Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to provide improved Braille support are described herein. A connection to a Braille device is received, and a Braille caption panel that includes a Braille code is displayed to simulate an output to the Braille device. The Braille caption panel can include a text translated to the Braille code. The Braille caption panel can include a control element. An accessibility service can be automatically launched to provide the output to the Braille device.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a system that supports (1) the development and administration of instructional materials and/or programs, (2) the development, administration, scoring, and reporting of assessment materials and/or programs, and/or (3) the integration of instruction with assessment materials and/or programs. The system achieves this by organizing the content in these materials and programs into learning targets and ordering the learning targets to reflect the pre-cursor/post-cursor relationships among the learning targets.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically generating a lesson plan for a non-linear curriculum is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and associated method for optimizing process of a purchase order of a Learning Management System (LMS) course for at least one student. The method creates a course data file from a course record stored in a database, and an order data file from an applicant order for a purchase of the LMS course. The course record and the applicant order are associated via a sale course code that represents specifics of the purchase of the LMS course. A quantity of the applicant order indicates a number of students for whom the LMS course purchased. If the quantity is greater than one, an access code is created for an interactive enrollment by each student in the applicant order. Even if the quantity is one, when a student e-mail address is not provided, the access code is produced to enable the individual student to interactively enroll in the LMS course.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a learning apparatus includes a learning sample storage unit configured to store therein a plurality of learning samples that are classified into a plurality of categories; a selecting unit configured to perform, plural times, a selection process of selecting a plurality of groups each including one or more learning samples from the learning sample storage unit; and a learning unit configured to learn a classification metric for classifying the plurality of groups selected in each selection process and generate an evaluation metric including the learned classification metrics.

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

Abstract: An educational interactive game of the invention includes a system for teaching financial skills to players, and in particular, children in the context of an interactive electronic game. Each player is initially provided a predetermined amount of periodic earned income, periodic expenses and a predetermined amount of cash on hand. These items are represented by corresponding indicia on an electronic display. An object of the game is for a player to generate passive income greater than the player's expenses by encountering game events that provide a player the opportunity to make financial choices to affect the desired outcome.

Abstract: A method for motivating students to improve their grade point average using a network system, comprising the steps of inputting into the network system a student's current class schedule; generating wagering odds for the student to achieve first grades for current class schedule; communicating possible wagering odds between the network system and the student resulting in finalized wagering odds; accepting the finalized wagering odds; achieving, by the student, second grades for the current class schedule at the end of a current term; and if the second grades are at least equal to the first grades, rewarding the student in accordance with the accepted wagering odds.

Abstract: A system and method for professional development for teachers which includes a structured framework for creating and providing online courses, qualification testing, instructional material, and mentoring teacher access, all subject specific to help teachers gain competency in their individualized teaching assignments and by extension help in the recruitment, development and retention of teachers leading to improved student achievement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for influencing a person to develop, accept and/or understand a concept, position or idea using questioning, including a technique sometimes known as the Socratic Method. A universe of question and answer subsets comprising questions and respective multiple choice answers to each question designed in advance, arranged and inter-connected on a stand-alone computer, a computer on a local area network or computer network, or any computer network and displayed in such a way as to allow the participant to follow the individual's own path by selecting answers he accepts, which tend to logically lead the individual toward agreement and or understanding on the subject.

Abstract: Graphical user interfaces, systems, and methods of implementing electronic flashcards are disclosed. Embodiments provide an interface for enabling information on a selected side of an electronic flashcard to be displayed and hidden. For example, the information on a first side of an electronic flashcard may be displayed while the information on the second side is hidden, thereby enabling a user to test himself or herself before revealing the information on the second side of the electronic flashcard. The interface may also enable placement or storage of inactive electronic flashcards in multiple piles or stacks. For example, electronic flashcards which have not yet been viewed may be displayed in a first pile, while previously viewed flashcards may be displayed in one or more additional stacks. Additionally, the interface may limit the number of flashcards in one or more of the stacks. Further, the interface may perform automated shuffling of the flashcards.

