Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automated semantic role labeling for languages having complex morphology. In one aspect, a method for processing natural language text includes receiving as input a natural language text sentence comprising a sequence of white-space delimited words including inflicted words that are formed of morphemes including a stem and one or more affixes, identifying a target verb as a stem of an inflicted word in the text sentence, grouping morphemes from one or more inflicted words with the same syntactic role into constituents, and predicting a semantic role of a constituent for the target verb.

Abstract: A method of testing and improving recall information using an automated device. An item of information is connected to an initial prompt by a relationship link. The device presents the initial prompt to the user who recalls information and links to the prompt. The device reviews the information and links and the user compares the reviewed intended information with the recalled information. The user provides inputs to the device indicating an ability to recall the information and links. The inputs provided by the user are used to calculate a re-testing interval for each item of information. The device automatically re-test the user after the interval calculated for each item of information has elapsed. A longer interval is used for items of information recalled exactly than the interval for items of information not recalled exactly. At re-testing information not yet done for re-testing is presented to the user.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for developing knowledge bases from social media. A question is obtained from social media. Social media are consulted, and a legitimacy of the question is ascertained. All the answers to the question are harvested from the social media including the rich media that is associated with these answers, and the question is filtered out if determined not to be legitimate.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing learning and retention of items learned over time maps bodies of knowledge to physical metaphors in an education computer game or simulation. Entire structured curricula or curriculum frameworks are mapped to isomorphic physical metaphor hierarchies. Recommended sequences through subject matter are mapped to sequences in the physical metaphor of the game or simulation. Various algorithms for computing the Ebbinghaus “spacing effect” for reviewing items about to be forgotten by a student to optimize retention of subject matter are mapped to physical metaphors in the game or simulation. The use of a “predator-prey” computer algorithm to find students' subject matter knowledge weak points is mapped to a physical metaphor. Similarly, devices to enhance the student's learning curve, such as to induce perseverance, or raise motivation via competition, or via praise from an authority figure, are mapped to physical metaphors in the game or simulation.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for developing knowledge bases from social media. A question is obtained from social media. Social media are consulted, and a legitimacy of the question is ascertained. All the answers to the question are harvested from the social media including the rich media that is associated with these answers, and the question is filtered out if determined not to be legitimate.

Abstract: A system and method for testing labor resources is disclosed. The method includes defining core skill set requirements for a project and/or job and defining each according to expertise and experience requirements is disclosed. The defined skill set requirements and their corresponding expertise levels are provided into a tool via a web interface where they are used to compile an examination from questions selected from a database. The invention further administers the compiled examination to one or more candidates, scores the examination, transmits results and analysis to a hiring manager and accepts subjective input from the hiring manger following a personal interview. Subjective input is used to adjust future weighting values of the examination questions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assisting in terminal life decisions. The methods and systems include a guide completed by a user which will instruct selected people to make decisions on behalf of the user.

