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 for managing critical student information is disclosed generally comprising storing information associated with individual students, such as important medical information or contact information for the student's parent or guardian, and providing different authorized users, such as school administrators, teachers, or coaches, permission to access the information and/or send messages for particular students. The stored information for each student is associated with one or more group identifiers, which identify particular groups of which the student is a member, such as a school or team, and each authorized user is likewise associated with one or more group identifiers, which identify the particular groups for which the user has access and can send messages.

Abstract: Systems, program products, and methods of curriculum planning are provided. An embodiment of a system includes instructional course instructions, responsive to user input commands, to associate one of several instructional courses with one of several teachers, calendar instructions, responsive to user input commands, to create a calendar schedule and assign the instructional course to a date and time for display on the calendar schedule, lesson-plan assignment instructions, responsive to the calendar schedule and user input commands, to assign one of several lesson-plans to the instructional course at the date and time on the calendar schedule, and lesson-plan indicator instructions, responsive to the calendar schedule and lesson-plan data, indicating whether the instructional course for the date and time has been assigned a completed lesson.

Abstract: An educational maze navigated through responses to questions provided at points in the maze enhances factual assimilation and retention for the user. The user selects responses to travel through the maze and is not immediately informed whether the selected responses are correct. Various indications can be provided to inform the user about the correctness of responses or whether they are on a path towards the maze exit. The indications may be dead ends, loops, suggested reference materials or other information that tends to assist the user in assimilating facts or navigating the maze. The user may receive a reward for providing correct responses or successfully completing the maze. The problem-solving and cognitive judgment skills applied to navigate the maze tends to help users assimilate and retain the factual information represented by the queries and responses.

Abstract: An e-learning system that provides a customized e-learning experience for a user. Information is received from a user identifying the user's learning objectives. Based upon the user's objectives, a study plan that is customized for the user is developed. The study plan may comprise one or more course units that the user can access through a server using a client system used by the user. User activity is monitored, including the user's activity within the e-learning system and outside the e-learning system. Information is recorded regarding the user's progress and performance. This information is used to modify the study plan, as appropriate for the user.

Abstract: The current invention offers experiences that might be called “simulated music reading.” This curriculum delivery invention comprises a computer-operated instructional delivery system displaying pre-formatted curriculum content accompanied by animations that elicit rhythmic participation. The computer-controlled display (computer monitor, television, or projection screen) provides access to start/stop and tempo controls. The display also reveals cursors, arrows, shadings, and other animated features applied to curriculum material, ensuring that students perceive a prescribed rhythm and can give a choral response. Whether reciting, interpreting, identifying, or supplying missing content elements, the students' creation of and involvement in a rhythmic context is a key element of the invention's efficacy.

Abstract: A system for assigning one or more teachers for teaching in one or more learning sessions comprises an online learning system having one or more nodes that creates one or more online learning sessions having corresponding student/teacher ratios. A scheduling node schedules the one or more teachers for teaching the one or more online learning sessions. A database stores teacher qualification parameters associated with the student/teacher ratio of one or more learning sessions. A processing node adjusts a teacher qualification parameter associated with a teacher based on the number of scheduled learning sessions and corresponding student/teacher ratio of such learning sessions associated with the teacher. The scheduling node schedules the teacher for one or more online learning sessions having a student/teacher ratio that corresponds to the adjusted qualification parameter of the teacher.

Abstract: A system and method for automated assessment of constrained constructed responses provides for automatic, e.g., programmatic, assessing of a test subject response to a constrained constructed response item or question. In one embodiment, paper test materials with test subject markings thereon are converted to electronic form. Test subject markings are further isolated, for example, by registration, sizing and removal of markings other than a graphic response. The subject markings are further compared with a baseline response, correctness deviation criteria and incorrectness deviation criteria (e.g., correctness, incorrectness, substantial correctness, substantial incorrectness, and so on) from which one or more of a score, further learning or other assessment results may be determined. Cluster analysis or other post-evaluation or post-assessment processing may also be conducted, or re-evaluation or re-assessment may also be conducted.