Abstract: A game is provided for teaching users about conditions affecting the human body. The game may include a game zone representing a body inflicted with a condition, a number of opponents representing attributes of the condition, and at least one character representing the user. The user may be asked a number of questions, and be required to answer the questions to obtain one or more weapons for overcoming the opponents. The story line of the game may represent the progression of the condition, and may require elimination of at least some of the opponents in order to overcome the condition and win the game.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture may provide for improved health care compliance. Embodiments may comprise, for example, identifying an occurrence of an event associated with the taking of a substance by a patient, determining output information associated with a game, and providing the output information to the patient. Some embodiments may comprise receiving a code associated with a patient, wherein the code includes encoded information that is indicative of an occurrence of an event associated with the taking of a substance by a patient, decoding the code to determine the information, determining whether the occurrence of the event is compliant with a condition associated with the taking of the substance, and providing, in the case that compliance with the condition is determined, one or more rewards to the patient.

Abstract: Method and system for assessing a student's understanding of a process that may unfold, e.g., overtime and space. The present invention provides a sophisticated approach of directing students to perform self-explanation, and enables instructors to enhance the value of this pedagogical process by providing meaningful and rapid feedback in a classroom setting.

Abstract: An online system enrolls students and manpower resources and connects to a suitable careers based on their back-ground, skills and choices and provides appropriate learning with appropriate assessments to connect/map suitable careers to the student while learning. Allows clients to provide requirements along with related position specifications to compare, check, and engage resources for a position. Provides automated learning content with metrics including interactive automated assessments to train resources to make them ready for the particular job and engaged, should there be a requirement to undergo training as part of the requirement. Education centers having multimedia based PCs are connected to a centralized system having a database and application that connects a student, requirements, and client to impart learning before the resource is allocated to the position.

Abstract: A system and method are described that provide nearly universal and simple access by learners everywhere to content developed by authors everywhere to produce an e-learning marketplace. Content is stored and updated centrally and current content is distributed to local content servers via a content delivery network (CDN). A proprietary server enables interfaces and a loadable seed to a user server connected with one or more learning management systems (LMSs). Training managers subscribe to content, the author obtains payment, and the learners ‘attend’ one or more courses, the completion status and grade of which are reportable to the one or more LMSs. Security is provided as is interaction among various users of the invented e-learning system and method.

Abstract: A decision support system and method for facilitating achievement of an educational or career-related goal is provided. The system is comprised of a decision support server and at least one client device. The system facilitates decision-making with regard to education or career goals by performing data analysis between a user-provided profile and a benchmark profile, identifying variances between parameters included in the user profile and the performance metrics included in the benchmark profile, and using a rules engine to select a recommended resource, action or series of actions. The decision server may compile the recommendations into an education guide that is made available to the user and periodically updated. In another aspect, the decision support system provides automated and advisor-assisted monitoring of a user's progress. In another aspect, the system facilitates the public viewing of parameters included in user profiles.

Abstract: A method wherein live, in-person academic coursework that is cancelled for extended periods due to an exigency, for example a natural disaster, pandemic, or other socially distancing event, can be quickly, efficiently, gracefully, and cost-effectively transitioned into an online environment in order to ensure academic continuity by identifying a triggering event whereby in-person academic coursework is cancelled, initiating an academic continuity process, querying a student information system for data, interfacing this student information system data with a learning management system to populate the learning management system, simultaneously scaling the learning management system utilizing a cloud computing infrastructure, and transitioning the cancelled in-person academic coursework to an online environment.

Abstract: An interactive computer system and method collects, aggregates and distributes information derived from free-text responses to questions. The system and method collect free-text responses from a subject user and aggregates them with free-text responses from other users. The system and method then uses these free-text responses in learning methodologies (such as temporal spacing) and styles to facilitate long-term learning and knowledge retention.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and system for developing a training program for a trainee are provided. In one embodiment, in a training system, the method may include profiling the trainee by processing at least one of physiological data, psychological data and training program data associated with the trainee; designing a training program for the trainee in accordance with the profile of the trainee; receiving training activity data communicated in association with the trainee performing at least one training activity; and, automatically modifying at least a portion of the training program in the training system in accordance with at least the communicated training activity data.

Abstract: The present invention is related to interactive training. In one embodiment, a training system presents a stored scenario to a user via a terminal. The user is provided with the ability to intervene and stop the pre-recorded scenario to identify an error in handling the situation presented in the scenario and/or an opportunity presented in the scenario. Once the user has intervened, the user can be presented with a question regarding the opportunity and/or error. The user is scored based in part on the number of errors and/or opportunities that the user identified and optionally on the user's response to the question.

