Abstract: An interactive teaching and learning system and method is presented. In one aspect, the interactive teaching and learning system is a web-based cloud application in the form of a course design, teaching, learning and communication portal.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for evaluating educational programs which, firstly, develops criteria which will address the strengths and weaknesses of the educational program. The second step of the method is to observe the criteria, chosen in step one, in the educational program. The third step is to assign a numerical value to each of the criteria observed in step two. The next step is to assign an overall rating to the educational program based on the numerically valued criteria. The personnel involved in the educational program can then decide what steps in addition to the assessment can be done to improve or maintain the educational program.

Abstract: A system for charging one or more learning session to one or more student accounts comprises an online learning system having one or more nodes that creates one or more online learning sessions over one or more communications channels between one or more students and corresponding teachers. An enrollment node receives student enrollment information. A scheduling node schedules the online learning session. A database that stores information relating to one or more charge criterion information for charging the one or more learning sessions to the one or more student accounts based on communications channel activity. An activity node receives communications channel activity information associated with one or more learning sessions, and an accounting node associates a charge information for a learning session to the student account based on the channel activity information and one or more charge criterion information.

Abstract: A curriculum progression pathway analysis assesses an educational program having multiple activities defining multiple learner tracks by organizing the learners into groups based on the learner tracks and, for each learner group, calculating a baseline average score, a post-activity average score, and statistical differences between the baseline average score and the post-activity average scores. Any significant statistical differences are identified, and a report may be generated describing statistical conclusions and inferences. The invention can further provide a domain-based learner analysis for curriculum, a domain-based learner analysis for activities, and a learner retention analysis. In an application for continuing medical education the performance index test includes a clinical vignette, a set of statements which are moved to either a best practices column or a not best practices column, and an indicator for an allowable number of moves to achieve a perfect score.

Abstract: A server (113) receives broadcast schedule from a broadcast station (12) and stores it (S170). A reception terminal (114) receives a broadcast program through a broadcast wave and outputs it (S171). An answer input by a user on a survey target broadcast program is included in answer information, together with an input time and information on the broadcast station (12), and is sent to a server (113) (S172 and S173). The server (113) references a program schedule based on the input time and the information on the broadcast station (12) of the answer information, specifies the survey target broadcast program and collects answers from the reception terminals (114) on the survey target broadcast program.

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 can be 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: A computer-based online interactive educational system and method are described herein, wherein the system comprises a first and second network-connected computers for providing access to the system for a student and a tutor, a database server for storing data pertaining to the student and tutor, a system software, a multi-video web-based interlace and a plurality of communication tools to facilitate instant discussion between the student and tutor over a specific learning subject.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to an online test platform adapted to facilitate the development, delivery, and management of educational tests with interactive participation by students, teachers, proctors, and administrators even when some or all of them are remotely located. The platform may include administrator interfaces, test proctor interfaces, and test taker (e.g. student) interfaces to allow each participant to view, navigate, and interact with aspects of the online test platform that are intended to meet their needs.

Abstract: A system that can enhance cognitive ability by viewing sequences of images captured during an event is disclosed. For example, the innovation can employ captured event sequences to improve failing memories in patients with a diagnosed memory condition such as acquired brain injury or neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease. These event sequences can be captured in the point-of-view of a user (e.g., first person) as well as from a third person or other monitoring location (e.g., car).

Abstract: A system and method for rewarding educational accomplishment is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing rewards to a user, such as a child, for achievement of one or more goals within an educational activity. The rewards are preferably credit in a form that is widely accepted by merchants and other entities for items, such as goods and services, that they offer. Preferably, information associating the user and items the user purchases with the credit is used to create a purchase history file for each user.

Abstract: A learning support method and system for a classroom includes a monitoring device configured to capture real-time participant events and stimuli in a learning environment. The participant events include classroom and collaboration-oriented input. A database is configured to store and organize a-priori skills of a typical student and a-priori knowledge a participating student. A set of cognitive model profiles are stored in system memory representing typical student behaviors and participant student behaviors with access to the captured participant events, the stimuli and the a-priori knowledge and skills. An interaction manager is configured to be responsive to the participant events and stimuli to perform interactive tasks during a class session. The interactive tasks may include posing a question, supplementing a lecture, tracking progress and rating teacher performance.

