Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to user identification in social media for task performance based on past usage and traits. One embodiment includes identifying users of a social media platform for ability of performing a task. Readiness scores are predicted based on past usage of the social media platform. A predicted readiness score includes a value corresponding to whether a user is predicted to be ready for performing the task. Users that are ready to perform the task are determined based on comparing the readiness scores with a threshold. Willingness scores for performing the task by the users determined to be able and ready to perform the task are determined. A willingness score includes a value corresponding to whether a user is estimated to be willing for performing the task. Users that are willing to perform the task are determined based on comparing the willingness scores with a threshold.

Abstract: A cloud learning system capable of enhancing learner's capability based on then-current contour or profile of levels or capabilities of the learner provides tests about a subject, a skill or expertise in advance to determine then-current contour or profile of capability of the test-taker. Then learning data or material is provided to a user for training, while the learning data or material is based on the test points or formats for the test implicitly or explicitly, contained or hidden in the test questions so as to enhance some weak areas of the user detected or diagnosed in the test. The capability of the learner is enhanced and the user has higher confidence to learn the subject, the skill or the expertise further. The structure can be constructed in a cloud network structure. External content-providers can provide their teaching material to the dedicated database based on specific test points or formats.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for identifying information gaps in electronic content. These mechanisms receive the electronic content to be analyzed and analyze the electronic content to identify at least one of topics or questions within the electronic content to produce a collection of at least one of topics or questions associated with the electronic content. These mechanisms further compare the collection to the electronic content, and to a corpus of previously analyzed electronic content, to produce a set of information gaps in the electronic content. Moreover, the mechanisms output a notification of the set of information gaps to a user associated with the electronic content.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein utilize a distributed server network to allow for the real-time distribution of copies of a data stream uploaded from a computing device. The uploaded data stream corresponds to an environment surrounding a user (exam taker) of the computing device during execution of a testing routine for an examination. Providing copies of the data stream in real-time allows proctors as well as other test assessment authorities to ‘peek in’ on the exam taker's environment during the exam. As a result, the environment surrounding the exam taker can be monitored in real-time to determine whether any visual or audio activity in the environment constitutes activity not in accordance with the exam protocol. Following an affirmative determination that the exam taker violated an exam taking protocol, a proctor or other test assessment authority can then make a final or early decision regarding disciplinary action.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods for conducting a survey. The method includes the step of providing access to a server that stores information of potential respondents. The information of each potential respondent includes an identifier of a mobile device associated with the potential respondent. The method further includes a step of sending invitations to participate in the survey to a group of target respondents selected from the potential respondents based on retrieved application data from the mobile devices associated with the potential respondents. A system, including data storage and a processor, is also presented. The data storage stores information of potential respondents, including an identifier of a mobile device associated with the potential respondent. The processor retrieves data from the mobile devices and sends invitations to participate in the survey to mobile devices associated with a group of target respondents selected from the potential respondents.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: Assessment information relating to multiple, different types of assessments administered to a student is accessed. A learning map includes a plurality of cells. Each cell corresponds to a learning objective. A first performance level of the student is determined based on a first set of assessment items. A first one of the cells is modified to include a first indication of the first performance level. A second performance level of the student is determined based on a second set of assessment items, wherein the first set of assessments include at least one different assessment than the second set of assessments. A second one of the cells is modified to include a second indication of the second performance level. One or more learning map interfaces are displayed. The learning map interfaces are configured to display the learning map populated with performance information.