Abstract: A method for training involves maintaining a plurality of details to be tested; maintaining group definitions which define a plurality of groups associated with two or more of the details; determining a test detail; outputting to a user a question to which the test detail is a correct answer; inputting from the user an answer to the question; determining whether the answer comprises more than one parts. If yes: determining other details belonging to a common group with the test detail; determining which if any of the test detail and of the other details match the parts of the answer and considering such details as correctly answered details; and storing for each correctly answered detail an indication of a correct answer. If the answer comprises no more than one part, then: determining if the answer correctly matches the test detail; and if yes, storing an indication of a correct answer.

Abstract: A system for knowledge assessment and encouraging learning comprises transmitting to the a terminal a plurality of multiple choice questions and two-dimensional answers thereto, the answers including a plurality of full-confidence answers consisting of single-choice answers, a plurality of partial-confidence answers consisting of sets of multiple single-choice answers, and an unsure answer. The system further administers a confidence-based assessment (CBA) test that presents to the test subject the plurality of multiple choice questions directed to categorical topics, and the two-dimensional answers thereto, by which the test subject indicates both their substantive answer and the level of confidence category of their answer. The system compiles a knowledge profile from the scored CBA test, and encourages learning so that the user can address knowledge deficiencies as identified through the CBA test.

Abstract: A method of linking recognized emotions to non-visual representations includes receiving at a first location information corresponding to demonstrative behaviors of individuals. The behaviors of the individuals may be analyzed during a dynamic session, in which the information is used to determine emotional states of one or more of the individuals. The information about the emotional state may then be used at the first location to determine an action for improving the dynamic session.

Abstract: An adjustable hierarchical scoring method is disclosed. A hierarchical scoring structure for speech-sound data is generated. Historical data of speech-sound scoring for the speech-sound data is retrieved from a speech-sound practice database while a professional scoring result for the hierarchical scoring structure of the speech-sound data is being collected. A weight-adjusting operation is performed according to the historical data of speech-sound scoring and the professional scoring result to calculate optimum adjusting weights for each layer of the hierarchical scoring structure. Retrieved speech-sound data of a student is scored using a speech-sound scoring system and a weighted average operation is performed to the score of the speech-sound data of the student according to a corresponding adjusting weight, thereby generating the final score of the speech-sound data of the student.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for reviewing and evaluating performance. In particular, the present invention relates to a system, method, and computer program produce for reviewing and evaluating performances of an official or group of officials at an event or events. Even more specifically, according to embodiments of the present invention, the system and method can involve reviewing and evaluating an official or group of official's performance during a sporting event or events, such as a football game or games or a basketball game or games.

Abstract: A system and method for computer-aided test and homework management in client-server architecture comprises server software for a teacher to create tests and homework, and client software for students to take tests and complete homework assignments. The teacher uses the server software to correct the set-answers and multiple choices automatically. For creative responses in a free-style text format, matching pre-defined key words in the response is used for auto-grading, but can be overridden manually by the teacher. Keywords in the response are highlighted to help the teacher in the grading process. The client software provides a secure way to take a test by displaying a black background behind the window to block possible cheating utensils. The client software is also operable to administer testing and homework offline, as it downloads and saves test questions and homework assignments in the client data repository, which allows students to review all the tests and homework assignments previously taken.

Abstract: Education management systems and methods that include a server, at least one student computer that is linked, via a distributed network, to the server; and at least one management computer that is linked, via the distributed network, to the server. The server includes at least some of a products database for storing and/or updating a plurality of product profile records, a criteria database for storing and/or updating evaluation criteria by which a product is evaluated, a students database for storing and/or updating a plurality of student profile records or student profile information, a testing database for storing and/or generating testing documents and data, a curriculum database for assessing a student's personal and/or performance information and developing and/or updating an individual student curriculum based on the student's personal and/or performance information, and a reports database for receiving a student's personal and/or performance information and producing report documents and data.