Abstract: A system and a method automatically generate video-based tests to distinguish human users from computer software agents. The system comprises a CAPTCHA generation engine, a CAPTCHA serving engine, a video clips database, and a video tests database. The CAPTCHA generation engine selects a video clip from the video clips database, and segments the video clip into multiple video segments. For each video segment, the CAPTCHA generation engine associates a plurality of related queries with the video segment, generates a video test based on the association, and stores in the video tests database. A CAPTCHA serving engine selects a video test for a user, maintaining a user trial counter for each user taking the video test. Based on the user trial counter information and the response to the selected video test, the CAPTCHA serving engine determines whether the user is a human user.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for computerized training, monitoring, certification or re-certification of human raters in clinical trials. The invention provides an interactive computerized interview that can be compared scores obtained by human raters to monitor and train clinical raters on a continuing basis in order to reduce rater drift and variance during clinical trials. Remediation can be automatically flagged or provided to improve a deviating rater's performance. Computerized assessment of symptom severity is provided without the need for human clinical raters. The system and method enable screening of prospective patients for inclusion or exclusion from a clinical trial by automatically obtaining computerized ratings of symptom severity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for impact activity learning includes a touch sensing element and display operating in accordance with a controller and display driver together with a sound circuit and image projector. The entire system housed in an impact receiving object such as a punching bag or floor mat. The user is prompted by a set of displayed image segments in response to which the user punches or otherwise impacts the apparatus to elicit an audible and visual response from the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, system, and computer product for complete and comprehensive education competency and compliance management method and system for institutions and organizations. The embodiments of the present invention disclose a method whereby a sponsoring organization or institution need only provide secure access to the hosting organizations content delivery for ease of capture, organization of and reporting on the entire educational program. The sponsoring organization is able to direct employees to educational activities required to be completed based on the compliance requirements for their role in the organization. The hosting organization remains content independent to objectively provide the “best value” content for sponsoring organizations.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for generating questions. The method comprises receiving a rule; dynamically generating a graph representing a question, the graph comprising one or more nodes, each node associated with a rule having one or more variables; sampling a value from the value domain for the variable; and synthesizing a textual representation of the graph.

Abstract: A system for games-based learning is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment the system includes a learning application for execution by a player for the assessment of a learning objective, and a learning objective controller for selecting one or more measured objectives; defining outcome conditions for the measured objectives; and selecting outcome activities that each invoke a command in the learning application. A method is also disclosed for defining a learning objective for assessment in a learning application.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods are disclosed that analyze student performance and provide feedback regarding the student performance, for example, to an instructor, other school official, parent or directly to the student. In certain embodiments, the methods and systems communicate in real time with the educational program, for example, math or science games, lessons, quizzes or tests, to provide contemporaneous feedback or recommendations to the instructor regarding student performance. In addition, embodiments of the systems and methods evaluate and provide feedback of the effectiveness of the educational program itself, and track progress at different levels, for example, a student, class, school or district level, over a multitude of different durations and time periods. Still further, embodiments of the systems and methods perform comprehensive data analysis and statistical computations.

Abstract: A system and method for algorithmic selection of a consensus from a collection of ideas is disclosed. A group of ideas is provided to a group of participants for voting. Voting may occur in a single round or in several successive rounds, optionally until a consensus idea is chosen. Typically, the votes that are cast use discrete levels, such as “approve”, “disapprove”, “positive”, “neutral” or “negative”. For ideas that receive the same votes, a differentiator may be the time spent casting the vote. A relatively long evaluation time may signal some internal conflict in the mind of the participant, when compared with a relatively short evaluation time, which may signal no such conflict. The evaluation time may be combined with the rating of the participant to form a weighted rating. Consequently, a short evaluation time of a positive rating may yield a more positive weighted rating, while a short evaluation time of a negative rating may yield a more negative weighted rating.

Abstract: A method for performing relational analysis of parsed input is employed to create a visual map of knowledge information. A title, header or subject line for an input item of information is parsed into syntactical components of at least a subject component and any predicate component(s) relationally linked as topic and subtopics. A search of topics and subtopics is carried out for each parsed component. If a match is found, then the parsed component is taken as a chosen topic/subtopic label. If no match is found, then the parsed component is formatted as a new entry in the knowledge map. A translation function for translating topics and subtopics from an original language into one or more target languages is enabled by user request or indicated user preference for display on a generated visual map of knowledge information.

Abstract: A messaging system using text-messaging protocol (limited to 160 characters) for automated delivery, at user-defined intervals, of multiple-choice questions (“Challenges”) to targeted electronic devices. The individual to whom the Challenges are directed, or adult in the case of a minor, must self-select their profile and opt-in to the service; no unsolicited Challenges are allowed to be delivered. The outcome of the interaction with the system is an award that is measured in objective, alpha-numeric values (“Achievements”).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for responding to an inquiry from a client via a network. The method and apparatus receive the inquiry from a client via a network. Based on the inquiry, question-answer pairs retrieved from the network are analyzed to determine a response to the inquiry. The QA pairs are not predefined. As a result, the QA pairs have to be analyzed in order to determine whether they are responsive to a particular inquiry. Questions of the QA pairs may be repetitive and, without more, will not be useful in determining whether their corresponding answer responds to an inquiry.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a medical procedure training system based on a PC platform that provides multimodal education within a virtual environment. The system integrates digital video, three-dimensional modeling, and force-feedback devices for the purpose of training medical professionals medical procedures.

