreign language pronunciation education. The present disclosure checks an adjacent phonetic value in phonetic value constitution information, extracts a detail phonetic value based on the adjacent phonetic value, extracting pronunciation pattern information corresponding to the detail phonetic value and pronunciation pattern information corresponding to a transition section allocated between detail phonetic values, and performs interpolation to the extracted pronunciation pattern information, thereby generating a vocal organ animation.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to language learning systems and methods. A method may include receiving an audio input including one or more phonemes. The method may also include generating an output including feedback information of a pronunciation of each phoneme of the one or more phonemes. Further, the method may include providing at least one graphical output associated with a proper pronunciation of a selected phoneme of the one or more phonemes.

Abstract: A method of teaching pronunciation is provided which includes communicating by a voice portal server to a user a model word and detecting a response by the user to the voice portal server. The method also includes comparing the response word to the model word and determining a confidence level based on the comparison of the response word to the model word. The method further includes comparing an acceptance limit to the confidence level and confirming a correct pronunciation of the model word if the confidence level one of equals and exceeds the acceptance limit.

Abstract: A literacy system provides teaching for reading and writing skills particularly adapted to students with autistic spectrum disorders (ADS). In one embodiment, the literacy system may include exercises for teaching visual sequencing, motor skills, phonology, semantics, syntax, and text. The literacy system may have a pre-reading section, which includes exercises for developing visual sequencing skills and motor skills prior to teaching the skills of reading and writing words.

Abstract: A letter placement game based on solving for missing characters in empty cells in a grid of characters. The grid includes horizontal rows, vertical rows, and subgrids. Each solution character must be singular in its horizontal row, vertical row, and subgrid. Simultaneously some solution characters must also belong to one or more sets of solution characters (for example, one or more words). Clues are provided for each set of solution characters. Typically, each letter placement game has multiple sets of solution characters. The letter placement game thus has dual sets of requirements, one for singularity rules for every solution character and another for the requirements of sets of solution characters (for example, words).

Abstract: A system and method for rating an essay writing using a statistical system so it can be applied on any language with very few changes. The system comprising multiple modules capable of providing a style score, a punctuation score, a spelling score, a quotation score, an enrichment score, a syntax analysis score, a focus score, an idea score and a cohesion score. The scores are then combined to provide a final overall rating of the essay.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for translation verification of source strings for controls in a target application graphical user interface (GUI). In an embodiment of the invention, a method for translation verification of source strings for controls in a target application GUI can include loading a target GUI for an application under test in a functional testing tool executing in memory by a processor of a computing system, retrieving different translated source strings in a target spoken language for respectively different control elements of the target GUI and, determining a score for each one of the translated source strings. Thereafter, an alert can be provided in the functional testing tool for each translated source string corresponding to a determined score failing to meet a threshold value, such as a score that falls below a threshold value, or a score that exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a learning device includes an input receiving unit, an inferring unit, and a learning unit. The input receiving unit receives an input of first data representing a sentence, rear boundaries of elements having an anaphoric relation within the sentence, and a correspondence relation between a first element that is an antecedent and a second element that is an anaphor. The inferring unit infers a range of the first element and a range of the second element that are determined by front boundaries and the rear boundaries by inferring the front boundaries of the first element and the second element based on the first data and a predetermined rule. The learning unit learns criteria used for determining whether or not there is the anaphoric relation in an arbitrary sentence based on the range of the first element and the range of the second element.

Abstract: The Arabic poetry meter identification system and method produces coded Al-Khalyli transcriptions of Arabic poetry. The meters (Wazn, Awzan being forms of the Arabic poems units Bayt, Abyate) are identified. A spoken or written poem is accepted as input. A coded transcription of the poetry pattern forms is produced from input processing. The system identifies and distinguishes between proper spoken poetic meter and improper poetic meter. Error in the poem meters (Bahr, Buhur) and the ending rhyme pattern, “Qafiya” are detected and verified. The system accepts user selection of a desired poem meter and then interactively aids the user in the composition of poetry in the selected meter, suggesting alternative words and word groups that follow the desired poem pattern and dactyl components. The system can be in a stand-alone device or integrated with other computing devices.

Abstract: A literacy system provides teaching for reading and writing skills particularly adapted to students with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). In one embodiment, the literacy system may include exercises for teaching visual sequencing, motor skills, phonology, semantics, syntax, and text. The literacy system may have a pre-reading section, which includes exercises for developing visual sequencing skills and motor skills prior to teaching the skills of reading and writing words.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an English learning system, and more specifically, to an English syllable pronunciation and spelling learning system for the learning of words (including phrases and sentences), in which a learner sequentially recognizes syllables and spellings at a level of detail which is not the word so that the efficiency of memorization of the pronunciations and spellings of words can be improved, by outputting English words onto a screen under control in such a way that the spellings of the words, or the spellings of the syllables separated from the words, are displayed with a space or visual effect (coloring and writing with spaces) or else a time effect (sequentially outputting to screen) and an auditory effect.

