SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMPUTERIZED INTERACTIVE SKILL TRAINING

• US 20100028846A1
• Filed: 07/28/2009
• Published: 02/04/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Breakthrough Performancetech LLC
• Original Assignee: Breakthrough Performancetech LLC
• Inventors: Brown, Edward G., Cohen, Martin L.
• Granted Patent: US 8,597,031 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 434/323
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06398 Performance of employee with respect to a job function
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 11/00 2D [Two Dimensional] image generation
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 13/80 2D [Two Dimensional] animation, e.g. using sprites
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 15/00 Teaching music metronomes G04F5/02
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 17/003 electrically operated apparatus or devices
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 17/006 with audible presentation of the material to be studied audio and audio-visual teaching apparatus in general G09B5/04, G09B5/06
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/00 Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying F41G3/26
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0046 History
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0053 Computers, e.g. programming
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/025 with electrically operated apparatus or devices
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/04 Speaking with audible presentation of the material to be studied G09B5/04
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/06 Foreign languages with audible presentation of material to be studied G09B5/04
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/18 Book-keeping or economics
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 23/28 for medicine
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/00 Electrically-operated educational appliances working with questions and answers G09B7/00; simulators G09B9/00; advertising or displaying in general G09F
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/04 with audible presentation of the material to be studied sound recording or reproducing G11B
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/06 with both visual and audible presentation of the material to be studied
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/065 Combinations of audio and video presentations, e.g. videotapes, videodiscs, television systems
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/10 : all student stations being capable of presenting the same information simultaneously G09B5/14 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/00 : Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers mechanically operated G09B3/00; computing arrangements G06F
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/02 : of the type wherein the student is expected to construct an answer to the question which is presented or wherein the machine gives an answer to the question presented by a student
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/04 : characterised by modifying the teaching programme in response to a wrong answer, e.g. repeating the question, supplying a further explanation
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/06 : of the multiple-choice answer-type, i.e. where a given question is provided with a series of answers and a choice has to be made from the answers
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/063 : with hand-placed probe or plug
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/08 : characterised by modifying the teaching programme in response to a wrong answer, e.g. repeating the question, supplying further information
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/00 : Simulators for teaching or training purposes for the use of weapons F41; computing aspects G06; protocols for games, networked simulations or virtual reality H04L67/131
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/02 : based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2201/38 : Displays
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2201/40 : using speech recognition speech recognition per se G10L15/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2201/42 : Graphical user interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/62 : user interface aspects of conference calls
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/74 : with voice recognition means voice activated dialling H04M1/271; voice recognition algorithms G10L15/00

Abstract

The present invention is directed to interactive training, and in particular, to methods and systems for computerized interactive skill training. An example embodiment provides a method and system for providing skill training using a computerized system. The computerized system receives a selection of a first training subject. Several related training components can be invoked, such as reading, watching, performing, and/or reviewing components. In addition, a scored challenge session is provided, wherein a training challenge is provided to a user via a terminal, optionally in video form.

Claims

1. A training system configured to train a user, comprising:

a server;

a network interface coupled to the server;

a tangible computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, if executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform a method comprising;

receiving an identification of a training module, the module including at least a first set of challenges including a plurality of challenges that include a statement or question regarding a subject that a user is to be trained to verbally respond to;

transmitting for presentation on a user terminal a table of contents including an entry for each of the plurality of challenges, where the user can navigate to a selected one of the plurality of challenges via the table of contents,

wherein a given entry for a challenge in the table of contents includes text of the corresponding challenge and an audio video presentation, wherein the audio video presentation presents an animated avatar that audibly presents the corresponding challenge, the animated avatar having lip motions at least substantially synchronized with the audibly presented corresponding challenge;

wherein the audio video challenge presentations included in the table of contents are automatically presented one at a time in a predetermined order;

for each of the plurality of challenges, in response to a user action, transmitting for presentation on the user terminal user interfaces associated with a learning session and user interfaces associated with a practice session, wherein;

the learning session includes a reading section configured to train the user in how to respond to the challenge using text, and a watching section, configured to train the user to respond to the challenge using an audio video presentation,

wherein the reading section includes a reading user interface configured to present via text and without a video component;

the challenge;

a plurality of guideline language constructs that provide a model answer to the challenge, wherein the guideline constructs are in the form of text positioned so that each guideline language construct is spaced apart from at least one other guideline language construct, and wherein each of the guideline language constructs includes;

a key element which the user is to memorize; and

contextual language in which the key element is embedded, wherein computer-executable instructions are configured to cause the key element to be visually distinguished via an attribute not present in the contextual language;

wherein the watching section includes a watching user interface configured to present;