Abstract: A timed assessment and graded activity, allows professional staff, occupational therapist, school psychologist, physician (neurologist and pediatrician), and the like, to assess their patients in various areas. The assessment and graded activity can be used for motor skills, including fine-gross motor coordination and hand speed. The assessment and graded activity can also be used for assessing vision, including color, eye-hand coordination, crossing midline, left or right side neglect, and eye movements, crossing midline and left-right side neglect. Furthermore, the assessment and graded activity can be used for determining cognitive skills, including processing, concentration, attention deficit, problem solving, and ability to follow instructions. The 21-piece challenge as an assessment and graded activity designed to use a set of wooden dowels with its respective board. The 21 pieces of wood dowels contains five pieces of a first color, four pieces of three other colors, and two pieces of two other colors.

Abstract: The educational system for testing memorization provides a computerized classroom system for testing a student's memorization of a text to be recited, for example, the text of the Qur'an. A set of digital data representing a text of a written work to be memorized by a student, such as the text of the Qur'an, is recorded in a database. Upon selection of a text portion to be tested, the portion is divided into individual words, and the user recites the portion, with the audio input being received and recorded by the system. The audio input from the user is converted into textual data, which is compared with a corresponding word of the portion stored in the database. If the spoken word matches the corresponding word portion stored in the database, the word is instantly displayed on a computer display, and the user may then speak the next word.

Abstract: A method of educating using a virtual workstation. The method includes the steps of: providing the virtual workstation; allowing a person to access the virtual workstation to generate multimedia product; and requiring that the person complete at least one educational project to continue accessing the virtual workstation to generate multimedia product.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a computer-implemented method using a window environment of a display, with a detached sensor, to teach a user. Another embodiment includes a computer system helping teach a user using a detached imaging sensor. In yet another embodiment, a computer-aided-educational system considers a user's concentration level when teaching the user. The system monitors automatically more than once a user's concentration-sensitive behavior while the user is working on study materials. Through monitoring the user's volitional or involuntary behavior, the system provides an indication on the user's concentration level. Based on the indication, the system could react such as by providing rewards, punishments, and stimulation; or changing the study materials. The system can also react by asking the user a question to stimulate the user or to assess the user's understanding. Based on the user's response, the system may change to more appropriate study materials, or different presentation styles.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for serving fresh media content while minimizing Internet traffic by periodically checking content freshness between a local server and a remote server; if a stale content exists on the local server, replacing the stale content with a fresh content from the remote server; and serving the fresh content from the local server.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for receiving input from a user or users, the input indicating the relative priorities of different concerns is disclosed. The system may include at least two interfaces. The first interface may display a plurality of categories of concerns and receive a selection of one of the categories and then display a plurality of concerns associated with the selected category. Selection and prioritization of these concerns may be received for each category. A second interface may display the top priority concern of each category and allow selection from these top priority concerns an overall top priority concern. The second interface may allow the user to then select a second overall top priority concern from the remaining top priority concern of each category. The process may repeat to produce an overall priority of any number of concerns across all categories.

