Abstract: This invention relates to a method of identifying individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders or to predict and determine the efficacy of treatment of the disorder by acquiring information about visual scanning behaviour and fluctuations of visual scanning behaviour of individuals comprising presenting to the individual a sequence of visual stimuli, wherein each visual stimulus is comprised of multiple images with specific characteristics, measuring the point-of-gaze of said subject on the visual stimuli and calculating a set of statistical measures that describes the visual scanning behaviour of the individual on images or portion of images with the same characteristics; and making a determination of biases in visual scanning behaviour of the individual, by comparing the statistical measures of the individual to the statistical measures of controls.

Abstract: An interactive game and gaming system are presented. In some aspects, information is derived from a database and a select subset of it is used to generate both questions and potential answers to the questions. A player is presented with the potential answers and selects an answer, which is evaluated by the system to determine its correctness. Commercial advantages of interacting with players in this way and collecting information about the players and promoting things to the players are described.

Abstract: Methods/systems receive a question and automatically search sources of data containing passages to produce candidate answers to the question. The searching identifies passages that support each of the candidate answers based on scoring features that indicate whether the candidate answers are correct answers to the question. These methods/systems automatically create a scoring feature-specific matrix for each scoring feature. Each scoring feature-specific matrix has a score field for each different combination of text passage and question term (vector), and each score field holds a score value (vector value) indicating how each different combination of text passage and question term supports the candidate answers as being a correct answer to the question. Next, such methods/systems automatically combine multiple such vectors to produce a combined vector score for each of the candidate answers, and then rank the candidate answers based on the combined scores.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method and an apparatus are provided to display a webpage comprising a fundraising interface and a selection of interactive games and educational programs, receive an indication of an interaction of a user with at least one of the interactive games and educational programs, and provide rewards associated with the user's interaction with the at least one of the interactive games and educational programs.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing memorization of stored content. One or more discrete units of content selected for memorization are obtained. The units of content as displayed to the user according to a pre-determined order. Feedback is received from the user indicating the level of memorization achieved by the user corresponding to the displayed units of content. The subsequent order to display content is adjusted to achieve an optimized order for memorization based on the feedback received.

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. The system also tests the student by adaptively modifying the predetermined testing level based on the diagnosis of each testing group and repeating tests at the adaptively modified predetermined testing level for a plurality of sub-tests.

Abstract: An educational recommender system and a method for recommending an educational game to be used by a group of at least two students are provided. The method includes receiving a request to recommend an educational game to use with the group of students, and accessing student data relating to the at least two students including granular assessment data. The granular assessment data includes a result of at least one assessment administered to respective students, wherein each assessment includes a plurality of problems for assessing at least one of the students and the associated result includes an independent evaluation of each respective problem. The method further includes selecting an educational game that exercises the students in an academic area, including selecting the level of the academic area exercised based on granular assessment data associated with each of the respective students.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a change in test results includes a storage module, a pre-test module, a post-test module, a grading module and a summary creation module. The storage module stores a plurality of questions and a correct answer to each question. The pre-test module submits a group of pre-test questions to a user and receives answers to the pre-test questions from the user (“pre-test answers”). The post-test module, in response to the user being exposed to educational material related to the pre-test questions, submits a group of post-test questions to the user and receives answers to the post-test questions from the user (“post-test answers”). The grading module compares the pre-test answers and the post-test answers. The summary creation module creates a session summary including a comparison between the pre-test answers and the post test answers. The questions and answers are submitted and received over a computer network.

Abstract: Objects associated with eye fixations are used to support training tasks that are characterized by operation within a dynamic 3D environment, problem-solving that involves user multitasking, short decision time periods, heavy workloads, potential for unexpected events, and the need for high-performance skills. The invention is ideally suited to measure the nuances associated with maintaining situation awareness in such problems where dynamic 3D environments that support problem solving with high cognitive fidelity have already been developed. Potential training application areas include urban warfighting, night vision goggle use, aircraft piloting, helicopter operation, remote control of vehicles and robots, night driving, and air traffic control.