a textual representation of the key elements previously presented via the reading user interface, wherein the key elements are not embedded in the guideline language constructs;

an audio video presentation of a first avatar audibly presenting the guideline language constructs, including the key elements, presented via the reading user interface and/or audibly presenting the key elements without the guideline language constructs, wherein the first avatar has lip motions at least substantially synchronized with the audible guideline language;

wherein the practice session user interfaces include;

a performing user interface, wherein the performing user interface includes an audio video presentation of a second avatar, wherein the second avatar has a different appearance then the first avatar, wherein the second avatar audibly presents the challenge presented via the reading and watching user interfaces, wherein the user is to verbally provide a response to the challenge, the response including each of the key elements presented via the watching user interface and the reading user interface for that challenge;

a review user interface configured and arranged to include at least a textual representation of key elements previously presented via the watching user interface;

in response to at least one user action, transmitting for presentation on the user terminal user interfaces associated with a scored challenge session configured to test the user with respect to the challenges included in the module, wherein for each challenge on which the user is to be tested the scored challenge user interface includes;

the second avatar audibly presenting a randomly selected challenge from the plurality of challenges, wherein the second avatar has lip motions at least substantially synchronized with the audible randomly selected challenge, and wherein the user is to audibly respond to the randomly selected challenge by at least presenting corresponding key elements;

a scoring interface for the randomly selected challenge, the scoring interface configured to receive and/or provide at least the following scoring information;

how accurately the user audibly presented the key elements corresponding to the randomly selected challenge;

how fast the user began responding to the randomly selected challenge;

how confident the user seemed when responding to the randomly selected challenge;

transmitting for presentation on the user terminal at least one navigation control via which the user can provide navigational instructions that enable the user to navigate to a desired user interface.

2. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the system is further configured to use a formula to generate a cumulative score using at least the following:

a score related to the correctness and/or completeness of the challenge response;

a score related to how quickly the user initiated the challenge response; and

a score related to the confidence and/or style with which the user verbalized the challenge response.

3. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the system is further configured to present each key element associated with a first challenge in bullet form via the watching user interface.

4. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the system is configured to train the user with respect to sales, influencing behavior of a person or entity, providing service, responding to complaints, coaching, management, assessment, certification, recruiting, using software and/or hardware, compliance with rules or guidelines, time management, and/or academic subjects.

5. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the system is configured to inhibit scoring when the performing user interface is displayed.

6. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the system is configured to size and position the plurality of guideline language constructs displayed via the reading user interface so that they are displayed at the same time.

7. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the system is configured to:

transmit for display on the user terminal a notes field in association with the reading user interface, the watching user interface, the reviewing user interface, and/or the scored challenge session; and

store for later retrieval user notes entered via the notes field.

8. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the system is configured to receive an avatar specification, the avatar specification specifying an appearance of at least one avatar, a background to be displayed behind the avatar, and audio content to be audibly presented by the avatar.

9. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the system is configured to receive an instruction to inhibit the random selection of challenges and to present the plurality of challenges in a predetermined order during the scored challenge session.

10. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the system is configured to synchronize what is displayed on the user terminal with what is displayed on at least one other terminal.

11. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein the selected module includes no more than twelve challenges.

12. The system as defined in claim 1, wherein no more than nine key elements are displayed for a given challenge.

13. A tangible computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, if executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform a method comprising:

for each of a plurality of challenges in a training module, wherein a challenge is a statement or question that a user is to respond to, transmitting for presentation on a user terminal user interfaces associated with a learning session and user interfaces associated with a practice session, wherein;

the learning session includes a reading section configured to train the user in how to respond to the challenge using text, and a watching section, configured to train the user to respond to the challenge using an audio video presentation,

wherein the reading section includes a reading user interface configured to present via text;

the challenge;

a plurality of guideline language constructs that provide a model answer to the challenge, wherein each of the plurality of guideline language constructs includes;

a key element; and

contextual language in which a corresponding key element is embedded, wherein computer-executable instructions are configured to cause the corresponding key element to be visually distinguished via an attribute not present in the contextual language;

wherein the watching section includes a watching user interface configured to present;

a textual representation of the key elements previously presented via the reading user interface, wherein the key elements are not embedded in the guideline language constructs;

an audio video presentation of a first character audibly presenting the guideline language constructs, including the key elements, and/or audibly presenting the key elements without the guideline language constructs, wherein the first character has lip motions at least substantially synchronized with the audio presentation;

wherein the practice session user interfaces include;

a performing user interface, wherein the performing user interface includes an audio video presentation of a second character, wherein the second character has a different appearance then the first character, wherein the second character audibly presents the challenge presented via the reading and watching user interfaces, wherein the user is to verbally provide a response to the challenge, the response including key elements presented via the watching user interface for that challenge;

