Abstract: An interactive community network for youth athletics system, comprising a processor and memory comprising program instructions. The program instructions are executable by the processor to store a series of educational messages, each education message being associated with at least one youth athletics core development factor and a threshold range of aggregated numerical scores. Questions are issued, each question corresponding to a youth athletics core development factor. Selectable answers to each question are provided, each selectable answer corresponding to a numerical score. A series of user answers to the questions are received. The numerical scores by youth athletics core development factor are aggregated to create the aggregated numerical score for each corresponding youth athletics core development factor.

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: A method of hosting and managing a talent competition through online, onstage, studio, and live performances allows contestants to compete through a series of levels. The series of levels include a level-one, a level-two, a level-three, a level-four, and a grand finale. For level-one, the contestant submits a home video of their performance, which is voted on by the fans. For level-two, the contestant submits a onstage video of their performance, which is also voted on by the fans. For level-three and level-four, a professional will record the contestant's performance, which is again voted on by the fans. The grand finale will reveal which of the contestants won the grand prize. The method also allows judges to compete through an initial selection process, an intermediate selection process, and at the grand finale with the contestants. The grand finale will reveal which of the judges obtained the title of celebrity judge.

Abstract: A computer implemented process for making a pedagogically informed selection of a learning technology for a learning objective. Predetermined learning outcomes taxonomy level(s) for learning objective(s) are presented. Predetermined instructional strategy(ies) aligned with a selected learning outcomes taxonomy level chosen from the Predetermined learning outcomes taxonomy level(s) are presented. Predetermined learning technolog(ies) chosen from the predetermined instructional strategy(ies) are presented.

Abstract: An automated cognitive test that provides screening, scoring and real time results based on comparing the test results to updated normed results. The test can be self administered. The questions are randomly chosen from a selected database. Customizable reports may be generated from the test results and used in industry.

Abstract: An presentation generator is disclosed for generating presentations for interacting with a user on a personal topic of, e.g., the user's selection, wherein the presentations assist the user in obtaining a greater awareness of his/her motivations and/or behaviors relating to the topic. In one embodiment, the presentation generator generates and presents to the user textual observations, questions, and/or statements for the user's consideration. Such presentations use and/or are consistent with textual descriptions obtained from: (a) the results of one or more personality/motivation test results, and (b) user inputs, e.g., regarding the selected topic together with his/her confidence in the validity of such inputs.

Abstract: A system that integrates at least two levels of quiz or puzzle solving. Some embodiments use a Graphical User Interface (GUI) aspect only. According to the GUI aspect, a gameplay sequence is provided, whereby an indication of a solution associated with a level-two quiz is displayed. A clue to a different, level-one quiz is subsequently presented. An attempt is input at the level-one quiz. A level-two quiz clue is displayed. The level-two quiz can be solved with one or more clues so provided. According to the data aspect, different quizzes or puzzles are data related through a persistent data structure. Embodiments that use a data aspect may omit displaying a solution indication.

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

Abstract: Educational gaming systems and methods provide an active learning environment to multiple users, wherein various incentives are provided to the users for enhanced engagement in learning, such as, for example, but not limited to, novel reward mechanisms, serious game elements, user collaboration, social interaction and the like.

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: One example embodiment includes a method for providing an assessment instrument, where the assessment instrument occurs within a computer generated environment. The method includes determining the assessment to be made and determining the types of responses to be elicited. The method also includes providing a computer generated environment designed to elicit the responses.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system for providing guided instructional design. The system includes at least one processing device and at least one data storage device in communication with the at least one processing device. The at least one data storage device is configured to store information about at least one course. For each course, the at least one processing device is configured to present at least one predetermined course component to a first user, and for the at least one course component: present at least one course parameter, receive at least one first input from the first user in relation to the at least one course parameter, based on the at least one first input and at least one educational design element, present at least one modified course parameter to the first user; and receive at least one second input from the first user in relation to the at least one modified course parameter.

Abstract: A computer-aided educational system and method to further a student's understanding of a subject matter through analyzing data captured in an electronic learning system so as to determine correlation data corresponding to variables or trends which are determined to enhance, optimize, and/or improve one's learning abilities or understanding of educational content. The system and method generates reports based on the correlation data, develops statistical models that highlight learning and behavioral trends, and/or provides recommendations for adapting the learning system based on the correlation data and statistical models.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods create a user environment tailored to a user's computer abilities. A series of baseline tests are administered to new users for accumulating user metric data, and a database collects and stores the user metrics. Program logic is responsive to data from the data base, where the program logic is programmed to adapt the user environment to correspond to abilities measured through the baseline tests. The program logic is further programmed to adapt user interface controls to compensate for user dexterity abilities.