Abstract: One or more learning map interfaces are displayed. The learning map interfaces include a selection control configured to allow a user to select a subset of assessments from a set of assessments. The subset includes less assessments than the set. Performance information for a student is determined based on the subset of assessments. A learning map is populated with the performance information for the student. The learning map includes a plurality of cells. Each cell corresponds to a learning objective. The plurality of cells is arranged in a manner that reflects a relationship between the learning objectives corresponding to the cells. One or more learning map interfaces are displayed. The learning map interfaces are configured to display the learning map populated with the performance information.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, system and computer program product for automating individual learner course selection. The method includes accessing, by a computer processor, course descriptions for a plurality of variants of a course. The course descriptions include course variant characteristics and course variant titles. The course variant characteristics define target audiences for each of the variants of the course. Information about a user, including user characteristics is received. The course variant characteristics are compared to the user characteristics. Based on the comparing, a specificity value is calculated for each of the variants of the course. The specificity value indicates a degree of match between the user and a target audience of the variant of the course. A variant of the course is selected for the user based on the specificity values, and the course title of the selected variant of the course is output.

Abstract: A learning system is adapted to provide a learning management system adapted to present an exercise environment to the user in which the user is able to practice skills through a combination of presented media and practice areas. The learning system is adapted to provide feedback to the user during the practice session to allow the user to improve performance while in the exercise environment. Additionally, the learning system is adapted to track the user's performance in terms of practice time and in terms of accuracy percentage to allow the student and the educator to monitor performance related to effort. Still additionally, the learning systems of the present disclosure may be adapted to track the types of errors committed by the users to enable the users and educators to provide more directed educational experiences and practice sessions to overcome recurring problems.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiment relates to methods and systems for evaluating an electronic document. The computer implemented method includes receiving the electronic document containing a first set of answers corresponding to one or more pre-stored questions. The first set of answers are compared with a pre-stored second set of answers based on an answer descriptor syntax dataset. The answer descriptor syntax dataset comprises one or more rules. One or more answer descriptors for each of the first set of answers are determined based on the comparing. The one or more answer descriptors correspond to one or more observations for each of the first set of answers. Finally, the electronic document is evaluated based on determining.

Abstract: A method and system for playing web-based training content on a client computer system are provided. The method includes accessing previously downloaded web-based training content stored in a first memory coupled to the client computer system and playing a portion of the web-based training content on the client computer system while the client computer system is offline. The method further includes storing results associated with playing the portion of the web-based training content in a second memory coupled to the client computer system. The method further includes, in response to detecting the client is online, synchronizing results of the playing with a host computer system.

Abstract: An intelligent tutoring system can be implemented using filters, predictive modeling, and a knowledge warehouse, which allows content to be dynamically selected for individualized presentation to a learner. Such an intelligent tutoring system can be implemented using a variety of techniques, including polynomial vector equations in modeling, extensible markup language storage formats for presentation data, and a knowledge warehouse with information stored in data cubes.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system is provided for associating and extracting content artifacts from a graphical representation of electronic content. A multi-dimensional virtual lattice comprising one or more grid layers is created. The nodes of the multi-dimensional virtual lattice represent metadata acquired from predefined content criteria. Electronic content comprising content artifacts acquired from multiple content sources is graphically represented within the multi-dimensional virtual lattice using the grid layers. Each of the content artifacts from the electronic content attaches to one or more nodes of the multi-dimensional virtual lattice. A user provides search criteria comprising keywords. The content artifacts attached to nodes of the multi-dimensional virtual lattice whose metadata matches with the keywords are extracted and displayed to the user.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a software application that provides a “critical thinking exercise” that presents a problem, solvable by a user exercising critical thinking skills. Each critical thinking exercise conforms to an archetype (e.g., a framework or a set of specifications) based on which each critical thinking exercise is created by an author, for a user. The critical thinking exercise archetype facilitates the exercise of user critical thinking skills. The user can analyze a number of author specified investigation scenes, identify the problem, select author pre-defined hypotheses, and form arguments supporting or falsifying the hypotheses with user-selectable items such as: evidences, inferences, conclusions, and conclusion confidence levels provided in the critical thinking exercise by the author. A solved problem entails that collection of user-formed arguments that resolves the problem to the highest level of certainty possible.

