Abstract: A computer program for execution on a computing device is provided to cross-train students in language development skills such as letter-word correspondence, word recognition, vocabulary, and sentence and paragraph comprehension. A set of programs provide an adaptive methodology for training a student in decoding (semantic, syntactic, phonological, and morphological relationships), knowledge of rhymes, synonyms, antonyms, and homophones, spelling, letter-word correspondences, sentence comprehension, grammatical comprehension, working memory, vocabulary, paragraph comprehension, and improved reading comprehension. In each program, students are presented with an animated scene that poses a question, and a set of answers. The set of answers contain a correct response, and a number of incorrect responses or foils. The student advances to more complex levels by satisfying predetermined correct thresholds. Through repetition and intensity, the student's language skills are developed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interactive language instruction is provided that displays text files for processing, provide key features and functions for interactive learning, displays facial animation, and provides a workspace for language building functions. The system includes a stored set of language rules as part of the text-to-speech sub-system, as well as another stored set of rules as applied to the process of learning a language. The method implemented by the system includes digitally converting text to audible speech, providing the audible speech to a user or student (with the aid of an animated image in selected circumstances), prompting the student to replicate the audible speech, comparing the student's replication with the audible speech provided by the system, and providing feedback and reinforcement to the student by, for example, selectively recording or playing back the audible speech and the student's replication.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for real-time observation assessment is provided. The invention, designed for educators, takes advantage of handheld computers, desktop/laptop computers and the increasing presence of Internet access in order to reduce the paperwork associated with conventional educational assessments. The invention includes an array of instructional assessment applications 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 computer program for execution on a computing device is provided to cross-train students in language development skills such as letter-word correspondence, word recognition, vocabulary, and sentence and paragraph comprehension. A set of programs provide an adaptive methodology for training a student in decoding (semantic, syntactic, phonological, and morphological relationships), knowledge of rhymes, synonyms, antonyms, and homophones, spelling, letter-word correspondences, sentence comprehension, grammatical comprehension, working memory, vocabulary, paragraph comprehension, and improved reading comprehension. In each program, students are presented with an animated scene that poses a question, and a set of answers. The set of answers contain a correct response, and a number of incorrect responses or foils. The student advances to more complex levels by satisfying predetermined correct thresholds. Through repetition and intensity, the student's language skills are developed.

Abstract: An educational device, such as a flipbook, is designed and utilized with an instructional methodology for teaching students about the structure of written words. The orthographic patterns found in English single-syllable words and syllables are shown using color-coded sets of pages, each imprinted with a letter or letter cluster comprising vowels, r—controlled vowels, vowel teams, initial and final consonants and consonant digraphs, initial and final consonant blends, or either of two silent es—“marvelous e” and “not so marvelous e.” Sets of prefix and suffix pages are also used, along with a schwa page, to indicate the sound of an unaccented vowel. Like letters, or letter clusters, can be substituted for each other in flipbook fashion, consonants for consonants and vowels for vowels, so that by rotating various flipbook pages, hat can be changed to hot, or hop, or chop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for language teaching that involves training to an automatic level a set of core vocabulary items, and then presenting learned items in combination as a means of implicitly teaching grammar. In one aspect, a method for teaching a language, consistent with the invention, comprises: (a) while displaying to a learner a graphical representation of a vocabulary item comprising at least one word, playing to the learner an audio recording comprising the spoken form of the vocabulary item; and (b) while displaying to a learner both a graphical representation of the vocabulary item and the written form of the vocabulary item, playing to the learner an audio recording comprising the spoken form of the vocabulary item.

Abstract: Computer software and portable memory for an electronic educational toy designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially planar surface for being contacted by the child.

Abstract: An electronic educational toy having a housing for teaching letters, words, numbers or pictures comprising a toy housing supporting a substantially planar work platform on which a child can make selections by causing contact with the work platform and enclosing a speaker, a processor, and a sensing system sensing occurrences of contact caused by the child across the surface of the work platform.