Abstract: Provided herein are an answering terminal, an answer counting system and a question-and-answer session method, which do not force answerers to perform complicated operations of an answering terminal when one questioner and a multiplicity of answerers have a question-and-answer session. The answer counting system comprises a receiving part; a grouping part; a result storing part; an answering action differentiating part; a differentiation result counting and analyzing part; and a displaying part.

Abstract: Computer-based methods and systems for providing individuals access to automatically generated and individualized ABA-based programs of instruction based on the needs of children with developmental disorders. Such access is provided via applications (“apps”) deployed to mobile computing platforms (e.g., smart phones, table computers, and the like). Thus, behavioral educators of children with developmental disorders, parents of and care givers for said children, as well as said children themselves, all may have access to aspects of the instruction programs.

Abstract: The invention relates to providing a computer based learning environment for a user wherein the user defines the content to be studied. The learning tool allows students to store and arrange located information in respect of a study topic, the material being in many different formats and from many sources, explore that located information, reinforce the material by testing their comprehension and understanding, allowing them to enquire further by expanding the information themselves or by collaboratively acquiring additional information/testing. The information/content to be studied by the user is established as a series of questions with answer, the format and content of each being determined by the user. In studying the invention allows the stored information to be displayed for a particular topic, whereas in testing the invention includes the further step of the user determining whether their answer to the question was correct.

Abstract: A system for secure, web-based, proctored examinations is provided. A web-based platform allows for test delivery beyond a local testing center with the test delivered directly to the test-taker. Computing devices that have been secured for the taking of an examination allow a student or prospective professional to access an examination wherever there is an Internet connection. As a result, students and professionals can take examinations where they live, learn, and work thereby reducing the costs associated with travelling to testing centers and minimizing time away from work. Test-takers, proctors, instructors, administrators, authors, and test developers can all access data and test information anytime and anywhere. Secure examinations can be taken under the purview of a proctor either in person or via the Internet and utilizing any number of testing environment capture devices in conjunction with data forensic technologies.

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: 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 is provided with a conversation support means. A conversation support means creates a conversation response, and outputs it in a sound, a character, etc. A conversation response is created in a manner that combines words by inserting a reference keyword as a leading keyword in the response sentence model prepared separately. A conversation support means retrieves the reference keyword beforehand provided in conversation support by dictionary collation from the conversation entry content made by a sound, a manual entry, etc. by a user. Furthermore, the retrieved reference keyword themselves or another reference keyword associated with the retrieved reference keyword are handled as a leading keyword. A series of user conversation contents inputted by the conversation support are accumulated as a base data for determining a user interest. The base data is analyzed to determine a user interest for providing suitable information service.

Abstract: An improved online medical education program that allows a user to access the site and input information into the system relating to their medical condition is provided. Once information has been inputted into the system, the individuals may be directed to an area which allows them to learn information relating to their specific medical condition. The system and program may deliver to an individual with a specific medical condition, comprehensive disease management programs that are centered on behavior modification and education about the disease and the long and short term impact on their lives. The education program may provide the user a day-by-day management program which lasts for a predetermined period of time.

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: The invention relates to providing a computer based learning environment for a user wherein the user defines the content to be studied. The learning tool allows students to store and arrange located information in respect of a study topic, the material being in many different formats and from many sources, explore that located information, reinforce the material by testing their comprehension and understanding, allowing them to enquire further by expanding the information themselves or by collaboratively acquiring additional information/testing. The information/content to be studied by the user is established as a series of questions with answer, the format and content of each being determined by the user. In studying the invention allows the stored information to be displayed for a particular topic, whereas in testing the invention includes the further step of the user determining whether their answer to the question was correct.