Abstract: A computerized educational game includes multiple formats for questions on a variety of topics related to health, wellness and education and other topics. In one embodiment, questions and answers for the game are stored so that the individual questions can be downloaded in more than one format. For example, the questions and answers may be stored so that they can be answered as “fill in the blank” questions in which the user must supply an answer. The same question may be formatted as a multiple choice question, in which the user is required to select a correct answer from among a plurality of answers. The questions and answers may also be formatted for use in multiple game formats, e.g., a quiz game, a puzzle game, a choose-best-from-list game, a matching game, or a reverse quiz game in which an answer is supplied and the player guesses or selects the question.

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: In accordance with some implementations, a method for automatically generating quiz questions is disclosed. The method is performed on a server system having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors. The server system receives, from a client system, media information associated with media content displayed on a display associated with the client system. The server system then analyzes the received media information to determine one or more keywords associated with the media information. The server system retrieves one or more facts based on the one or more determined keywords. The server system then automatically generates a quiz question based on the one or more retrieved facts. The server system then transmits the generated quiz question to the client system for display.

Abstract: A method of generating secondary questions in a question-answer system. Missing information is identified from a corpus of data using a computerized device. The missing information comprises any information that improves confidence scores for candidate answers to a question. The computerized device automatically generates a plurality of hypotheses concerning the missing information. The computerized device automatically generates at least one secondary question based on each of the plurality of hypotheses. The hypotheses are ranked based on relative utility to determine an order in which the computerized device outputs the at least one secondary question to external sources to obtain responses.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for activating an electronic device. The electronic device includes a user interface and a task application in communication with the user interface, wherein the task application compares a user action received through the user interface to the primary task answer and activates the user interface inactive mode if the user action matches that of the primary task answer. In addition, the task application may be configured to apply the user action in generating a subsequent primary task including selecting a degree of difficulty for the subsequent primary task intended to enable a user to activate the electronic device within a target range of time.

Abstract: A method of generating secondary questions in a question-answer system. Missing information is identified from a corpus of data using a computerized device. The missing information comprises any information that improves confidence scores for candidate answers to a question. The computerized device automatically generates a plurality of hypotheses concerning the missing information. The computerized device automatically generates at least one secondary question based on each of the plurality of hypotheses. The hypotheses are ranked based on relative utility to determine an order in which the computerized device outputs the at least one secondary question to external sources to obtain responses.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of generating learning exercises is provided. The method comprises receiving text, processing the text using linguistic parsers to generate linguistic characteristics of the text, storing the linguistic characteristics in a data file, retrieving user information comprising a user knowledge level and user goals, using the stored linguistic characteristics and the user information to generate the learning exercises based on a parametrical model, receiving responses to the learning exercises from the user, and updating the user information based on the responses to the learning exercises. The linguistic characteristics comprise words of the text and relationships between the words.

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: Techniques for real-time observation assessment are provided. The techniques, which are designed for educators, take advantage of handheld computers, desktop/laptop computers and Internet access in order to reduce the paperwork associated with conventional educational assessments. An array of instructional assessment applications are designed to run on handheld computers. The instructional assessment applications may be based on existing and widely used paper methodologies. A common Web-based platform for assessment application distribution, selection, download, data management and reporting is also provided. Users can then periodically synchronize instructional data (assessments, diagnostic results, notes and/or schedules) to the Web site. At the Web site, browser-based reports and analysis can be viewed, administered and shared via electronic mail.

Abstract: A teacher information terminal includes a communication unit which transmits paging-forward instructions for instructing turning-forward of a page of the content, concurrently to student information terminals each time a page of the content is turned forward, and each of the student information terminals includes: a communication unit which receives a paging-forward instruction from the teacher information terminal; an inquiry unit which makes an inquiry to a user about whether or not the user accepts the paging-forward instruction when the communication unit receives the paging-forward instruction; and a paging-forward processing unit which turns forward the page of the content when a result of the inquiry is that the user accepts the paging-forward instruction, and avoids turning forward the page of the content when the result of the inquiry is that the user does not accept the paging-forward instruction.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The method employs a tangible graphical interactive game wherein the interactive game employs a plurality of tangible graphical cubes. The game induces stimuli, measures responses and accumulates the responses using a predefined set of variables into a predefined set of metrics, wherein the variables are determined using an interactive machine learning feedback algorithm.