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: The present invention relates to a system and method of identifying clinical competencies to be completed by a healthcare student in a computerized environment. The method receives an academic unit of time for a healthcare student and identifies one or more corresponding clinical competencies for the academic unit of time to be satisfied by the student.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an interactive virtual classroom for scripted self-directed learning and education. While self-directed learning is often unidirectional or bidirectional, this application features a multi-directional learning approach. The multidirectional approach involves interaction with virtual classmates that are programmed with artificial intelligence (AI). Interaction can be between the instructor and the user student, the user student and the AI students, the instructor and the AI students, between the AI students. The content provided within the classroom is scripted and customized depending on what is being taught. An interactive virtual classroom allowing for self-directed scripted learning is disclosed. While self-directed learning is often unidirectional or bidirectional, this application features a multidirectional learning approach. The multidirectional approach involves interaction with virtual classmates that are programmed with artificial intelligence (AI).

Abstract: Creating and executing real-time psychological experiments with sub-millisecond time precision uses a Hierarchical Experiment Spreadsheet (HES) providing a hierarchical data structure and interface. The user adds/modifies experiment levels in a spreadsheet multilevel table representation. New objects and properties are added while maintaining the hierarchical structure of the experiment and prohibiting user corruption of the experiments hierarchical structure. A Time Event Queue Manager (TEQM) provides precision timing using event pre-release synchronization, compensating for timing errors produced by the personal computer operating system and enabling sub-millisecond time precision.

Abstract: A system of materials facilitates teaching Chinese characters to a child in progressive stages, whether or not the teacher is fluent in Chinese. Each stage associates a multi-colored object with a correspondingly multi-colored Chinese character that represents the object. For a child from birth to two years, a first stage material animates the object and morphs the object into the corresponding Chinese character. For a child two to four years, a second stage material to be read to the child by the teacher displays the object adjacent to the character, and material provides interactive means for the child to associate the object with the character. For a child four to seven years, a third stage story book displays text containing a sentence made of multiple characters and a scene corresponding to the meaning of the sentence, and for a child seven to nine years, a fourth stage group book presents multiple Chinese characters that share a common group element, whether meaning or sound.

Abstract: A computerized learning system is provided. The computerized learning system may include a learning application program executable on a computing device. The learning application program may have a user interface configured to present a challenge to a user and receive a user response to the challenge. The user interface may feature a support system configured to present support to aid the user in responding to the challenge. To adjust the support provided to the skill level of the user, a scaffolding engine may be provided to determine a scaffolding level of the user for a skill, and the support system may be configured to adjust the support in response to the scaffolding level. In this manner, support for the user may be more appropriately tailored to the user's ability and change dynamically in accordance with the user's progress.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and computer program product for administering learning objects within a learning management system. In the invention, a learner can select various learning materials in the system, known as “learning objects”, and can aggregate these learning objects in a special category or “learning folder” directly on the system. The learning folders can be separate from an existing course catalog of learning objects. Each learner can establish and delete learning folders, and can modify each learning folder by adding or removing learning objects to and from the folder. Finally, while each learning folder created by a user can at first only be accessed by the user, a user can allow other learners in the system to access the folder by establishing a “learning link” for the folder, which dictates which other learners can access the learning folder.

Abstract: A system, methods, and apparatus for instruction and training are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a plurality of instructional videos and actual performance videos relating to a plurality of techniques are stored and organized according to technique. A user interface displays a first video and a dynamic link. A user may view the first video on a first technique, which is an instructional video or an actual performance video. If the user has viewed an instructional video, the user may select and access the dynamic link to view a second video related to the first technique, which is an actual performance video. If the user has viewed an actual performance video, the user may select and access the dynamic link to view a second video related to the first technique, which is an instructional video.

Abstract: A method for providing training media to a mobile device involves obtaining a training media file selected from multiple training media files, based on user metadata, and communicating the training media file to the mobile device, where the user metadata is associated with a user of the mobile device, and where the training media file includes training information associated with a job function of the user.