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 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 method for manipulating data in the assessment of an answer portfolio, the method comprising the steps of routing a multiplicity of answer portfolios (7) to a file server (6), each answer portfolio assigned with an identifier (9), the file server (16) having an engine (15) running an algorithm, the algorithm sorting the multiplicity of answer portfolios (7) into pairs of answer portfolios (12;i,j) using the identifiers (9) and routing each pair of answer portfolios (12;i,j) to a defined judge's computer terminal (14) of a multiplicity of judge's computer terminal, the algorithm comprising the steps of receiving data (18) from the judge's computer terminal indicative of which of the answer portfolios (7,i,j) of the pair of answer portfolios (12;i,j) wins over the other of the pair of answer portfolios (12;i,j) the method further comprising the step of the engine running said algorithm using said data, the algorithm comprising a Rasch analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a student performance monitoring system and method. In certain embodiments, a software program can be stored on a computer readable medium, executed by a computer and interacted with by a user, such as a teacher. The device, system and method include selecting students, scoring them and recording their effort in categories relevant to student learning. The student scores can also be used to generate reports and select students for recognition awards. In one example, a handheld computing device, such as a smart phone can be conveniently utilized. However, other computing devices may also be used instead of or in addition to those described herein. Other embodiments include a method and a system for monitoring student performance. The system and method can also be accessed by teachers, students and parents through an internet portal. The program can be configured as a web application.

Abstract: A system and methods for providing input devices or sensors to record users' responses or answers to questions and the conviction of those answers by measuring and tracking various metrics, including the speed, direction and magnitude or power of a response to the question, and calculating the score thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for applying a task to a crowdsourcing platform for processing are disclosed. For example, a method forwards the task having a question to the crowdsourcing platform, and receives a plurality of answers to the question, wherein the plurality of answers is provided by a plurality of workers associated with the crowdsourcing platform. The method analyzes the plurality of answers on a per-worker basis to determine an adjustment, and applies the adjustment to the plurality of answers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for computer-based evaluation of a test-taker's performance with respect to a reward threshold. A performance assessment of the test taker can be standardized or customized, as well as relative or absolute. The system allows a parentally-controlled reward system such that children who reach specified objectives can claim an award that parents are confident was fairly and honestly earned without the parent being required to proctor the testing.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide automated assessment of examination scripts, such as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) examination scripts, written in response to prompts eliciting free text answers. In an embodiment, the task may be defined as discriminative preference ranking. Further, a system employing such methodology may be trained and tested on a corpus of manually-graded scripts. Embodiments herein, unlike extant solutions, are relatively prompt-insensitive and resistant to subversion, even if the operating principles are known. Embodiments may also detect scripts which are linguistically good but non-responsive to prompts such as memorized responses.

Abstract: This invention relates to an interactive, multi-sensory digital electronic tutoring system. The invention finds particular application as an electronic learning and teaching device that is configured as a digital or software “book”, preferably in a rugged slate form factor, that allows a user, normally a child, to activate electronic images, sounds and other outputs by selecting indicia displayed on a touch screen or the like and that includes programmable logic adapted to monitor and direct the child's teaching and learning experience.

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 disclosure relates generally to question answering systems and methods and, particularly, to systems and methods for domain adaptation in question answering.

Abstract: A system for secure, web-based, proctored examinations is provided. A web-based platform allows for test delivery beyond a local testing center with the test delivered directly to the test-taker. Computing devices that have been secured for the taking of an examination allow a student or prospective professional to access an examination wherever there is an Internet connection. As a result, students and professionals can take examinations where they live, learn, and work thereby reducing the costs associated with travelling to testing centers and minimizing time away from work. Test-takers, proctors, instructors, administrators, authors, and test developers can all access data and test information anytime and anywhere. Secure examinations can be taken under the purview of a proctor either in person or via the Internet and utilizing any number of testing environment capture devices in conjunction with data forensic technologies.

Abstract: The presently disclosed invention provides for the security of a computing device in the context of a test taking environment. By securing a computing device, an individual (or group of individuals) may more effectively proctor a large examination without worrying about a test taker illicitly accessing information on their computer or via a remote source of data. Securing a computing device includes locking out or preventing access to any application not deemed necessary or appropriate by the test administrator.

Abstract: A method is provided of facilitating online education between learning institutions, including the steps of obtaining an e-learning course from a content provider learning institution; obtaining the approval of a subscriber learning institution for students enrolled at such institution to receive academic credit for the successful completion of such e-learning course; enrolling students from such subscriber learning institution in such e-learning course through a website; providing such e-learning course to students of the subscriber learning institution; obtaining an evaluation of the students' performances in the e-learning course from the content provider learning institution; providing said evaluations of the students' performances in such e-learning course to the subscriber learning institution in which the students are enrolled; and providing remuneration to the subscriber learning institution and content provider learning institution.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program for interacting with team members of a virtual team. Persistent storage is configured to store collective qualifications of the virtual team based on the individual qualifications of the team members, while a team broker is configured to present the collective qualifications to third parties. Thus, the broker provides a dynamic representation of the collective knowledge, skills and experience of a virtual team. The broker further enables an entity, such as a team employer or teacher, to interact with the virtual team as if that team were a single entity, rather than a collection of individual members.