Abstract: Interactive electronic training systems and methods are described herein. Certain embodiments provide preprogrammed video, audio, and/or textual presentations of training materials which provide information related to skills/information to be trained. A scenario including real or animated actors is presented, simulating an interaction. The training system presents related queries for the trainee who audibly responds. The training system stores a score based in part on a comparison of the trainee's response with an answer stored in training system memory. Optionally, the scores are substantially immediately presented by the system to the trainee.

Abstract: A system and method for making use of formative assessment data collected is disclosed that identifies clusters of students and concurrently determines the characteristics of the student clusters. A decomposition of the data is performed with spectral theories of graphs and fuzzy logic algorithms to identify the clusters of students, clusters of assessment data and relationships between them. An actionable output is presented to teachers for the evaluation of educational progress.

Abstract: A learning and training process that memorizes traces of a learner solving an exercise, attaches meta labels to the learner traces, and compares the learner traces to reference traces of a referent solving the exercise, meta labels being attached to the reference traces.

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

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for providing differentiated content to a user comprising determining a skill level of the user, obtaining unmodified content, aligning the unmodified content to a set of content standards, modifying the aligned content in accordance with the user's skill level, providing the modified aligned content to the user, re-assessing the user's skill level based on a response from the user to the modified aligned content, and modifying new aligned content in accordance with the re-assessed user's skill level.

Abstract: A method for encouraging end-of-life planning. The method includes accessing a computer server having a computer-readable storage medium. The method further includes retrieving a plurality of web documents from the computer server. Each web document includes at least one question directed to end-of-life issues. The method further includes entering data into the web documents. The data is configured to be at least one answer to at least one of the questions. The method further includes incorporating the at least one answer into a template configured to be easily understood.

Abstract: Interactive electronic training systems and methods are described herein. Certain embodiments provide preprogrammed video, audio, and/or textual presentations of training materials which provide information related to skills/information to be trained. A scenario including real or animated actors is presented, simulating an interaction. The training system presents related queries for the trainee who audibly responds. The training system stores a score based in part on a comparison of the trainee's response with an answer stored in training system memory. Optionally, the scores are substantially immediately presented by the system to the trainee.

Abstract: A method and system of relaying a one-to-one question and answer which is performed in a network via a one-to-one question and answer relay system, the method including: assigning event occurrence information to request for transmission of question data to a service webpage; providing a question bridge page to a terminal of a first user where an event based on the event occurrence information occurred; receiving the question data from the terminal of the first user when a question registration request about a second user is received from the terminal of the first user via the question bridge page; storing the received question data in an answer request area of the second user; and storing answer data about the question data in an answer check area of the first user, the answer data being received from a terminal of the second user.

Abstract: Interactive electronic training systems and methods are described herein. Certain embodiments provide preprogrammed video, audio, and/or textual presentations of training materials which provide information related to skills/information to be trained. A scenario including real or animated actors is presented, simulating an interaction. The training system presents related queries for the trainee who audibly responds. The training system stores a score based in part on a comparison of the trainee's response with an answer stored in training system memory. Optionally, the scores are substantially immediately presented by the system to the trainee.

Abstract: An educational recommender system and a method are provided. The method includes receiving a request to recommend a course of action related to a plurality of current students; accessing a computer database storing student data that corresponds to the plurality of current students; clustering in a computer process the plurality of current students into at least two clusters based at least on granular assessment data associated with student data corresponding to respective current students; and outputting the results of the clustering to a user. The granular assessment data includes a result of an assessment administered to respective students of the plurality of current students, and each assessment includes a plurality of questions for assessing one of the current students. The associated result includes an independent evaluation of each respective question of the plurality of questions.

Abstract: A social networking system includes a question and answer system that displays to a viewing user questions and answers provides by other users of the social networking system. The question and answer system may display answers to a particular question in a way that visually indicates both the global answer set and a subset of the global answer set, such as the viewing user's friends. The social networking system may also display to a viewing user news stories about another user asking or answering a question, where the format of the displayed new stories is based on an affinity that the viewing user has for the user who provided the question or answer mentioned in the news story. The displayed questions and/or answers may be associated with an object in the social networking system, where the user interface provides additional information about those objects.

Abstract: Student growth can be defined, tracked, and analyzed using a method that comprises PLAN, ASSESS and REFLECT steps, potentially in conjunction with related sub-steps. This type of method can be facilitated using computer software that can be deployed over a remote network, and that can present a number of screens relevant to defining, tracking and analyzing student growth to a user.