Abstract: A virtual system and method is disclosed for administering, evaluating, and processing financial aid for post-secondary students. The subject virtual system is preferably hosted in a web-based environment and is accessible by and/or interactive with various entities such as students, educational institutions, student financial aid processing centers, government agencies related to educational funding, and loan guarantors. Particular features and methodology are preferably provided in accordance with the virtual system such that a student can conveniently obtain educational funding within a completely automated and integrated online process. The virtual system preferably provides features such as direct links to applications for federal funding, an electronic messenger service to communicate among networked system entities, and a financial aid estimator to predict amounts of aid for which a student is eligible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electronic teaching and certification systems, and more specifically, provides systems for delivering educational content, ascertaining learning progress, and, utilizing adaptive learning systems, redirecting the learner to various iterations of the content to meet the varying needs and learning preferences of the learner. The invention further provides competency assessments which determine if a user has attained a particular learning target identified by the system, and awards a certification based on achievement of the learning target.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method to (1) repetitively measure individual Sentiment; (2) aggregate all of the individual Sentiments into a collective Sentiment; (3) correlate the sentiment data versus a pre-defined dependent variable, such as what direction an individual stock's price is heading; (4) present the data to the end-users; (5) encourage repetitive use; (6) identify end-users who best predict future behavior of the dependent variable(s); and (7) improve the end-user's Sentiment accuracy with repetitive use.

Abstract: Techniques are described for problem selection algorithms for providing a multi-layered cognitive tutor. A repository of problems is maintained, which associates the problems with the improvement of corresponding skills according to a cognitive model. User skill levels are maintained in a user profile. Problem sets are then presented to the user in phases, where each phase may utilize different selection criteria for selecting from the repository. By varying the selection criteria between phases, for example from problems testing familiar skills to problems testing new skills, or from problems teaching few skills to problems teaching many skills, problems can be selected to address the unique requirements of each tutoring phase, from beginning to middle to end.

Abstract: A learning management system and method stores in a database a framework for a set of learning activities. The set of learning activities comprises a sequence of learning units that are associated with a reference calendar for completion of the learning activities relative to a reference date. The reference calendar specifies a reference due date for completing a learning activity associated with a learning unit of the sequence of learning units. The reference due date is relative to the reference date. A learning environment for delivery of instructional material associated with the sequence of learning units is displayed on a remote student workstation after the system authenticates a student at the remote student workstation. The displayed learning environment comprises a user interface that is displayed to the student on the remote student workstation. The user interface displays an actual due date, for example, in a calendar format, for completing the learning activity.

Abstract: A learning management system and method that deliver instructional materials to a student stores electronic addresses for a plurality of contacts associated with the student. The student is associated with a set of student's contacts comprising at least one student-selected contact and at least one mandatory contact. A student-selected contact comprises a contact designated by the student to be in the set of student's contacts and a mandatory contact comprises a contact that is not designated by the student to be in the set of student's contacts. A user interface is provided that enables the student to select between communication of messages with the student-selected contact and the mandatory contact.

Abstract: A learning management system and method delivers an instructional material to a student workstation after authenticating an student's entry into a learning session that is associated with a plurality of contacts. Stored electronic addresses in a database include a first electronic address that is associated with a first contact and a second electronic address that is associated with a second contact. The first contact is associated with the learning session and the second contact is not associated with the learning session.

Abstract: Managing offline presentation of learning material may include associating identification strings with various portions of the learning material. When a learner is presented with the learning materials, identification strings associated with the learning materials may also be presented to the learner. The progress of the learner with respect to the learning materials may be identified based on the identification strings.