Abstract: An educational activity system allows a teacher to specify activity parameters, such as subject, grade level, and template format that define an activity for one or more students to complete on a computer. The system then uses the selected activity parameters to determine appropriate subject matter from a content asset database and generates an activity incorporating the determined appropriate subject matter. After a student completed the activity via a computer, the system evaluates the completed activity for correctness and stores the results of each student in a student performance database.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for just-in-time training in software applications including tracking usage of an application by a user, determining a task the user is attempting to perform based at least in part on the tracked usage, and offering training content to the user based at least in part on the task. The training content is offered substantially when the user is attempting to perform the task.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and means of grading students. This invention is a software application utilizing profiling techniques that when combined or imbedded with available knowledge on the human learning experience will individually evaluate each student based on their current ability and capacity to learn, by subject. Student's tests are graded electronically against their personal ability and capability profile for grade. The profile system software is applicable to many learning situations requiring a measured outcome.

Abstract: A system for generating a sequence of learning objects comprising an e-Learning course is provided. The system can include one or more processors and a memory unit for electronically storing data comprising a plurality of learning objects. The system further can include a sequence builder configured to execute on the at least one processor. The sequence builder, more particularly, can be configured to generate a sequence comprising at least a portion of the plurality of learning objects based upon a measurable user relevancy and/or a measurable query relevancy of each learning object contained in the sequence.

Abstract: A recommender system and method including receiving a request identifying at least one current student for which a recommendation is sought and accessing stored student data including attributes associated with respective students of the current students and a plurality of predecessor students. For the predecessor students the attributes include educational resources. The method includes clustering one of predecessor students and the current students into clusters based on sameness of first selected attributes of their respective associated attributes. The method includes generating a mapping between respective students of the other of the predecessor and current students and one of the clusters based on sameness of second selected attributes associated with the students being mapped. The method then includes recommending for each of the current students the educational resource associated with the predecessor student or cluster of predecessor students that the current student is mapped with.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid crystal display device to realize soft touch and sense touch regardless of illumination of external light or reflected light. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel including a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, wherein a liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, an infrared sensor arranged on the first substrate, an infrared filter arranged corresponding to the infrared sensor arranged on the second substrate facing the first substrate, a first polarizing plate adhered to the back surface of the first substrate, a second polarizing plate adhered to the back surface of the second substrate, a light guiding plate arranged under the first polarizing plate, a first light source arranged on one side of the light guiding plate to emit white light, and a second light source arranged on the other side of the light guiding plate to emit infrared light to the light guiding plate.

Abstract: A method of aiding in the educational success of a student includes conducting a first meeting with parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student and a predetermined team of teachers. A communication encouraging the same stakeholders to attend a series of recurring meetings includes nonthreatening community type words. A school administrator synchronizes the schedules of at least the team of teachers with the recurring meeting schedule. The method includes conducting each of the recurring meetings at the predetermined location in an informal way in order to encourage building a collaborative relationship between the team of teachers and the parent(s) or guardian(s), wherein the recurring set of meetings at the beginning of the school year include discussions which focus on expectations, various course assignments, and grading, and wherein the recurring set of meetings as the school year progresses includes discussions focused on student achievement.

Abstract: A method and system for instructive reinforcement for a learner. The method comprises the steps of a) identifying a learner requiring external reinforcement for maintaining focus on an instructional activity; b) determining a reinforcement for the learner for use as an intermittent reinforcement during an instructional activity; c) defining at least one of a frequency and a duration of the intermittent reinforcement to be utilized during the instructional activity; d) performing the instructional activity; e) periodically interrupting the instructional activity, with the intermittent reinforcement, to refocus the learner back to the instructional activity; f) continuing performance of the instructional activity; and g) repeating steps e) and f) until the instructional activity is completed. A system incorporating the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A digital media item, such as an electronic book (eBook), may include testing content. The testing content may include questions about the content of the digital media item. When is user is viewing the digital media item on an electronic device, such as an eBook reader, the user may be allowed to select whether the testing content is displayed. The user may also be allowed to select a particular mode of testing, such as automatic testing, selective testing, etc. If the user chooses to display the testing content, the user may also be allowed to provide answers to the testing questions.