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 and methods for grading a candidate based on evaluations by assessors. The assessors evaluate questions that the candidate authors, and answers that the candidate prepares. Each assessor provides a question score, or answer score, as an objective measure of the evaluation. The methods retrieve a grade for each assessor, and calculate a grade for the candidate based on the question score, or answer score, and the grade for each assessor. The methods grade each assessor based on evaluations by other assessors. The other assessors evaluate the question score, or answer score, and provide an evaluation score as an objective measure of the evaluation. The methods retrieve a grade for each other assessor, and calculate a grade for the assessor based on the evaluation score, and the grade for each other assessor.

Abstract: An Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) system is provided that is able to identify and respond adaptively to the learner's or student's affective states (i.e., emotional states such as confusion. frustration, boredom, and flow/engagement) during a typical learning experience, in addition to adapting to the learner's cognitive states. The system comprises a new signal processing model and algorithm, as well as several non-intrusive sensing devices, and identifies and assesses affective states through dialog assessment techniques, video capture and analysis of the student's face, determination of the body posture of the student, pressure on a pressure sensitive mouse, and pressure on a pressure sensitive keyboard. By synthesizing the output from these measures, the system responds with appropriate conversational and pedagogical dialog that helps the learner regulate negative emotions in order to promote learning and engagement.

Abstract: A system for the management of skill acquisition and demonstration of skill mastery, in one example embodiment, comprises an interface between a learner and a skill acquisition and demonstration of skill mastery system, a display module to display, via the interface, one or more skills to be acquired by the learner, a training module to provide training material to the learner, a testing module to test acquisition of the one or more skills by the learner, a status module to determine, based on the testing, a status indicative of the acquisition of and thus demonstration of mastery of the one or more skills by the learner, a statistics module to collect statistics associated with the acquisition of and thus demonstration of mastery of the one or more skills, and a report module to report the acquisition of and thus demonstration of mastery of the one or more skills. The training material may include multimedia. The testing module may provide questions related to the multimedia.

Abstract: A method for a viewer interactive voting competition is disclosed. Prospective contestants will submit auditions, which are commented and voted on prior to the competition. The performers with the most votes will become contestants, which must complete tasks dictated by the viewers and survive several rounds of competition. After each round of competition, viewers again vote to determine who will move onto the next round until a finalist is determined. Each voter can use a telephone, internet, email, or SMS to vote, and has a chance to win a prize with each submission.

Abstract: The current application is directed to developing and administering subject-appropriate ITAs. The various to developing and administering subject-appropriate ITAs evaluate many aspects of ITA content, content presentation, and administration with regard to particular categories of test subjects in order to develop subject-appropriate ITAs (“SAITAs”) and to administer SAITAs appropriately to the categories of test subjects for which the tests are developed. Aspects of SAITA presentation and administration that are evaluated include input devices, presentation formats, presentation language, presentation media, colors used in presentation of tutorials and stimuli, words, pictures, and symbols used in a presentation of tutorials and stimuli, the pace and length of various portions of SAITAs, human vs. computer administration of SAITAs, presentation of feedback to test subjects during SAITAs, ITAs and many other aspects of ITA content, content presentation, and administration.

Abstract: Methods and systems of picking audience members using probability adjustments entered manually by users or generated as a function of audience member information. Methods and systems for assigning audience members in groups are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to a computer architecture and process for evaluating and reporting on a user's competence in managing a simulation of a complex system modeled in a computer based testing and training system. The simulation may be called a “virtual system.” The method generates evaluation criteria responsive to a user profile, user choices in managing the virtual system, and events that occur during a simulation, in addition to the original state of the system. The method produces summary evaluations responsive to a plurality of characteristics of the simulated system. The implementation may be advantageously employed to evaluate a medical clinician's management of computer-simulated human patients, hereinafter called “virtual patients”. The present invention is also suitable for evaluation of user management of a plurality of complex systems including but not limited to animals, plants, cells, machines, and populations.

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: 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.