Task-oriented book with functional features for facilitating experiential learning

• US 20060121431A1
• Filed: 12/02/2004
• Published: 06/08/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/02/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Christopher L. Holt, Christopher R. Christensen
• Original Assignee: Christopher L. Holt, Christopher R. Christensen
• Inventors: Christenson, Christopher R., Holt, Christopher L.
• Granted Patent: US 7,422,435 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 434/317
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/062 Combinations of audio and printed presentations, e.g. magnetically striped cards, talking books, magnetic tapes with printed texts thereon

Abstract

A book is disclosed for facilitating experiential learning. The book includes a first task packet that includes a collection of preview material that introduces a task without revealing what the task is. The first task packet also includes a collection of description material that identifies what the task is. Finally, the first task packet includes a commitment mechanism configured to discourage a reader from proceeding from the collection of preview material to the collection of description material until the reader is committed to performing the task.

Claims

1. A book for facilitating experiential learning that includes a first task packet, wherein the first task packet comprises:

a collection of preview material that introduces a task without revealing what the task is;

a collection of description material that identifies what the task is; and

a commitment mechanism configured to discourage a reader from proceeding from the collection of preview material to the collection of description material until the reader is committed to performing the task.

2. The book of claim 1 further comprising a second task packet, wherein the second task packet comprises:

a collection of preview material that introduces a task without revealing what the task is;

a collection of description material that identifies what the task is; and

a commitment mechanism configured to discourage a reader from proceeding from the collection of preview material to the collection of description material until the reader is committed to performing the task.

3. The book of claim 1, wherein the collection of preview material includes a listing of resources required by the reader in order to complete the task.

4. The book of claim 3, wherein the listing of resources includes a time resource.

5. The book of claim 3, wherein the listing of resources includes a financial resource.

6. The book of claim 1, wherein the task requires the reader to leave the location they are in when they read the collection of description material.

7. The book of claim 1, wherein the task requires the reader to take a photo.

8. The book of claim 1, wherein the task requires the reader to purchase something.

9. The book of claim 1, wherein the task requires the reader to visit a website.

10. The book of claim 1, wherein the commitment mechanism is a physical mechanism that is manipulated by the reader.

11. The book of claim 10, wherein the physical mechanism includes a wax seal.

12. The book of claim 10, wherein the physical mechanism includes a portion applied with an adhesive.

13. The book of claim 10, wherein the physical mechanism includes a sticker.

14. The book of claim 10, wherein the commitment mechanism includes a hook and loop attachment.

15. The book of claim 1, wherein the commitment mechanism includes an explicit warning not to proceed with reading.

16. The book of claim 1, wherein the collection of description material includes a code word to be electronically transmitted by the reader.

17. A method of generating an experiential learning experience using a book having at least one task packet, the method comprising:

providing a reader with a preview of the at least one task without revealing what the task is;

requiring the reader to gather at least one resource relative to the at least one task packet before revealing what the task is;

receiving a commitment from the reader once the at least one resource has been gathered; and

revealing a description of the task once the reader has provided the commitment.

18. A system for interacting with a reader performing a task relative to a task packet, the system comprising:

a centralized server adapted to receive a codeword from the reader; and

wherein the centralized server is configured to begin a real-world timer to require the reader to complete the task within a specified amount of time.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the centralized server is a web server.

20. A system for interacting with a reader performing a task relative to a task packet, the system comprising:

a centralized server adapted to receive a codeword from the reader; and

wherein the centralized server is configured to provide the reader with updated information relative to the task.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the centralized server is a web server.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the updated information includes information generated after the publishing of the reader'"'"'s task packet.

23. The system of claim 20, wherein the updated information includes a suggestion relative to a vendor to patronize.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the suggestion is influenced by advertising revenue provided by the vendor.

25. The system of claim 20, wherein the updated information