Abstract: A network of terminals, where each terminal is operable by a student in a group as a response apparatus, is in contemporaneous communication with a teacher station. The modes of operation include visual, i.e. hand writing, hand drawing and typing, as well as audio, in particular the voice of the user, which may contemporaneously accompany the visual, such as when explaining what is being drawn. Such an apparatus can also be used by a teacher to author a lesson, including graphics and audio, providing information and questions which are recorded at the teacher station. The communication means between the student apparatuses and the teacher's station is in a preferred embodiment of the invention via an 802.11 wireless gateway when the students are in the same room as the teacher or in close proximity, or via the Internet especially in the case where individual students are remotely located from the teacher.

Abstract: The distance learning system and method provide distance learning efficiently and effectively. The distance learning system (DLS) includes an education program, and an education center server of an educational platform for database management, data transfers and communications amongst the education system users. The DLS divides the education program into several education levels, and students register and receive an electronic data carrier in the form of CD or DVD disk containing educational material for the subject studied. The DLS establishes an interactive on-line session of electronic workshops and the students, who do not login to the educational platform before the start of the electronic workshops are directed into a “waiting room” and later included in the electronic workshops, preferably prior to the commencement of a next part of the workshops. The “waiting room” for delayed students may be created by parallel, shifted in time running of several similar electronic workshops.

Abstract: According to a question displayed on a computer screen, a to-be-examined person selects, out of constituent elements (components) displayed on the screen, constituent elements that he considers optimum for the question and then makes a design by constructing them on the screen, and the content of the design on the screen is evaluated by using predetermined evaluation data. Further, there is provided a system which enables assembling an actual apparatus (an apparatus to be evaluated) according to the content of design, measures the performance of the assembled actual apparatus and evaluates the ability of the to-be-examined person to assemble the actual apparatus from the measured data by using a computer.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a patient to access an automated process for managing a specified health problem called a disease. The system performs disease management in a fully automated manner, using periodic interactive dialogs with the patient to obtain health state measurements from the patient, to evaluate and assess the progress of the patient's disease, to review and adjust therapy to optimal levels, and to give the patient medical advice for administering treatment and handling symptom flare-ups and acute episodes of the disease. The medical records are updated, the progression of the disease is stored and tracked, and the patient's preferences for treatment are stored and then used to offer medical advice based on the current state of the disease. A prestored general disease trend curve is compared against a patient specific disease trend curve, and the system makes an automated response such as adjusting therapy.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods, systems, and techniques for evaluating content, such as audio and video content. The content is presented to a respondent for evaluation. Feedback is collected from the respondent using a feedback collection device that presents different kinds of reactions to the respondent for selection during presentation of the content. Feedback is collected using a collection server and stored in a collection database. The feedback can be analyzed and summarized in a report to a pollster. Beneficially, the described methods, systems, and techniques allow for real-time collection of multiple respondent reactions, which facilitates accurate, efficient, and quick evaluation of the content.

Abstract: A method for pairing elements of a first set of elements {x(i)} with elements from a second set of elements {y(j)} subject to a plurality of pairing restrictions. In accordance with one embodiment of the method, for each of a plurality of iterations of the method, or until a set of pairings is found that satisfies the plurality of pairing restrictions, a random set of pairings between elements of the second set of elements and elements of the second set of elements is selected. The set of mismatched pairings is identified and, if the number of pairings in the set of mismatched pairings is not greater than a maximum number, pairings in the set of mismatched pairings are interchanged. If the number of pairings in the set of mismatched pairings is greater than one, each mismatched pairing is swapped with another pairing if the resulting pairings satisfy the plurality of pairing restrictions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biologically and behaviorally based methods of measuring audience response to a short stimulus.

Abstract: An interactive system for providing multimedia data in response to interaction with lift-the-flap elements. The system may include a housing which forms a substantially planar surface configured to support at least one printed media sheet. The printed sheet may include at least one lift-the-flap element. The system may further include a playback device configured to provide multimedia data relating to the lift-the-flap element. The system may include a detector which is configured to detect a position of the lift-the-flap element and provide position information. The system may further include a processing unit configured to cause playback of the multimedia data via the playback device based on the position information provided by the detector.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method includes accessing one or more content that each satisfy one or more parameters of a search request. The method further includes determining a plurality of knowledge components associated with the received one or more content objects, the plurality of content objects including a first knowledge component comprising a first discrete portion of information extracted from the one or more content objects and a second knowledge component comprising a second discrete portion of information extracted from the one or more content objects. The method further includes receiving first and second importance factors indicating the relative importance of the first and second knowledge components, respectively. The method further includes determining, based on the first and second importance factors, an association factor indicating the degree to which the first and second knowledge components are related to one another.