Abstract: A tool, method, and system for use in the development of sentence-based test items are disclosed. The tool may include a user interface that may include a database selection field, a sentence pattern entry field, an option pane, and an output pane. The tool may search a database for one or more sentences and may generate one or more responses to the one or more sentences. The one or more sentences and one or more responses may be used to produce the sentence-based test items. The tool may allow test items to be developed more quickly and easily than manual test item authoring. Accordingly, test item development costs may be lowered and test security may be enhanced.

Abstract: A method for processing interactive collaborative learning for a group of people (class), visually present and a teacher that supervises them. The teacher and each student works with a wired or wireless networked devices. The class is divided in a set of groups that are visually present. The method allows the group members, mediated by their devices, to interact for solving problems and answering questions that can be solved only collaboratively. The role of the networked devices is to present information on each of the participants' electronic display devices, transmit information between the group members, apply the rules of the application stored in each device considering the information of each of the members of the group stored in each of the participants device, and transmit the transactions performed by the group to the teachers device in order to store the group log and display the group outcome at each moment to monitor its progress.

Abstract: An educational system, including a centralized reusable learning object (RLO) repository that provides educational content to users, and communicates user performance data, via SCORM, to and from any one or more distributed, remote learning systems, such as remote learning management systems. The learning systems, and the RLO repository, each reside within different Web domains, and may communicate the learner performance data via one or more pointer SCOs, which may reside in the learning management systems, and may point to educational content and a content delivery engine in the RLO repository, while the educational content and the content delivery engine are not stored in the remote learning systems.

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: The online learning system provides customized answer explanations based upon a user's incorrect response to a multiple choice question. The explanations identify trick answers and how to avoid them, incorrect assumptions, and/or incorrect calculations that caused the student to reach the incorrect solution. The system also tracks the user's progress and provides customized feedback based on measurable aspects of the user's progress. Course material is provided by the system using a video game and/or social gaming type of user interface that fosters competition to motivate students and also uses incentives such as experience points, levels of mastery, and the ability to earn virtual goods or unlock challenges as the user progresses.

Abstract: This application provides methods and systems for optimizing individualized instruction and assessment. In one embodiment a system for optimizing individualized instruction and assessment is provided. The system includes a user base component, a knowledge base component, a standards base component and an inference engine module. The user base component contains an electronic student record data for an individual. The knowledge base component contains knowledge management data. The standards base component contains curriculum data and criteria data. The inference engine module uses the electronic student record of the individual, knowledge management data and curriculum data and criteria data to create an individualized lesson plan for the individual.

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 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 collaboration detection system and a method for detecting collaboration amongst a class of two or more students in answering a plurality of problems of an assessment administered to the students are provided. The system includes a tangible processor and a memory with instructions to be executed by the tangible processor. The processor executes the instructions for accessing granular assessment data associated with each student. The granular assessment data includes an independent determination of correctness of the answer submitted by the student for each respective problem of the plurality of problems of the assessment. The processor then executes the instructions for determining for each combination of students of the class of students the number of problems for which it was determined that the same problem was answered incorrectly by all of the students of the combination of students.

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: A computerized assessment grading method comprises creating a syntax tree for a received equation-based response to at least one assessment question and a syntax tree for at least one solution to the at least one question, comparing the syntax trees, and grading the response based on the results of the comparison.