Abstract: A method for learning the orthographic spelling 112 of a word by finding the phonetic spelling 110 using a typeable phonetic alphabet 10 and referencing an alphabetical listing 100 of the phonetically spelled words 110 and their orthographic 112 equivalents.

Abstract: A system and method for literacy and language instruction that can be practiced with graphophonic word-building blocks, learning activities, software, an electronic device, and educational card/dice/bingo, etc. games with multi-sensory learning that revolves around and ideally combines graphophonic, semantic, and syntactic activity in language/literacy development. Other learning activities such as learning word classes, punctuation, and learning content matter may be included. A chart contains 44 images that represent the 44 sounds of English. Each image can be used as a phoneme cue (Phoneme Cue Image) for both phonemic awareness, phonological activity, and encoding words that may have a proximate display of alternate spellings around the Phoneme Cue Image on the block or card for example. Besides graphophonic encoding, word building activity may also simultaneously focus on building meaning and grammar practice. The activities can be done in a group setting and/or independent practice and learning.

Abstract: A computer program for execution on a computing device is provided to cross-train students in language development skills such as letter-word correspondence, word recognition, vocabulary, and sentence and paragraph comprehension. A set of programs provide an adaptive methodology for training a student in decoding (semantic, syntactic, phonological, and morphological relationships), knowledge of rhymes, synonyms, antonyms, and homophones, spelling, letter-word correspondences, sentence comprehension, grammatical comprehension, working memory, vocabulary, paragraph comprehension, and improved reading comprehension. In each program, students are presented with an animated scene that poses a question, and a set of answers. The set of answers contain a correct response, and a number of incorrect responses or foils. The student advances to more complex levels by satisfying predetermined correct thresholds. Through repetition and intensity, the student's language skills are developed.

Abstract: A book-like reading teaching tool having a plurality of columns wherein each column contains each letter of the alphabet in ascending format, which are simultaneously viewable, a picture corresponding to each sound of each letter in the alphabet and structure for interchanging, mixing and matching letters and identifying and selecting long vowel and short vowel sounds. The reading tool includes a front cover, back cover, spiral binder, instructions, alphabet indicia, plurality of pictures corresponding to each letter and sound in the alphabet, plurality of windows or cutouts corresponding to selected letters and sounds, short vowel sound indicia, long vowel sound indicia and plurality of flip panels arranged in columns wherein each panel in each column contains a letter indicia. The covers, pages and panels have a plurality of apertures that are joined at coinciding ends by the spiral binder.

Abstract: Tags that have educational material imprinted thereon are used in combination with a key ring. The key tags are designed to be used singly upon the key ring and changed daily, to assist an adult or child with an educational endeavor such as, for example, learning new vocabulary words. Durable sheet stock such as polymeric or metallic sheet stock, polymer laminates, and coated papers are contemplated for the tag substrate material, as are various reinforcements, dimensions and colors. The tags may be printed or manufactured in volume, or may alternatively be printed on demand from a kit and special stock material.

Abstract: A board game wherein players make words from multiple letter tiles. Unlike prior word games, the player must construct words of a particular number of letters, which correspond to numbers appearing on the game board. Each player has a colored moving game piece, and starts with 6 letters. Upon making a word of a number of letters shown on the board (shown to the other players), the player is allowed to move the piece diagonally or horizontally to the number on the board. Each of the 4 possible players begins with the game piece at the colored “start” side of the board, and the object is to move the player piece inward, toward the center of the board, to achieve victory. The players may also challenge the spelling of words made by their opponents, in the preferred mode of playing the game. If the challenger is correct, the player loses his or her turn, and if the challenger is incorrect, the challenger loses his or her turn.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering multimedia learning modules to one or more students in a computer based education environment. The multimedia education system includes a host server, communication link connecting the host server to a remote computer, and software operable on the host server and remote computer. Methods include providing: a set of global knowledge/vocabulary words with high interest expository text and graphics; a contextual definition for at least one of the words; or an additional set of vocabulary words presented as a pair of synonyms for a new stimulus word. A method includes causing a student to select an appropriate synonym to replace the stimulus word based on another high interest expository text. A method includes providing a game scenario including a multisensory scenario, wherein the student must select an appropriate synonym or a pair of synonyms from a number of synonyms to complete a task in a game.