Abstract: A collaborative learning system and method, which allows a user to create and organize at least one learning path and to find consolidated content on particular subjects is provided. Also provided is a computer-readable storage medium containing a program, which when executed by a computer, performs an operation. The method includes creating one or more study items and storing electronically the one or more study items. The method also includes adding the one or more study items to a learning path, wherein the learning path is electronically stored, and wherein each of the one or more study items has an associated designation. The method further includes arranging the one or more study items within the learning path in a logical order, wherein the learning path incrementally provides information regarding a particular topic as the learning path is traversed.

Abstract: An interactive, handheld apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a display screen on the housing, an electronic position location system, a stylus for selecting images on the display screen, a directional control pad on the housing and a memory device. The electronic position location system includes a processor that is capable of determining a location of a selected region of the display screen. The memory device includes computer code for an educational game and is operatively coupled to the processor.

Abstract: A method and system for constructing a test using a computer system that performs specification matching during the test creation process is disclosed. A test developer determines one or more test item databases from which to select test items. The test item databases are organized based on psychometric and/or content specifications. The developer can examine the textual passages, artwork or statistical information pertaining to a test item before selecting it by clicking on a designation of the test item in a database. The developer can then add the test item to a list of test items for the test. The test development system updates pre-designated psychometric and content specification information as the developer adds each test item to the test. The test developer can use the specification information to determine whether to add to, subtract from, or modify the list of test items selected for the test.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided directed at teaching writing, such as printing, cursive, and calligraphy, to users of all ages. Typically, the embodiments are directed toward teaching children the basic skills of writing. However, it may be appreciated that the embodiments may be utilized by users of all ages. In particular, embodiments of the invention can be used to teach the skill of writing and learning letters of the English alphabet to foreigners. Or, embodiments of the invention can be used to teach English speakers various foreign alphabets. For example, embodiments may provide instruction in writing Arabic letters, Greek letters, or Chinese or Japanese characters, to name a few. Additionally, embodiments of the invention may be used to teach artistic forms of writing, such as calligraphy, script, or various fonts.

Abstract: Provided are, inter alia, systems, methods and techniques for facilitating identification of a skilled resource's skill set. Initially, a master set of previously identified skills is filtered in order to identify a subset of skills that appear to be potentially applicable to a skilled resource. Then, based on the identified subset, a query regarding skills actually possessed by the skilled resource is created and presented. A response that designates skills possessed by the skilled resource is received and incorporated into a user skills database. The above-referenced filtering is performed by utilizing an automated tool to analyze content from a set of computer files.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include one or more of capturing educational presentations by presenters using instructional aids, making productions of these presentations available over an Internet connection to consumers of educational services, aiding selection of a particular topic and a particular presenter, and financially compensating presenters in accordance with the popularity of their educational presentations.

Abstract: A directed collaboration virtual coach includes a repository of participant and coach profile information, enrollment records, activity records, and reports. A course campaign manager governs communication between participants, coaches, and a virtual coach. The virtual coach works alongside assigned human coaches to assist participants by auto-scaling involvement and direct contact with participants to complement optional human coaching activity and contact on a per assignment basis. A learning content management system contains online course materials and extended participant and coach profiles, collects participant activity, and provides usage reports. Courses comprise a sequence of prescribed assignments that are executed to achieve learning objectives and are organized into participant campaigns and coach campaigns. Each campaign comprises a collection of sequenced dynamic messages, including any of announcements, assignments, advices, and course materials.

Abstract: A massively multiplayer educational online game presents a computer generated gameplay world where acquiring and demonstrating mastery of educational skills is a requirement for survival and advancement of a learner's game character. The game provides a method for effectively teaching a set of target educational skills by motivating the learner to improved understanding of the skills by having to demonstrate the skills as part of the game. The skills become immediately meaningful and relevant to the learner within the game itself, as feedback on skill understanding is provided directly, indirectly, or both directly and indirectly through game performance, motivating the learner to improve understanding of the skills.