Abstract: A system for teaching reading to very young children and first-time English students provides and uses one or more sets of instructional alphabetic letters, double-consonant phonemes, a relatively larger group of three-letter words of only short-vowel sounds, a relatively smaller group of three- and four-letter words with long-vowel sounds, and specifically designed subsets and/or combinations thereof, where the separate letters and words in the set is fewer than 100. The words in the instructional set are particularly selected to avoid phonetic confusion, ease pronunciation, engage student interest, provide teaching leverage based on each subset, and accelerate learning. In one embodiment, a particular 48-word instructional word set is distributed onto eight, 3-D, instructional blocks in a manner that preserves the subset-based teaching method.

Abstract: A phonics training system provides immediate, audible and virtual answers to questions regarding various images such as objects, animals and people, posed by a user when the user views such images on a video display terminal of the system. The system can provide virtual answers to questions without the need for an instruction or teacher and includes a computer having a video output terminal and an electronic library containing common answers to basic questions. This system can also include an artificial intelligence system.

Abstract: A method for task execution improvement, the method includes: generating a baseline model for executing a task; recording a user executing a task; comparing the baseline model to the user's execution of the task; and providing feedback to the user based on the differences in the user's execution and the baseline model.

Abstract: A method to teach a language may include the steps of selecting a predetermined letter sound to be evaluated, providing a first predetermined word which exhibits the predetermined letter sound, adding a first predetermined diacritic character to the first predetermined word and generating a predetermined word deleting the letters having the first predetermined diacritic character. The predetermined letter sound may be a short vowel, and the predetermined letter sound may be a long vowel. The predetermined letter sound may a long I, the predetermined letter sound may be a closed A. The predetermined letter sound may be a closed O, and the predetermined letter sound may be a vowel pronounced as a schwa. The predetermined letter sound may be the letter O, and the predetermined letter sound may be an alternate consonant. The predetermined letter sound may be a silent letter.

Abstract: A data processing system applying optical identification devices includes a printed matter having a plurality of encoded data printed thereon; an optical identification device for reading at least one encoded data from the printed matter; and a data processing device coupled to the optical identification device and storing a plurality of content data for reading the at least one encoded data through the optical identification device, obtaining at least one first data corresponding to an operation and one second data corresponding to one of the content data from the read encoded data and performing the corresponding operation of the first data on the one of the content data that the second data corresponds to.

Abstract: An activity device including an activity sensor generating an activity interaction signal responsive to a sustained large-muscle physical activity of a user operating the activity device; a controller, coupled to the activity monitor, generating a virtual environment supporting a virtual user frame-of-reference in the virtual environment, the controller generating a set of virtual education elements in the environment and a goal for the set virtual representation with respect to the virtual education elements wherein the controller is responsive to the activity interaction signal to produce an affected interaction of the virtual representation with the virtual education elements with the controller measuring a conformation of the goal by the affected interaction; and a feedback system, coupled to the controller, presenting the virtual environment with the frame-of-reference in relation to the virtual education elements providing the user with feedback regarding the goal and the conformation of the goal by the

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing educational structures and tools to enhance the effectiveness of teaching multiple academic disciplines. Both age-level and subject-focused instructors may be provided; technical tools facilitate student-focused, individualized learning experiences wherein integrated electronic records are maintained to track student progress and guide future efforts. A spiral curriculum provides flexibility to instructors and students. Read-aloud e-books may be provided that permit a student to control the rate of reading and identify areas where increased understanding is needed. Reading progress may be enhanced by use of an electronically implemented autophonics structure to identify areas of weak understanding. Many other technical tools may also be provided.

Abstract: A system includes an education module (171) that is operable with, includes, or is operable to control three-dimensional figure generation software (170). The education module (171) is configured to present an educational three-dimensional object (181) on a display (132) upon detecting an educational flash card (150) being disposed before a camera (130) that is operable with the education module (171). The educational three-dimensional object (181) can correspond to a visible graphic (151) disposed on the educational flash card (150) to provide an educational experience to a student.

Abstract: The present invention includes a phonetic alphabet with clarifiers and modifiers that aid in the teaching of reading skills to individuals with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other neurological impairments when the present invention letters are connected horizontally in series with clarifiers and modifiers to form a word, a phrase, a sentence, and/or a paragraph. The present invention further includes mathematical symbols for teaching math skills to individuals with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other neurological impairments when predetermined geometric shapes are arranged to form numbers of a base 10 counting system that are capable for using in additional, subtraction, multiplication, division. The present invention of mathematical symbols includes whole numbers, real numbers, integers, fractions, and decimals. The present invention also includes 2D and 3D tools and methods of using same.