Abstract: A language learning system is provided. The language learning system typically includes a set of fictional characters, each character being associated with a predetermined phoneme of a language, such as English. The character typically has a given name including the phoneme. The system may further include a learning device configured to display at least one of the characters along with an associated letter corresponding to the phoneme. The device may be a wheel, block, vessel, card, doll, disk, cone, or other suitable device.

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: There is provided a method and system designed to (1) coach school children who have responded poorly to group writing instruction to obtain mastery in writing, and (2) allow peer students and parents, even with minimal training, to educate students who are failing in literacy. The disclosed methodology enables tutors and parents to teach how to write well without having to explain how to write well.

Abstract: The specification discloses a typewriting sentence learning system and the corresponding method with hint profolio. A hint module output a combination of hints in a sentence database. A result comparison module compares the sentence entered by the learner with the correct answer and sends the comparison result to a level tuning module. The level tuning module then adjusts the difficulty of the problems. Since the invention increases the learning difficulty because of the learner has to type in his or her answer, the learner does not only improve in the sentence organization ability but also the typewriting ability.

Abstract: The specification discloses a sentence-conversation teaching system with role-play selections and the corresponding method. Before performing unit teaching process, the user can select an environment and role according to his or her preference and learning need. The disclosed system finds the teaching material corresponding to the environment and role for the user to perform sentence-making and conversation learning and evaluation. Each teaching unit contains materials of different environments and roles for the user to more easily understand the materials during the learning process. The evaluation result given during the sentence-making and conversation learning process allows the user to understand his or her learning progress.

Abstract: An interactive learning apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiments, the interactive learning apparatus comprises: (a) a housing; (b) an impact sensor unit in the housing; (c) a processor and memory unit operatively coupled to the impact sensor unit; (d) a display unit operatively coupled to the processor and memory unit; and (e) an audio output unit operatively coupled to the processor and memory unit, wherein the display unit is adapted to display an image in response to the user striking a portion of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of associating visual symbols with verbal expression including the steps of preselecting a language having both verbal and written expressions, establishing an array of sounds employed in the verbal expression of the language, assembling an array of symbols correlating to the first array of sounds according to the language, associating a mechanical physiologic cue with each sound in the array of sounds, and animating the array of symbols according to the mechanical physiologic cues.

Abstract: A cognitive matching skill learning aid may include a base having a plurality of different object images thereon and a respective matching block for each object image on the base. The blocks may be movable relative to the base. Moreover, each matching block may have a plurality of sides, and the sides of a given matching block may have different indicia thereon representative of different cognitive matching skill levels with respect to the corresponding object image on the base.

Abstract: A kid learning instrument with rotating wheels has a plurality of operation rotating wheels and a control rotating wheel inserted on a post-shaped main body; a plurality of different figures or words are annularly disposed on external surfaces of the operation rotating wheels and the control rotating wheel; the main body is disposed with a battery chamber, a circuit board, a speaker and an operation switch; turning the control rotating wheel to a certain position, a kid rotates the operation rotating wheels to select or match the figures or words disposed thereon and activates an operation switch inside the main body to enable a speaker to make certain set sounds according to different matching situations so as to provide multiple variations and audio-visual connections for achieving a learning effect.

Abstract: A reading and spelling skill diagnosis and training system and method are provided wherein a user's auditory processing, phonological awareness and processing, morphological awareness, visual orthographic memory, reading and spelling skills are trained in order to improve the user's reading and spelling skills. The system may include one or more modules that each test and train a different set of skills. Each module may include one or more different tasks (implemented as interactive graphical games) that train a particular skill or set of skills of the user.