Abstract: This invention provides an instrument for obtaining consent for a genetic test that comprises three or more integrated elements including an information element for conveying information to an individual concerning a genetic test, and instruction element for use by a practitioner in instructing individuals on the genetic test and use of the instrument, a collection element for collecting an individual's medical and family history, a assessment element for assessing the individual's retention and understanding of information concerning a genetic test, a certification element for certifying the individual's consent to said tests, as well as housekeeping elements useful for recording a medical record, labeling a sample, and billing. Also provided is a method for obtaining informed consent for a genetic test using an integrated instrument. The instruments and methods disclosed have utility in obtaining informed consent for genetic tests.

Abstract: Examples of systems and methods for creating, managing, and administering test, questionnaires, or both, are described. Described systems and methods may also provide for reporting and profile analysis. Language support may be provided such that tests or questionnaires may be administered in different languages, and reports may be generated in a same or different language as the language used to administer the test or questionnaires.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a course skeleton for adaptive learning is provided. Based on student profile information and course goal information, a query is generated to dynamically determine which learning items should be presented to the student. The query, which is based on a particular learning goal, may differ from student to student, and therefore different students may be presented with different learning items to achieve the same learning goal. In addition, as new learning items is added to the learning item repository, the learning items returned by the query for a particular learning goal may change, even if the query used for the goal does not.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and computer program products for authoring content for e-learning courses, such as network-enabled (e.g., Web-based) education courses. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) provide an instructor with user interface elements to manage online course content. Using the GUIs, the instructor can create in-session and self-paced courses that can be delivered over a network to any number of student operated client devices. The instructor is provided a suite of editing tools that can be used to create and edit pages of content for a course, including adding links and multimedia, information pages, posts and course materials. The GUI can include a side bar that can display descriptors that can be used by the instructor to navigate pages of the course.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for accessing e-learning courses from an online resource are disclosed. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) allow students to enroll in online courses or collections of other media (e.g., video files, presentations). The courses can include in-session and self-paced courses. The courses can be delivered over a network to any number and types of student operated devices. An e-learning application running on the student-operated device provides various user interface elements that allow the student to browse, select, enroll and interact with online courses. In some implementations, the GUIs provide a display object (e.g., a virtual spiral-bound notebook) that includes tabs that can be selected by the student to navigate pages of an online course to access information, materials, posts and notes.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an online learning system comprising a processor adapted to provide a monitoring module, a recommendation module and a communication module. The monitoring module is operable to monitor system data about one or more components of the online learning environment wherein the system data is indicative of behavior of one or more users of the learning environment. The recommendation module is operable to determine whether the system data for a given component meets one or more defined thresholds, each threshold being indicative of undesirable behavior associated with that component, and if one of the given thresholds is met, determine at least one remedial action associated with that threshold which may be employed to address the undesirable behavior. The communication module is operable to communicate information about the at least one remedial action to at least one user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques and equipment for providing a voting point leaderboard system. Players playing wagering games may be awarded voting points for use in a poll with a plurality of candidates in exchange for game-play related activity. Players voting for the winning candidate in the poll may be given an award. Polls may include candidates which may be involved in a real-world contest. Players may be rewarded for voting for the candidate which wins the real-world contest.

Abstract: One embodiment is on a computer-implemented learning method and system in a window environment at a display that can help get the attention of a user. In another embodiment, a computer-aided-educational method and system consider a student's concentration level when teaching the student. The system monitors automatically more than once the student's concentration-sensitive behavior while the student is working on the study materials. Through monitoring the student's volitional or involuntary behavior, the system provides an indication on the student's concentration level. Based on the indication, the system could react accordingly. Reactions include, for example, providing rewards, punishments, and stimulation; or changing the study materials. The system can also react by asking the student a question to stimulate the student or to assess the student's understanding level. Based on the student's response, the system may change to more appropriate study materials, or presentation style.