Abstract: A manually manipulable device adapted to present an individual characterization to a user comprising a processor, a power source, a communications unit, a response generator, and a proximity sensor adapted to sense the close proximity of a similar device, such that a user can manipulate the device and generate a sensory response in the response generator or a response generator of another, at least similar, device, in accordance with the proximity of the other device.

Abstract: Both a system and method are provided for transliterating a name written in the letters of an alphabet of a source language to a name in the letters of an alphabet of a target language that is different from the source language. The system includes a CPU, a computer readable memory and a computer readable storage media; and first, second and third program instructions. The first program instructions determine whether the letters of the alphabets of the source and target languages are the same or substantially the same. If so, the second program instructions transliterate the name into the same letters used in the source language alphabet.

Abstract: A spelling exercise in game format. The exercise consists of mini sets of letters two or more of which are used in combination to form a final letter set from which letters are chosen to form words. The mini sets are tested prior to production to insure that any final letter set made will have words scrambled within it. A version of the fore mentioned exercise that has mini sets made of three vowels and mini sets made of five consonants. A mini vowel set and a mini consonant set are randomly chosen to make a final letter set. A version of the fore mentioned exercise that uses playing cards to randomly select the mini sets. A version of the fore mentioned exercise that uses a multi sided spinning top to select the mini sets.

Abstract: A student providing a multi-word response in a computerized language teaching system provides a manual input concurrently with each responsive word. For example, he might enter a keystroke correspondent to the first letter of each word. When using the teaching computer silently, a student will typically “speak” each word mentally as he enters a keystroke, so the limited experience is almost as effective as speaking out loud. When a student types one or more keystrokes concurrently with each word that he speaks, the computer will be able to detect when a student is responding with a correct word, but merely mispronouncing it. Also, since the computer will receive a keystroke as the student starts each new word, it is better able to distinguish the boundaries between words and recognize them more reliably.

Abstract: An apparatus for developing, promoting and/or augmenting communication skills includes an apparatus base dimensioned for positioning relative to a support. The apparatus base defines longitudinal, vertical and orthogonal axes, and a reference plane inclusive of the longitudinal and orthogonal axes. The apparatus base includes a top support surface arranged at a predetermined angle greater than 0 degrees relative to the reference plane. The top support surface has an article retaining element associated therewith. At least one icon containing article having communication media adapted for conveying information is releasably mounted to the article retaining element of the top support surface. The top support surface may be arranged at an angle ranging from about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees relative to the reference plane. In one embodiment, the top support surface is arranged at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the reference plane.

Abstract: Synthetic phonics is where the beginning reader first learns the “parts” of words or: 1.) the visual images letters; 2.) the names of the letters; and 3.) also learns the brief spoken sounds (phonemes) assigned to each letter and to each digraph. And what I have added in this invention, is that the brief spoken sound of a letter (its phoneme) can be put into written form by several side by side printed letters that when blended together, give that letter's approximate brief spoken sound. And then these printed letter clusters can be printed under the individual letters of a word to help a beginning reader understand the approximate brief spoken sounds (phonemes) of the letters in that word. And then the other parts of English phonics can be learned in a progressive or step by step way.

Abstract: A method is 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. An apparatus for quantitative assessment of word recognition sensitivity of a subject comprising a display device, an input device, a control device, and a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method is 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. An apparatus for quantitative assessment of word recognition sensitivity of a subject comprising a display device, an input device, a control device, and a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A method is 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. An apparatus for quantitative assessment of word identification latency of a subject comprising a display device, an input device, a control device, and a tangible computer readable medium.

Abstract: A computer system provides a series of visual flash stimuli to a user and then requires that the user process the visual stimuli to produce a verbalization that corresponds to the visual stimuli and/or a fine motor activity that corresponds to the visual stimuli. The visual flash stimuli are presented to a user via a display device and include letters, words and phrases. The fine motor activity includes inputting letters or words via an input device, such as typing on a keyboard. The system includes eye movement activities, letter flash activities and word flash activities. The content or visual stimuli provided during these activities, as well as the progression through these activities can be determined in part by the diagnosis of the individual user. The system can be used to treat a variety of mental disabilities.

Abstract: A method for providing a data for learning a Chinese character wherein the data for learning the Chinese character is provided in response to a user input within a computer screen to facilitate a learning of the Chinese character are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving study are described. A study aid kit includes a study plan, activities and challenges. In one example, a study aid is embodied in a surface marked with a plurality of indicia and a plurality of markers identifies progress of the participants. Performance of the activity determines advancement according to the study plan. Activities are associated with one or more related human competencies. In certain embodiments, human competencies are selected from one of factual knowledge competencies, audio/visual performance/tactile/olfactory competencies, multidimensional graphic competencies and spelling/vocabulary/language competencies.

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.