Abstract: A method, system and processor-readable storage medium for evaluating vocabulary similarity are disclosed. A generic rate may be determined for each word in a plurality of first responses. Each first response may respond to one of a plurality of first prompts. At least one first response may respond to each of the first prompts. A specific rate may be determined for each word in a plurality of second responses, which each respond to a second prompt. A target response may be received that is associated with the second prompt and has a plurality of words. A vocabulary similarity index may be computed for the target response based on one or more generic rates and on or more specific rates. A determination of whether the target response is off-topic may be made based on the vocabulary similarity index for the target response.

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 sharing student-specific information comprises of a server, a client, in communication with the server, and a student-specific application. The application comprises a school portal, user portal, activity portal and a system portal for remotely sharing student-specific data with the server, to facilitate communication between a user and selected school.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for developing training for a client. Training delivery requirements for a client are identified. Assessment information is gathered. A training curriculum is developed based on the training delivery requirements and the assessment information. An amount of time required to complete the training is estimated to form a delivery estimate. The delivery estimate is translated into an estimate of resources required for development of training materials for the training. Verification is performed to verify that the client receives the training materials for delivery to an end user.

Abstract: A social network service provides trusted, timely and managed communications between a querying individual and an informed individual by optimizing distribution of queries to reflect a requisite amount of expertise necessary (i.e., interest, background, education, demographic attribute, etc.). Those candidate recipients with a rare level of expertise or specialization can specify a desired level of participation, which is respected. In order not to exhaust their availability, those who are less qualified or part of a larger demographic category appropriate for the query are selected to handle queries of lesser difficulty or less specialization. Anonymity if desired by the recipient party can be supported by increasing the pool of candidate recipients so that the querying party cannot reasonably ascertain who is responding. Timeliness of response, as well as satisfaction in the response, is tracked in order to affect redirection of a query.

Abstract: An open-systems classroom information technology automation solution that allows a teacher to control features and content on multiple student workstations (an in-desk Tablet PC) through a wireless network and server solution, including hardware, software and network subsystems. The custom product components include a compact self contained in-desk or in-table Tablet PC with input/output port extender. The custom software utilities and applications allow a teacher console to control access to various components and commercially available applications on the student workstations (an in-desk Tablet PC). Other custom software utilities allow the administrator to easily configure student workstations (an in-desk Tablet PC) making add/change/deletes quick and simple.

Abstract: Online course and learning material management system and methods are provided where students, instructors, publishers, and industry partners utilize the disclosed systems' databases and networking features to interact and improve learning outcome. The system furthermore allows for networking among students, instructors, publishers, software vendors, and prospective employers.

Abstract: Online course and learning material management system and methods are provided where students, instructors, publishers, administrators, publishers, software vendors, and industry partners utilize the disclosed systems' databases and networking features to interact, to network, to improve learning outcome, and to exchange information elements. The system furthermore allows for networking among different user categories based on users' roles, professional profiles, and professional interests.

Abstract: A system and method for education including community-sourced data and community interactions. The method can include registering a plurality of users in a database, presenting educational material to a user of the plurality of users, recording the performance of the user in regards to the educational material, collecting personal statistics regarding the performance of the user, compiling the personal statistics for the plurality of users to generate community statistics regarding the performance of the plurality of users, and comparing the personal statistics of a user to the community statistics.

Abstract: A method of distributing educational content over a network is disclosed. Educational content is divided into topics and the topics are split into smaller educational units. Professionals reviewing the material for accreditation purposes choose particular units to study and are subject to minimum and maximum time parameters. The partitioning of educational topics allows advertisers to deliver episodic advertising over an extended time period.

Abstract: A participant response system comprises a plurality of handsets for allowing a participant of an event to input a response. Each handset comprises a wireless handset having a keyboard for allowing a user to input a response. The handsets are configurable either as a participant response handset to allow a participant to enter a response, or as a base station. The handset also includes audio capability to allow participants to receive and input audio.

Abstract: A learning content delivery system is provided that includes a network, a plurality of remotely stored content delivery applications each having learning content, one or more user devices, and a platform. The platform has an application framework that allows the one or more user devices to access the remotely stored applications and learning content via the network. The applications can include at least two platform specific applications, which are developed on a common application programming interface. The platform can dynamically sense one or more attributes of each user device and to customize presentation of the learning content from the platform specific applications for the user device. The application framework can provide two-way awareness between the platform and the platform specific applications.