Abstract: An aptitude and interest assessment tool identifies one or more sectors for which a user may have a special interest, talent or aptitude. An interactive session is presented to a user. The interactive session provides a virtual world. A user interacts with the virtual world. Some or all of the user's interactions in the virtual world is stored in a storage device. The user's aptitude or interest in a profession or activity is assessed by an assessment module that receives data from the storage device and processes the received data to make a user assessment. A report providing the user assessment is created by a report creator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system, comprising a quiz comprising a set of questions related to a subject, wherein a user submits answers to the questions and the submitted answers are scored with credits; and a video medium, wherein the user can alter the video medium using the credits. Disclosed herein is a method, comprising displaying a set of questions related to a quiz; receiving answers corresponding to the set of questions; scoring the received answers; and issuing credits based on the scored answer, wherein said issued credits may be redeemable within a video medium.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for computerized training, monitoring, certification or re-certification of human raters in clinical trials. The invention provides an interactive computerized interview that can be compared scores obtained by human raters to monitor and train clinical raters on a continuing basis in order to reduce rater drift and variance during clinical trials. Remediation can be automatically flagged or provided to improve a deviating rater's performance. Computerized assessment of symptom severity is provided without the need for human clinical raters. The system and method enable screening of prospective patients for inclusion or exclusion from a clinical trial by automatically obtaining computerized ratings of symptom severity.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method that facilitate identifying human interaction by utilizing HIPs such as order-based HIPs and determining a difficulty rating of any type of HIPs in an automated fashion. Order-based HIPs require a user to identify elements in the sequence as well as to identify a correct order of the elements in the sequence. The invention involves presenting a user with at least two HIPs such that the HIP can be of known and/or unknown difficulty. A user that correctly answers the HIP of known difficulty gains access to the HIP-controlled resource, action or application. The user's response to the HIP of unknown difficulty can then be examined and employed to determine whether that HIP is too difficult for humans to solve. Alternatively, at least one HIP can be presented. Difficulty of individual HIP parameters can also be determined.

Abstract: There is provided a system which is able to realize study assistance or a desired appliance operation for a user, even in the absence of an answer input from the user. A service providing system includes an output section for presenting a question to a user, and further presenting sequentially a plurality of options as candidate answers to the question; a signal detection section for measuring an event-related potential of electroencephalograms of the user; and a determination section for determining whether the user has thought each option to be the correct answer or not, based on the event-related potential in a predetermined period after each option is presented, e.g., in a period from about 350 milliseconds to about 450 milliseconds.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improved processing of forms using color. One aspect is a method for processing a plurality of test answer sheets in a standardized test system. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of completed test answer sheets is recorded. The completed test answer sheet is scanned, an identifier for the completed test answer sheet is determined, and three or more colors are electronically recorded to form a multicolor image on a computer readable medium. The multicolor image is representative of the scanned completed test answer sheet. The multicolor image is associated with the identifier in a database. Each of the plurality of completed test answer sheets is scored. Scoring the test answer sheets includes digitally modifying at least one color in the multicolor image at an image use point to assist with scoring the completed test answer sheets. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: A computer-based assessment driven cognition system includes, in embodiments, a generator configured to present questions, where each question presented is associated with a stacking weight and has at least one correct response, and a question property evaluator configured to, for each question presented, determine a likelihood of randomly selecting the at least one correct response. The system also includes a question response receiver configured to receive at least one response to each question presented. Additionally, the system includes a question response evaluator configured to determine, for each question presented, when the at least one response is the at least one associated correct response, a likelihood that the at least one response is a false positive. The question response evaluator is further configured to adjust the stacking weight of each question presented depending at least upon the likelihood that the at least one response to the question is a false positive.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to directly compare school districts and individual schools across state lines, and the geographic areas served by those schools (counties, municipalities, zip codes, neighborhoods) based on their reported standardized test scores despite the fact that each state has prepared their own version of standardized tests to benchmark the performance of their students. While standardized tests, such as the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) test, can provide a meaningful comparison between any students and schools that were administered the same test, since the tests are different state-to-state a comparison on this basis is generally inaccurate and unreliable. To normalize the local standardized test results based on the differences in tests in different localities, an additional factor is employed as a modifier of the NCLB test results resulting in a normalized comparison.