Abstract: A massively multiplayer educational online game presents a computer generated gameplay world where acquiring and demonstrating mastery of educational skills is a requirement for survival and advancement of a learner's game character. The game provides a method for effectively teaching a set of target educational skills by motivating the learner to improved understanding of the skills by having to demonstrate the skills as part of the game. The skills become immediately meaningful and relevant to the learner within the game itself, as feedback on skill understanding is provided directly, indirectly, or both directly and indirectly through game performance, motivating the learner to improve understanding of the skills.

Abstract: An information management server and information distribution system utilizes a video of the class for creating educational contents matching the learning conditions of the student, and also provides instruction using these same contents.

Abstract: A teaching and learning system includes a data store and a server computing device. The server computing device is programmed to retrieve digital data from the data store and to generate and transfer digital data across a network to user computing devices associated with users. The digital data is configured to be interpreted by the user computing devices to display to the users an interactive web site, the web site including a plurality of learning packets. Each learning packet includes a title and multiple content sections. The title includes a text description of a topic associated with an academic topic. The multiple content sections include at least one content window, where each content window includes content having a content type selected by the author of the learning packet from a plurality of different available content types. The content of each content section includes information to teach the user about the topic identified in the title.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for providing on-line textbooks to students. The method may use a server having a memory. The server memory may be loaded with an electronic bookshelf accessible by a student and by a teacher through a log-in procedure while accessing a log-in portal. The electronic bookshelf may be populated with standard electronic textbooks that may be accessed and downloaded over a network by the student, with each standard electronic textbook including at least one lesson plan for a given subject. The electronic bookshelf may also be populated with at least one customized electronic textbook that may be accessed and downloaded by a student. The customized electronic textbook may be further modified to create a student version and a separate teacher version, with the teacher version including supplementary material of interest to the teacher for the lesson plan contained in the customized electronic textbook.

Abstract: A computer implemented instructional management system enables educators to organize and integrate Internet-based or other digital content with planning, assessment, and intervention information. Interactive instructional dialog files, or simply “dialogs,” offer a flexible alternative to traditional printed textbooks in the education environment. Dialogs are assembled into a larger electronic, interactive instructional content presentation, or “Dialog Book.” Thus dialog books are comprised of instructional resource content comprising individual instructional dialogs aligned to standards for inclusion in a book chapter; and links to websites, and various other digital media content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base station (100) provided with a processor and with bodies (1,3). Each body is provided at several outer surfaces thereof with visualisations such that a combination of visualisations can be formed in at least one plane by means of a number of outer surfaces of different bodies. At least a means is furthermore present in each body for enabling the processor to ascertain the position and orientation of each body used in a particular combination. The base station is further provided with a visualisation means (7,9) on which at least a portion of an assignment is printed, which visualisation means is provided with at least a communication means to the processor for communicating to the processor the possible answers to the assignment. The carrying out of the at least one assignment through the formation of an answer by means of the outer surfaces of the bodies with a combination of visualisations in at least one predetermined plane can be checked by the processor.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of overseeing and adjusting the instruction and evaluation of a student with respect to one or more topics of study within a classroom. The subject matter of an academic course is studied and broken down into a plurality of discretely defined behavioral performances designed to be readily and objectively recognized as being mastered or not by a student. One or more of the discretely defined behavioral performances are then selected, with the aid of a first computerized database system, as learning objectives for the week. At the end of the week, a student is subsequently evaluated on these objectives. Results of the evaluation are then transferred to a second computerized database system, which organizes the collected data into an interactive learning management report that can be configured by a reviewer in real time to display a variety of levels of detail.

Abstract: A system for enabling real time live proctoring of an exam across a distributed network includes a first remote computer. The first remote computer is capable of real time audio visual capture and display of an image of a user of the first remote computer. A second remote computer is capable of real time audio visual capture and display of an image of the user of the second remote computer. A server is in communication with the first remote computer and the second remote computer, and provides an interactive web based scheduling portal accessible from the first remote computer and the second remote computer. A database is associated with the server for storing data regarding the rules for proctoring of an exam including the rate at which an exam may be proctored at a given date and time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for competitive learning objects in a learning environment is provided. Based on the success that a student has with a particular learning item, a learning recommendation is generated for another student.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating interaction in a learning environment is provided. Based on the subject matter that a student is working on, another student is selected for interaction with the student.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a learning management platform is provided. Based on student profile information and a determination that similarities exist between students, a learning experience engine provides an individualized learning recommendation to a student.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, among other things, the interactive reporting of student progress using learning maps.