Abstract: An entertainment system using bio-response includes a narrative, which includes a plurality of narrative segments assembled into at least one of a plurality of sequences, depending on at least one of a user profile and user bio-response, to create a plurality of cogent narratives.

Abstract: In a method and system for matching learning objects with a user profile, a top-level concept structure, including a keyword hierarchy for each of one or more top-level concepts, can be used to determine the complexity of a learning object. The learning object can include one or more learning object keywords related to one or more top-level concepts contained in the top-level concept structure. The learning object keywords can be assigned a complexity score based upon their location within the keyword hierarchy, and the complexity scores for all of the learning object keywords relating to a top-level concept can be aggregated to generate a learning object top-level concept complexity score. The learning object top-level concept complexity score can be compared with a user's experience rating for that top-level concept and be used to select an appropriate learning object.

Abstract: A computerized learning method is provided. The method may include receiving a write request from a first learning application program to write a learning level for a skill in a user profile. The user profile is configured to store data indicative of a plurality of skills and a learning level for each skill. The skills and learning levels are defined according to a profile schema. The method may further include writing the learning level for the skill in the user profile. The method may also include receiving a read request from a second learning application program to read the learning level for the skill in the user profile. The method may finally include retrieving the learning level from the user profile, and sending the learning level to the second learning application program.

Abstract: A demand driven process of collecting structured product and service information including the steps of: receiving a request for information from a requestor about a specific product or service, or attribute or class thereof, associating one or more potential responders with the request for information, providing the request to the potential responders, receiving and organizing one or more responses, and providing the organized responses to the requestor, all electronically. An arrangement for the same includes user computers for receiving requests for information, network communication devices for transmitting the requests to potential responders, memory for storing electronic responses and a controller for organizing, updating, and providing access to the electronic responses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring personal satisfaction by means of a device for giving feedback, which comprises an internal power source and at least two selector switches for giving feedback, indicating the type of the feedback, a memory for storing feedback data, and a data transmission module for transmitting the feedback data. The method comprises: presenting the subject for the feedback, receiving feedback from at least one person giving feedback, on the basis of the selection of a selector switch, storing the data on the feedback in the memory of the device for giving feedback, and transmitting the feedback data at a predetermined time from the device for giving feedback to a server in a wireless manner. The invention also relates to a device for giving feedback and a data processing system to be used in the method.

Abstract: A system for creating and administering a computer-based test broadly comprises a test taker component and an administrative component. The test taker component may be executed in a web browser and configured to allow a test taker to request a test, to submit responses to questions of the test, and to view the submitted responses and the correct answers after the test is complete. The administrative component may also be executed in a web browser and configured to allow an administrative user to create the test and to view the responses to questions of the test as the responses are submitted from the test takers.

Abstract: A communication network includes an instructor wireless communication device and a plurality of student wireless communication devices, which may be conventional smartphones. The student devices do not communicate with the wireless service provider, but communicate with the instructor device in the classroom via a short-range communication network established between the student devices and the instructor device directly or via an access point. In one embodiment, communication with the cellphone network service provider is cut off by disabling the network transceiver in each student device. The instructor device can exchange question and answer data with the student devices. The system can be configured to provide security in student responses to prevent potential cheating. Student answers may be automatically collected, collated, and graded. The answers are accompanied by an ID that uniquely identifies each student.

Abstract: An SOP training simulation method includes the steps of: executing a predetermined simulation file to display a file page on a screen display unit; utilizing an input unit with a first operation mode to input and directly preset first procedure data of predetermined training simulation; utilizing the input unit with a second operation mode to input second procedure data of response simulation on the file page; comparing the first procedure data with the second procedure data to evaluate the training simulation. The SOP training simulation system includes a control unit to execute the above steps.

Abstract: An interactive educational device and method that provides students with activity modes in the form of instruction and exercises to be performed at a plurality of individual work stations. The invention tracks and provides information that is useful to an instructor in determining students' focus and progress. The information provided to the instructor may include, the element of the activity mode of the device the student is currently using, how long the student has been in a particular mode, and how many times the student has attempted a particular element of an activity mode. The information for each student may be updated in real time, so that at any given moment the instructor may be informed as to the student's particular activity. A “look back” for any period of time may be obtained by the instructor. The instructor receives alerts for particular events. The student may report a need for assistance, and student details may be provided to the instructor.