Abstract: Interactive electronic training systems and methods are described herein. Certain embodiments provide preprogrammed video, audio, and/or textual presentations of training materials which provide information related to skills/information to be trained. A scenario including real or animated actors is presented, simulating an interaction. The example training system presents related queries for the trainee who audibly responds. The training system stores a score based in part on a comparison of the trainee's response with an answer stored in training system memory. Optionally, the scores are substantially immediately presented by the system to the trainee.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a method for providing a user with information includes storing one or more pieces of advisory information and identification information of each of the advisory information, recognizing a request for advisory information from the user, forming, on a sheet, the advisory information requested by the user, an image corresponding to the identification information of the requested advisory information, and an input region in which feedback from the user can be provided, scanning the image formed on the sheet and the input region in which the user has provided the feedback, and storing the feedback in association with the corresponding advisory information.

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: A computer based system for composing an essay comprising at least one computer-readable medium having one or more executable instructions stored thereon, which when executed by at least one processing system, causes the at least one processing system to implement one or more essay generation tools for assisting a user in generating at least one essay.

Abstract: An interactive web and mobile phone game system may include a web server having a database, a computer software program and a portable electronic device for interactively communicating with each other via a communications link when playing the game. The game may be played via computer such as a mobile phone, computer terminal or the like. As a non-limiting example, a portable electronic device may be utilized in a vehicle having an actuator linked to a transceiver via a communication interface. A plurality of vehicle components may further be linked to the actuator. In this way, the game may be played using the portable electronic device for remotely communicating with the web server and vehicle components via the communications link.

Abstract: A training device for training at least one user comprising a user output interface (3) for presenting at least one training task (t) to said user (2), a user input interface (4) for inputting a response of said user (2) to each presented training task (t), means (5) for detecting a performance (p) of said user (2) on the basis of the responses input by said user (2), and means (6) for presenting rewards for the detected performance (p) of said user, wherein said rewards are selected depending on a training date (TD) on which the responses are input by said user (2) and depending on an age (A) of said user (2).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for computer-based learning are provided. In some embodiments, methods for leaching a student in a computer-based learning environment are provided, the methods comprising: identifying a concept to be taught to the student; accessing a learning profile for the student, wherein the learning profile identifies at least one category of content as being more successful than other categories in teaching the student; selecting content based on the student learning profile, the concept to be taught, and a categorization of the content; and presenting the content to the student.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for providing education service based on knowledge units is provided, comprising the steps of: (a) generating a curriculum based on a user's achievement for at least one knowledge unit, said curriculum including at least one problem composed based on said at least one knowledge unit; and (b) providing said at least one problem to said user.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system that provides for efficiently incentivising and rewarding employees for their successful use of a training system or other employer defined metrics by utilizing Smartcard® cards and You Did It Right® cards. Successful demonstration of training and performance metrics is rewarded through such rewards as gift cards or discount coupons redeemable for goods and/or services at retail/service centers.

Abstract: A computer-based learning system uses knowledge points organized with a predefined multilevel arrangement. Each knowledge point has an information set which may include a knowledge content, an evaluation content and a solution content. For a given knowledge point, the learning system provides the knowledge content and evaluation content, analyzes the user's answers to the evaluation content and determines the next knowledge point to be studied by the user based on the user's answers and the predefined multilevel arrangement of the knowledge points. The learning system thus provides a different learning course for different users to achieve individualized learning. User's learning history may be recorded to facilitate reviews by the user and improve the selection of the next knowledge point. Users may provide feedbacks on knowledge contents and evaluation contents, and may even suggest their own knowledge contents and evaluation contents to improve the learning system and user participation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating online knowledge transfers. The methods and systems may include receiving content, including learning opportunities and learning information from a plurality of sources and transforming the source format of the received content into a common system format when the source format of the content does not match the system format. In addition, the methods and systems include filtering and indexing the content and populating a data repository with the indexed content in the system format. The methods and systems include transmitting a content feed with the content in the system format for generation on an output mechanism.