Abstract: An electronic educational toy designed to teach letters, words and numbers and stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the educational toy including an enclosure enclosing a processor, a data storage medium and a speaker and having a substantially flat surface, at least a portion of which comprises a work platform on which a child manipulates and places an object.

Abstract: This teaching method uses this one-two-sided learning aid, called the ONE-PAGE-BOOK, a combination of two languages in which the syntax of the target language is set up to allow the student to learn how to speak, think, write, read and understand the target language. This portable, always accessible and easy-to-use learning aid will allow the student to spontaneously communicate within 120 hours of formal language training by just following the numerical sequence found in the learning aid. This new teaching method does not require memorization, repetition or the use of grammar as the main way to teach the target language. With the use of the learning aid no additional textbooks would be needed.

Abstract: An electronic toy designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the toy comprising an object having a plurality of sides, the object adapted for lateral movement and rotational manipulation by a child on a substantially horizontal surface so that the child can laterally move the object on the substantially horizontal surface and select different sides of the object to face upwardly.

Abstract: This invention, designed primarily for teachers, is a computer based self-teaching instructional device covering the sound patterns of American English and covering sounds in words all the way from cat to tetrahydrocannabinal. Teachers can create their own lesson plans and enhance their student's work learning experiences by the us e of both aural inputs and visual displays.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a speech problem includes the steps of presenting to a student/user a symbol representative of a word and prompting the user to pronounce the word represented by the symbol into a microphone in signal communication with a processor. Next the therapist enters a phonetic representation of the user pronunciation into the processor. It is then automatically determined whether an error exists in the user pronunciation. If an error exists, the error is automatically categorized. The system and method may be adapted for presentation of a single word, a plurality of words having a predetermined feature desired to be tested, a pretest for screening for potential articulation disorders, and an analysis of connected speech with the use of a moving picture to elicit a narrative from the student.

Abstract: An electronic toy appliance designed to stimulate the development of a child's mind using audio feedback, the toy comprising an object having a plurality of substantially planar sides adapted for manipulation by a child on a substantially flat surface so that a child may select different sides of the object to face upwardly. The appliance prompts the child with more difficult prompts depending on the child having provided correct previous responses.

Abstract: A computer program for execution on a computing device is provided to cross-train students in language development skills such as letter-word correspondence, word recognition, vocabulary, and sentence and paragraph comprehension. A set of programs provide an adaptive methodology for training a student in decoding (semantic, syntactic, phonological, and morphological relationships), knowledge of rhymes, synonyms, antonyms, and homophones, spelling, letter-word correspondences, sentence comprehension, grammatical comprehension, working memory, vocabulary, paragraph comprehension, and improved reading comprehension. In each program, students are presented with an animated scene that poses a question, and a set of answers. The set of answers contain a correct response, and a number of incorrect responses or foils. The student advances to more complex levels by satisfying predetermined correct thresholds. Through repetition and intensity, the student's language skills are developed.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a speech problem includes the steps of presenting a symbol representative of a word and prompting the user to pronounce the word represented by the symbol into an audio input device such as a microphone in signal communication with a processor. Next the therapist enters a phonetic representation of the user pronunciation into an operator input and storage device, the phonetic representation subsequently downloaded into the processor. It is then automatically determined whether an error exists in the user pronunciation. If an error exists, the error is automatically categorized.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is selectively connected to a master. Durring conection, a plurality of conversation scripts and associated dictionay are downloaded to provide a video game comprising a virtual pet, which game is capable of being executed independently from the master. The virtual pet is able to provide an interactive conversation with a user by the use of the script programs and a dictionary. In addition, the user is able to teach the virtual pet new words. Attributes of the words are modified when the user teaches the pet the words, and their intended meaning, and durring later conversations. The attributes are modified based upon the responses of a user to questions asked by the pet. The user responds by selection of one of a number of possible replies.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the invention may be found in a method and apparatus for aiding language pronunciation. In an aspect of the invention, based on at least one triggering event, an audio enabled toy such as a babble bear may be adapted to play back phonemes and/or lingos comprising sounds, including words, phrases and sentences. The phonemes and/or lingos may cover a wide range of phonemes from a variety of languages, thereby exercising the hearing ability of infants and toddlers and enhancing their ability to learn new languages. Phoneme sequences and lingo sequences, or a combination thereof, may be retrieved from one or more removable storages within the toy and selectively played back within the audio enabled toy. Libraries of phonemes and lingo can be downloaded from servers, personal computers and remote storage.