Abstract: A computer-based test creation system and method for generating test items. The test creation process includes creating items in electronic form and allowing access by a plurality of reviewers via a network. The reviewers may review the item for content, fairness and format, and collaborate with each other before indicating that the item is acceptable for inclusion in a test. After the administration of the items to test takers, item performance may be evaluated on-line by reviewing electronic feedback from the administrations and creating electronic evaluation reports. Since the items are created in an electronic form, the items may further include new forms of stimuli such as graphics and multimedia.

Abstract: A method of psychometric testing of a plurality of candidates for a position, the method comprising the steps of: specifying at least one psychometric test based upon a definition of the position, the psychometric test having a plurality of versions, each version having a corresponding plurality of items; registering each of the candidates; assembling a plurality of candidate tests corresponding to the plurality of candidates, each candidate test assembled from the plurality of versions, with each candidate test being substantially unique from other candidate tests; and administering the respective candidate tests to each of the candidates and to determine test results therefrom.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to an online test platform adapted to facilitate the development, delivery, and management of educational tests with interactive participation by students, teachers, proctors, and administrators even when some or all of them are remotely located. The platform may include administrator interfaces, test proctor interfaces, and test taker (e.g. student) interfaces to allow each participant to view, navigate, and interact with aspects of the online test platform that are intended to meet their needs.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for enhancing cognitive ability of an older participant by requiring the participant to differentiate between rapidly presented visual stimuli. First and second visual sweeps are provided for visual presentation to the participant, e.g., spatial frequency or orientation sweeps. At least two visual sweeps are visually presented to the participant utilizing the first visual sweep, the second visual sweep, or a combination. The participant is required to indicate an order in which the at least two visual sweeps were presented. A determination is made regarding whether the participant indicated the order of the visual sweeps correctly. The visually presenting, requiring, and determining are repeated one or more times in an iterative manner to improve the participant's cognition. The duration of the sweeps may be adjusted based on the correctness/incorrectness of the participant's response according to a maximum likelihood procedure. Assessments may be made during the exercise.

Abstract: In an instructional course, students learn various tools, techniques, and lessons that may be applicable to the students' projects. Based on the various tools, techniques, and lessons presented in the instructional course, each student develops one or more action plans after consulting the student's supervisor. The one or more action plans are entered into an action plan system that keeps track of progress and/or updates on the one or more action plans by the student. The action plan system sends out one or more electronic notifications to the students and their supervisors so that the students and/or supervisors can complete one or more surveys and enter updates on the one or more action plans. The entered updates on the one or more action plans can be used to generate various reports on the status of the one or more action plans.

Abstract: A hardware and software implemented, standardize testing, scoring and reporting system has a network interface, being either LAN or the Internet. A test is selected from a library, assigned to a group of examinees, and a record is made of the assignment. The test is available on-line, or downloaded, or both. Downloaded tests are saved as PDF files and printed into booklets. Examinees record answers on bubble sheets, which are scanned at the customer site or shipped to a processing plant. Individual scanned answer sheets provided data for individual scanned records. Scanning software performs an initial auto-correct and then performs an initial check for errors in scanned records. Tests are batched for later inspection. Scanned records with errors are classified as invalid and the test papers are separated. Prompts are generated for a human test paper inspection and scanned record editing.

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 system and method are provided for allowing a member of an audience to interact with a presenter in an organizational environment by accessing network software as a service in a browser or native application software operable with a processor. Such a system and method improves classroom participation and assessing effectiveness of presentation. The system includes software elements that are useable by accessing the cloud network or as may be installable on a local processor and on a communication device, which can comprise a computer, a mobile phone, or a hand held device in general. Presenter and audience member interfaces are provided for composing, posing, and answering questions, participating in a class blog, and receiving real-time data on class comprehension of student learning objectives.

Abstract: A structure and adaptive apparatus for online education learning through trusted mass collaboration. An education server is communicatively coupled to one or more computing devices over a network to provide an online education service. The online education service provides a knowledge structure of K-Courses, K-Lessons, and K-Bits. K-Courses are comprised of more than one K-Lesson. K-Lessons are comprised of more than one K-Bit. Each K-Bit is associated with a plurality of alternative K-Bits to be used as parallel views of the same topic as the associated K-Bit to support student-centric learning. When a student encounters a K-Bit that the student does not understand, one or more alternative K-Bits used as parallel views of the same topic as the associated K-Bit are presented to the student until the student is able to master the topic of the associated K-Bit.