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

Abstract: A computer-based testing system includes testing stations connected to a testing service center and backend via the Internet for providing testing services. The system is operable to perform state management to implement fault recovery due to a computing device failure while a test is being administered. The system is also operable to utilize multiple caching techniques for mitigating network latency while administering tests.

Abstract: A question setting apparatus is disclosed, including a processor and a storage part. The storage stores problem information which maintains problem data including a problem and a correct answer of the problem included in a test sent to students, and student answer information which maintains answer data and a correct/incorrect answer determination result for each of the students. The processor processes test operations of referring to the problem information, sending the problem data to the student terminals, receiving the answer data from the student terminals in a given time for the test, and recording the answer data in the student answer information. The processor processes a progress display. A progress state is displayed in the given time and indicates an answer state of the problem data based on the correct/incorrect answer determination result. A display instruction is sent to the student terminals to stop the test.

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

Abstract: The disclosed technology, in certain embodiments, generates customized assessments based on educational content to match the needs and learning styles of individual learners. The educational content may be identified and provided to a user based on user profile information such as grade, age, and/or education level. Moreover, the disclosed technology can adapt the educational content for an individual user based on a preferred learning style of the user.

Abstract: The present application describes methods and systems for assisting a student in the admission process for post-secondary education. The methods and systems include collecting user data from a student. In addition, admission data is collected from one or more post-secondary institutions. Next, a step for analyzing the user data in view of the admission data is provided. Further, recommendations based upon the analysis are sent to the student regarding academic planning, probability of gaining admittance into one or more post-secondary institutions, and suggestions for applying to one or more post-secondary institutions based upon the student's profile.

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

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for sensing and assessing a patients responses to tests using a device that may include tactile input, voice input, still image analysis, and responses to visual and auditory stimuli. In one example, a method includes obtaining interactive clinical assessment data using a remote client device and a computer-based control device, the method including providing on a display of a remote client device one or more test prompts for conducting an interactive clinical assessment, each displayed test prompt instructing a user to perform an action using the remote client device in response to the test prompt, and providing on the display of the remote client device one or more potential responses of actions that may be performed in response to the test prompt.

Abstract: Systems for managing sessions and members. The members can include account holders, participants, instructors and session organizers. The system can include account holder data structures, participant data structures and instructor data structures. The account holder data structure can include payment plan and payment information. The account holder data structure can be manipulated to change payment plan and payment information. The participant data structure can include participant information that includes participant skills and expertise. Participant feedback information can be generated for the participant based on the performance of the participant at a session. The participant data structure can be manipulated so that the participant information includes the participant feedback.

Abstract: A learning system is adapted to provide a learning management system adapted to present an exercise environment to the user in which the user is able to practice skills through a combination of presented media and practice areas. The learning system is adapted to provide feedback to the user during the practice session to allow the user to improve performance while in the exercise environment. Additionally, the learning system is adapted to track the user's performance in terms of practice time and in terms of accuracy percentage to allow the student and the educator to monitor performance related to effort. Still additionally, the learning systems of the present disclosure may be adapted to track the types of errors committed by the users to enable the users and educators to provide more directed educational experiences and practice sessions to overcome recurring problems.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method for providing online education is disclosed. The method may comprise receiving first data via a first user interface (“UI”) comprising a parent student portal (“PSP”), receiving second data via a second user interface (“UI”) comprising a learning management system (“LMS”), receiving third data via a third user interface (“UI”) comprising a student information system (“SIS”), and/or storing the first data, the second data, and the third data to a central data repository (“CDR”). In various embodiments, the method may further comprise enabling customization of at least one of the first UI, the second UI, and the third UI by an education provider. Further still, the method may comprise filtering data based upon a filter criterion, and/or communicating a notification to a plurality of users based upon the filtering.

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