Abstract: A system where a child or other individual arranges one or more computer-recognizable characters on a working platform to spell words or provide a mathematical result in response to computer generated questions or prompts, the system then indicating whether the words or mathematical result is correct.

Abstract: A vocabulary teaching system for helping a student to learn vocabulary words. The vocabulary teaching system includes a plurality of subsets each being designed for being used to help teach successive levels of vocabulary to the student. Each of the subsets comprises a plurality of vocabulary sheets and a plurality of worksheets. Each of the vocabulary sheets comprises a plurality of vocabulary indicia. Each of the vocabulary indicia of each of the vocabulary sheets is designed for representing a unique vocabulary word. Each of the worksheets comprises a plurality of sentence indicia. Each of the sentence indicia is designed for representing a sentence with one of the vocabulary indicia from one of the vocabulary sheets missing from the sentence whereby the associated one of the vocabulary indicia is related to one of the sentence indicia to facilitate teaching the usage of the associated one of the vocabulary indicia.

Abstract: A training tool for training and assessing one or more auditory processing, phonological awareness, phonological processing and reading skills of an individual is provided. The training tool may use various graphical games to train the individual's ability in a particular set of auditory processing, phonological awareness, phonological processing and reading skills. The system may use speech recognition technology to permit the user to interact with the games.

Abstract: The letters on this Teaching Keyboard are re-positioned into dimensions that parallel the dimensions of their phonemes; i.e., phonemes that are articulated similarly /k-g/, or have similar functions in spelling, are in adjacent keys, which are sequenced down the keyboard to indicate place of articulation (front-middle-back of mouth). The board has new keys for silent markers (a, e, i-y). Moreover, these keys are programmed to print silent markers in outline or in gray (raid, ray), thus differentiating them from ordinary letters that signal sounds. The keyboard has new letters for the phonemes spelled with h (ch-sh-th). To reduce the most frequent confusions among letters, b-q-l-i were changed a trifle, becoming -qu-L-. The keyboard lengthens protrusions on letters like d and y to increase differences between the outer contours of word shapes.

Abstract: The partially prompted sentence-making system and method of the invention applies various prompted test types to enable a learner to master major syntactic components through repetitive practice during sentence-making training. The system enables a learner to achieve the goal of having good command of sentence making in a foreign language and further develop his/her proficiency in that foreign language.

Abstract: A book-like reading teaching tool having a plurality of columns wherein each column contains each letter of the alphabet in ascending format, which are simultaneously viewable, a picture corresponding to each sound of each letter in the alphabet and structure for interchanging, mixing and matching letters and identifying and selecting long vowel and short vowel sounds. The reading tool includes a front cover, back cover, spiral binder, instructions, alphabet indicia, plurality of pictures corresponding to each letter and sound in the alphabet, plurality of windows or cutouts corresponding to selected letters and sounds, short vowel sound indicia, long vowel sound indicia and plurality of flip panels arranged in columns wherein each panel in each column contains a letter indicia. The covers, pages and panels have a plurality of apertures that are joined at coinciding ends by the spiral binder.