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

Abstract: Discussion evaluation may be provided. First, an assignment page including an evaluation link may be displayed and a user initiated input corresponding to the evaluation link may be received. Next, an evaluation view may be displayed in response to the received user initiated input. The displayed evaluation view may comprise an evaluation assistant data section and a raw discussion data section. Evaluation data may then be received in response to the displayed evaluation view.

Abstract: A system and a method for generating individualized academic worksheets are provided. The method includes accessing a database of problems and student data relating to at least one student, including evaluation data associated with practice worksheets that were previously administered to the students. The method further includes selecting problems from the database using the evaluation data for each student and generating an individualized practice worksheet file including the selected problems. Each practice worksheet file includes instructions for printing a presentation of each problem and at least one evaluation area. The method further includes updating the evaluation data, wherein after a printed copy of a practice worksheet file is administered to the student, the evaluation areas of the printed copy are marked with evaluation marks by a human evaluator in accordance with the human evaluator's evaluation, and the updated evaluation data is based on the evaluation marks.

Abstract: Communicating in an educational environment includes placing a chalkboard in a private mode that allows a user of the chalkboard to view information exclusive of others in the educational environment. Information is displayed on the chalkboard according to the private mode. The chalkboard is placed in a public mode that allows the chalkboard to control a common display, and information is controlled on the common display using the chalkboard. The common display is viewable by others in the educational environment according to the public mode.

Abstract: A system including electronic data collection for school officials, staff, and administrators is described. The data collection system can be integrated onto school management systems to interconnect information regarding data such as student academic records, student merits, student progress, student and teacher biographies, etc. The system assesses student, teacher, classroom, individual school, school district, and state performance in a variety of educational area; associates imputed educational data; and permits the cross-application querying of the educational data and access of the educational data in real-time. The system is intended to help school systems accomplish tasks such as managing work, monitoring student progress in real-time, and determining education trends, via data linkage in real-time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and skills assessment tool for managing a testing session in a clinical skills testing center comprising a plurality of assessment stations. The method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes configuring the plurality of assessment stations by associating each of the stations with a case type prior to the beginning of the testing session, receiving electronic identification of a student at one of a plurality of assessment stations prior to the student commencing an encounter at the one assessment station during the testing session, and, in response to receiving the student's identification, automatically assigning the student to the one assessment station for the encounter, where the encounter corresponds with the case type associated with the one assessment station.

Abstract: Dynamic systems and methods for gathering/tracking data, automatically adapting to an individual's pace of learning, selectively determining the type and difficulty of content provided to an individual, selectively providing an exposure frequency for the content, and/or enabling rapid design modifications within the educational environment. Educational content is dynamically designed/developed and customizably presented to an individual learner. An analysis is performed on the data to optimize learning. Modifications are selectively or automatically made to the educational content. The process of designing, implementing, analyzing, and selectively modifying creates a cycle that optimizes the learning process and adapts to groups and individual learners with the goal of improving learning outcomes and efficiency. Furthermore, the educational content is dynamically provided to the learner on an iterative basis according to the need of that learner in the learning process.

Abstract: A system, method and related devices for monitoring and improving the training and social eye contact and communication skills of developmentally challenged individuals such as autistic individuals and other individuals with special needs in improving their interpersonal communicating and other skills. A so called, TeachMe component of the system allows the defining of a students/patients long-term behavior or academic or social goal treatment in a hierarchical relationship of skills in treatment plans. It captures behavioral event within a ‘behavioral stream’ and in real time stores the ‘behavioral stream’ in a centralized database that can be accessed anywhere and anytime using the Internet. Procedures and materials used during the treatment are identified and data is stored in a central depository and can be displayed in a therapist's handheld device.

Abstract: A system and method for certifying a trainee to use a device is disclosed. The system and method include a testing computer configured to create an answer log containing at least one answer given by the trainee to at least one question of a certification test and a centralized grading server in communication with the testing computer, the centralized grading server configured to receive the answer log from the testing computer, evaluate the answer log to determine if the trainee has passed the certification test, and provide a license file providing a license file if the trainee passes the certification test.