Abstract: A system for creating the learning organizational tool known as a concept map to thereby facilitate learning includes a manipulation-sensing device with a wireless data transceiver, an information integration platform, and a data processing device. The wireless manipulating-sensing device allows users to physically manipulate the concept map and then transmit/receive data related to the results of the physical manipulation via a wireless network. The wireless manipulation-sensing device includes a plurality of conceptual modules for recording data in the process of learning a concept map, a plurality of connecting modules for recording data of the connection relations between the conceptual modules, and a plurality of connecting wires connected between the plurality of conceptual modules and the plurality of connecting modules to form connection relations therebetween.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an electronic learning aid apparatus including a base unit. The base unit includes a surface for accepting a printed activity worksheet, a sensor positioned beneath the worksheet surface, a microprocessor, a code-reading device, a memory for storing digital speech data and digital control data, a speech synthesizer and speaker, an input device, and a communication port capable of permitting the electronic learning aid apparatus to communicate with a personal computer. The apparatus further includes at least one printed activity worksheet having a code thereon that is readable by the code-reading device and serves to identify activity worksheets and associated digital speech data and digital control data. The digital speech data and digital control data serve to generate an output to the user in response to the user's manipulation of the input device as detected by the sensor when the child touches the stylus to the activity worksheet.

Abstract: The invention describes a system and method for allowing an individual to view an educational program remotely. In the preferred embodiment, the invention is used as a healthcare education system. The system comprises a file server which is connected to a database holding the educational programs. A remote interface connected to the file server allows an administrator to assign educational programs to an individual. The remote interface also includes a memory card writer which records the individual's identification code and the address of the file server on a memory card. The individual is given the memory card to take home. When the individual places the memory card in the memory card reader of a multimedia processor, the processor uses the file server address to automatically connect to the file server. The file server receives the individual's identification code from the processor, retrieves the corresponding educational program from the database, and sends the program to the processor to be displayed.

Abstract: A device of structuring learning contents includes a lesson state data acquisition unit acquiring data of a state of a lesson given by displaying the learning content using an electronic blackboard and a server connected to the electronic blackboard, the lesson state data acquisition unit and a database through a network, in which the server has a lesson state data analysis unit extracting a feature amount of the lesson from the lesson state data, a type classification unit analyzing the feature amount of the lesson and classifying the lesson as a lesson type and an attitude type, a content evaluation unit evaluating the learning content from the feature amount of the lesson, and a content-tag data generation unit giving a content tag including content tag data based on the analysis/evaluation result to the learning content to structure the learning contents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are method and apparatus for verifying answer document images. According to one embodiment of a method, data collected from a scanned image of an answer document is received, the data including an indication of whether a bubble on the answer document is marked. Responses are automatically identified to have a first review, including sorting the collected data using one or more predetermined criteria. The responses are automatically forwarded to a first editor to conduct the first review, the first review including a data entry. If the data entry of the first editor varies with the indication for a particular response, the particular response is automatically forwarded to a second editor to conduct a second review, where the first editor is different from the second editor.

Abstract: An interactive health monitoring system. A multimedia processor is a electronic apparatus comprising a microprocessor, hardware, software, and a modem. One or more physiological data monitors are coupled to provide a signal representative of a user's physiological parameter to the multimedia processor through an isolated interface circuit. A hand-held program controller with directional buttons is operated by the user to control the various functions of the multimedia processor. A television is coupled to the multimedia processor to provide sound and a video display based upon output signals from the multimedia processor. Software necessary for the system and medical information are downloaded from a remote server based upon the user's operation of the hand-held program controller and also based upon predetermined software routines and data stored within the system.

Abstract: A method for the electronic publication and distribution of customized educational materials comprises an educator compiling a set of customized educational course materials from selected segments of educational works stored in an educational materials database of available materials (150-180), and indexing the set of customized educational course materials in an electronic database where it is available for purchase in an electronic format by students (270, 277). Copyright infringement is discouraged by providing the educator the option of electronic testing and grading of only those students that have purchased the educational materials. Hence, only such students are eligible to receive a grade in the class (265, 280). The customized educational course materials are easily updated without the publisher incurring traditional printing and distribution costs, simultaneously reducing the time to market for new editions of educational materials.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of techniques or systems for curriculum assessment are provided herein. One or more assessments can be generated. For example, an assessment can be generated based on one or more forms. In this way, assessments can be created in a structured manner and distributed accordingly. One or more of the assessments may be administered. After one or more students or test takers take the assessments, one or more of the assessments can be analyzed or aggregated. Analysis can include statistical analysis related to one or more similar, related, or associated assessments. In this manner, curriculum assessment can be provided, thereby enhancing teaching efficiency and productivity, etc.