Abstract: A video game with a main game process and a subsequent ending process including, if an interrupt request of a game character calling to a player character occurs, acquiring a progress of game at that time, and acquiring the voice message data of calling in accordance with an emotional value. Further, it includes outputting the intonation, volume or total average pitch of the voice message data, as required, variably in accordance with a game scene, a conversation context or a state of the game character. The voice message of calling to the player character is varied in accordance with the progress of game.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that includes techniques for modifying visual information to improve the visual processing of a target object by a human subject in conjunction with the presentation of auditory information related to the target object. The techniques may include visual modification to the target object. In addition, the techniques also may include reducing the visual processing load produced by competing information or other objects unrelated to the visual processing of the target object. The techniques are well suited for application with the presentation of visual information directed to reading, speech reception and speech production instruction.

Abstract: A method and device for teaching the pronunciation of the letters of the alphabet's phonetically correct sound, and recognition of name and shape, for learning reading and writing, utilizing the technique of multi-sensory tactile impressions. Illustrations of letters and their phonetically correct sounds are linked with commonly associated words. For example, the letter “s” is paired with an illustration of and the word “sun” to teach an unvoiced “s” sound; or paired with an illustration of and the word “rose” to teach a voiced “zzz” sound. The letter's textured surface is distinguishable from the pages' flat surface. While simultaneously tracing the letter's bumpy surface, the user vocalizes the letter's name, phonetically correct sound and associated word. Combinations of letters are used to blend sounds to form words. The same method can be used to teach number recognition and meaning.

Abstract: A system for reading training for improving a subject's reading speed and comprehension. The reader reads aloud into a microphone attached to an amplifier and headset. The amplifier filters out the low frequency sounds and emphasizes the high and mid-range frequency sounds as the sounds are directed to the reader's dominant ear, which allows the reader to listen attentively with his or her dominant ear, clarifying perception and speeding the listening process. The reader is taught reading protocol, such as emphasizing, pronunciation, articulation, breathing, pausing. The reader intermittently looks into a mirror placed strategically so that he or she can observe posture and lip movement and make adjustments to these reading protocol components. The reader repeats the reading aloud and feedback until reading speed and comprehension are improved to the desired level. The reading improvement training system (inclusive of training tools and method of using the tools) improves reading skills, e.g.

Abstract: A word puzzle/game in which the letters of the word or words are “concealed” by superimposing letters of the same known font on the letters of the words.

Abstract: The combination of audio and video speech recognition in a manner to improve the robustness of speech recognition systems in noisy environments. Contemplated are methods and apparatus in which a video signal associated with a video source and an audio signal associated with the video signal are processed, the most likely viseme associated with the audio signal and video signal is determined and, thereafter, the most likely phoneme associated with the audio signal and video signal is determined.

Abstract: A computer-implemented techniques for improving reading proficiency. A segment of text is displayed on a video screen. An audio narration of the displayed text is generated from stored audio data derived from a custom reading in natural voice of the entire text segment. The words in the displayed text are highlighted during the audio narration, with each word being highlighted in synchronism to its narration. A visual track is created through the text by highlighting the current word, the previously narrated words and the yet-to-be-narrated words with respectively distinctive highlighting. A phonetic pronunciation with synchronized highlighting of the phonemes is also available. In addition, contextual word definitions are provided.

Abstract: A word-phrase forming game for entertaining and promoting interaction among players. The word-phrase game educates players in the areas of grammar, language, and communication, by developing concepts of syntax or word relationships, pronunciation, vocabulary, spelling, reading comprehension, and writing skill. The game utilizes a deck of cards having multiple letters of the alphabet selected and imprinted on them in a random fashion. Players are required use each letter to form individual words that when read together in the order given forms a grammatically correct coherent word-phrase. Players are awarded points for the total number of syllables contained in the word-phrase.

Abstract: A method using a spatial-temporal software game for both teaching math concepts to a child and for scoring the child's proficiency in these math concepts. These scores are compared with the child's performance on a language-based test of the math concepts. If the child's score on the language-based test is lower than what is reflected by the child's game scores, instruction is given the child using stories and flashcards related to the spatial-temporal software games so that the child will relate vocabulary terms with the math concepts and characters in the temporal-spatial software game.