Abstract: The studying system and studying method using virtual card are described. The present invention comprises: (1) a course scheduling feature that divides study courses into a plurality of study sessions considering the learning situations of the user, selects and assigns virtual flash cards to such study sessions, and determines the sequence of such virtual flash cards contained in such study sessions; (2) a session management feature that carries out such study sessions by displaying the front side of the virtual flash cards contained in such study sessions and by allowing the users to enter answers to such virtual flash cards; and (3) an entry management feature that provides an interface for users to enter such answers.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for managing student assessments may include: 1) receiving new assessments from a user base, 2) associating the new assessments with a standard learning objective, 3) storing the new assessment to a database of assessments, 4) providing the user base with searchable access to the database of assessments, the database of assessments filterable by the standard learning objective associated with each of the assessments, 5) receiving an assessment selection from a user within the user base, 6) rendering the selected assessment to the user so that the selected assessment can be used to assess students' competency level of the standard learning objective associated with the selected assessment. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for offering an on-line based student peer mentoring program sponsored by at least one school and operated by at least one student apprentice and at least one student mentor, using a social networking website which facilitates a student participant to access a plurality of training web link modules to first be trained by a student peer mentor of more advanced training, and then to train at least one student peer protégé of less advanced training. The goal is for the student participant to become a mentor and then an apprentice for at least one business owner, and for the student apprentice to establish a relationship with another school to join the on-line based student peer mentoring program. The plurality of training web link modules includes instruction and training relating to academic curriculum, a literacy program and a social curriculum.

Abstract: In one embodiment, facilitating classroom interaction includes sending a message containing a question to be answered from a mobile device located within a classroom at which a class is being taught, receiving the message with a central server and identifying the class to which the message pertains, and displaying the question on a display device located within the classroom.

Abstract: A system and method designed to enable schools to proactively manage and analyze a student's workload. The workload management system helps identify, for each individual student, workload hotspots early and helps teachers and administrators in schools take action to mitigate the stress that such workload hotspots create.

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 system and method for computer-based testing includes a test driver that controls delivery of a computer-based test to one or more test candidates and that controls caching of test components during delivery of the test. The system includes various monitoring components, including monitoring of candidate progress, candidate performance, network bandwidth, network latency and server response, during delivery of the test and adjusting the source of the test components or the volume of the test components being cached for delivery of the test. Based upon this monitoring of the system, for example, if network communication failure is detected, the test candidate is able to continue computer-based testing while connectivity is being reestablished.

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: A computer-aided learning system with adaptive optimization is disclosed.

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: A computer-implemented method of seeking answers to questions comprises receiving one or more questions from users seeking answers, maintaining an inventory of pending questions to be answered, and transmitting a question from the pending question inventory to a network location determined to be topically relevant to the transmitted question based on the content of the network location.

Abstract: An automated method and computer interface for stimulating a user to develop and/or alter their implicit attitudes towards behavioral objects, such as dieting, alcohol consumption or exercising etc. The method comprising presenting a series of stimuli to the user within a test environment, each stimulus being associated with a behavioral object. The test environment may be a computer display screen, wherein the method designates a first zone within the environment as a positive behavioral association region and designates a second zone within the environment as a negative behavioral association region. The method further prompting the user to categorize each stimulus by moving the stimulus to either the first zone or the second zone, wherein positively categorizing stimuli causes the user to develop improved implicit attitudes towards the behavioral objects associated with those stimuli in the first zone. The invention is particularly suited for implementation within web-browser and desktop environments.

Abstract: A method carried out by identifying acts related to enterprise performance; generating a competitive training environment, the environment including situations that model work situations requiring the acts; presenting the environment to a participant; and receiving interaction of the participant with the environment by the participant perceiving the situations and making inputs to the environment that model the acts in order to assess or improve participant skills related to enterprise performance. A system including a data component that stores data indicative of a work environment and data indicative of acts related to enterprise performance; a competitive environment generation component assimilates the data into a competitive environment that models work situations and; an interface component that presents the competitive environment to a participant and permits a participant to respond to the model work situations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer system that customizes lesson plans of students and reports the outcome of the same. In one example embodiment, a collection and aggregation module, coupled to a computer memory, collects current student record data of a plurality of students and aggregates the collected student record data over time and over various pluralities of students to generate a superset aggregate data. The student record data includes recent performance and progress data for each student. A curriculum customization module receives the superset aggregate data from the collection and aggregation module and customizes a current curriculum for a given student using the superset aggregate data.