Abstract: Learning content may be provided to a user where the learning content may contain learning objectives. A response to the learning content may be received. The response may be analyzed by determining whether the response was the proper response to the learning objectives. If the response was a proper response, less questions on the learning objective may be presented in the future and the if response was an improper response, additional questions on the learning objective may be presented in the future.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying content in a browser window associated with an end-user is described. In one implementation, data that includes links is received from a content provider, each of the links is identified and encoded, and the received data along with the links are displayed in the end-user's browser window.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of analyzing examinee item response data comprising constructing a diagnosis model for reporting skill profiles of examinees, wherein the diagnosis model comprises at least a variable representing unobserved subpopulations, creating an item design matrix, distributing examinees across the unobserved subpopulations, iteratively estimating values for a plurality of variables within the diagnosis model, and reporting the estimated values to a user.

Abstract: Assessment devices, and teaching methods involving the use of the assessment devices, are disclosed. The assessment devices include iterative homework, quizzes, and/or tests, each of which allows for individual students to answer an initial question, and, based on the answer to that question, the next question will be harder or easier. The assessment devices can be administered to the students in print form, or electronically, such as on a computer or a personal digital assistant. Once the data is collated, students can be screened based on their ability to grasp all or a portion of the questions in a given test, and separated into groups based on their understanding of the subject matter. Teachers can then individually teach the different groups of students, ideally using lesson plans designed to work in tandem with the assessment devices, based on the students' grasp of the material.

Abstract: A method and system for customizing an automated essay scoring system are disclosed. Relative weights may be assigned to a plurality of features for a plurality of benchmark essay responses. Based on the relative weights, automated scores may be determined for one or more first essay responses to a first prompt. The automated scores may be scaled based on one or more scoring standards for the first prompt. A scaled automated score may be assigned for a second essay response to the first prompt based on the scaled automated scores for the one or more first essay responses.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system and method for assigning a skin type and/or hair type to an individual, where a preferred example is one of sixteen hair types and one of sixteen skin types. The hair or skin type score uses at least four factors related to the condition of the skin or hair, or a section of it. The invention also comprises using the hair type and skin type scores assigned to an individual to recommend or suggest certain skin and/or hair care products, as well as skin and/or hair care products that can be avoided. A preferred embodiment employs the skin or hair type in an online marketing, web-based sales network, or other computer-implemented or electronic interface, so that customers can use skin or hair type scores to receive information about products, ingredients, or to buy recommended products in a variety of ways.

Abstract: This application is a one-person learning device to facilitate memorization in a series of reward features, hints, and personalized choices that might be color-coded by level of difficulty, a rate-limiting timer feature, and/or a wireless teleprompter-like feature. It removes assistance of a second person in the method of prompting actors, speakers, orators, performers, and students for a word. It may highlight and/or auto-reveal publicly available text or personally inputted text word by word. A portion of the dictation to be received by the subscriber can be predetermined, time-limited, list-defined, and color-coded, described in the embodiments above or any combination of the Memorizing© game, with additional feature to improve and/or enhance the memorizing prompting experience.

Abstract: A system and method, a machine, and an article of manufacture of an occupational performance system and method for achieving occupational performance of competency based education and work force standards.

Abstract: An computer item banking system for standards-based assessments has test items used in standards-based assessments wherein a plurality of item specifications are developed using a specification building feature to create new, edit, move, and delete specifications and to assign specifications to one or more standards; a plurality of test items are constructed and edited using a test building feature to specify the type of item being constructed, points available for the item, and the type of bank to which the item is assigned; bank types include agency-wide assessments including benchmark tests and end-of-course examinations, and formative assessments such as classroom quizzes. The system includes means for certification of test items and preventing use of uncertified test items to be used in agency-wide assessments under construction.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for enhancing content in discussion forums. Access to an online discussion is provided. A posting by an author participating in the discussion is accepted, and a recommendation is automatically produced for the author for amending the posting to increase the likelihood of response to the posting by other individuals participating in the discussion.