a review user interface configured and arranged to include at least a textual representation of key elements previously presented via the watching user interface;

in response to at least one user action, transmitting for presentation on the user terminal user interfaces associated with a scored challenge session configured to test the user with respect to challenges included in the module, wherein for a challenge on which the user is to be tested the scored challenge user interface includes;

at least one character audibly presenting a randomly selected challenge from the plurality of challenges, wherein the at least one character has lip motions at least substantially synchronized with the audible randomly selected challenge, and wherein the user is to audibly respond to the randomly selected challenge by at least presenting corresponding key elements;

a scoring interface for the randomly selected challenge, the scoring interface configured to receive and/or provide at least the following scoring information;

how accurately and/or completely the user audibly presented the key elements;

transmitting for presentation on the user terminal at least one navigation control via which the user can provide navigational instructions that enable the user to navigate to a desired user interface.

14. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further comprising:

transmitting for presentation on the user terminal a table of contents including an entry for each of the plurality of challenges,

wherein a given entry for a challenge in the table of contents includes text of the corresponding challenge and an audio video presentation, wherein the audio video presentation presents a character that audibly presents the corresponding challenge, the character having lip motions at least substantially synchronized with the audibly presented corresponding challenge.

15. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 14, the method further comprising automatically presenting the audio video challenge presentations included in the table of contents one at a time.

16. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the first and second characters are animated avatars.

17. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the at least one character is the same as the second character.

18. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the reading section does not include a video presentation.

19. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the guideline constructs presented via the reading user interface are in the form of text positioned so that each guideline language construct is on a different line than any other guideline language construct.

20. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further comprising:

providing for display a character design user interface including one or more menus of clothing and body parts via which characters can be generated via a user selection of one or more body parts and one or more articles of clothing; and

providing a user interface via which a background corresponding to a real world environment can be selected to be displayed in association with at least one generated character.

21. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further comprising synchronizing a display of the user terminal with at least one other terminal, wherein only a portion of training related information displayed on the at least one other terminal is displayed on the user terminal.

22. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further comprising:

converting at least one verbal challenge response from the user to computer readable characters;

comparing the computer readable characters with the plurality of key elements; and

identifying elements correctly verbally recited by user.

23. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further comprising:

detecting the initiation of at least one verbal challenge response by the user, wherein the verbal challenge response is made after a first challenge has been presented;

determining how long it took the user to initiate the response relative to the presentation of the first challenge; and

generating a score related to how quickly the user initiated the challenge response.

24. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the scoring interface for the randomly selected challenge is further configured to receive and/or provide at least the following scoring information:

how fast the user began responding to the randomly selected challenge; and

how confident the user seemed when responding to the randomly selected challenge.

25. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 24, the method further comprising generating a cumulative score using at least the following:

a score related to the correctness and/or completeness of the challenge response;

a score related to how quickly the user initiated the challenge response; and

a score related to the confidence and/or style with which the user verbalized the challenge response.

26. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further comprising providing a user-accessible control configured to receive a user input indicating whether the audio video presentation of the first character in the watching user interface is to audibly present the guideline language constructs, including the key elements, or is to audibly present the key elements without the guideline language constructs.

27. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further comprising presenting each key element associated with a first challenge in bullet form via the watching user interface.

28. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further comprising inhibiting scoring when the performing user interface is displayed.

29. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further comprising providing an option of displaying the key elements embedded in the guideline language constructs displayed in the reader user interface via the watching user interface.

30. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further comprising sizing and positioning the plurality of guideline language constructs displayed via the reading user interface so that they are displayed at the same time.

31. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further comprising:

transmitting for display on the user terminal a notes field in association with the reading user interface, the watching user interface, the reviewing user interface, and/or the scored challenge session; and

storing for later retrieval user notes entered via the notes field.

32. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, the method further comprising:

receiving an instruction to inhibit the random selection of challenges; and

presenting the plurality of challenges in a predetermined order during the scored challenge session.

33. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the module includes more than one challenge directed to the module subject matter, but no more than twelve challenges.

34. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein no more than nine key elements are displayed for a given challenge.

35. A tangible computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, if executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform a method comprising:

for a first challenge in a training module, wherein the first challenge is a statement or question that a user is to respond to, transmitting for presentation on a user terminal user interfaces associated with a learning session and user interfaces associated with a practice session, wherein;

the learning session includes a reading section configured to train the user using text in how to respond to the first challenge, and a watching section, configured to train the user using an audio video presentation to respond to the first challenge,

wherein the reading section includes a reading user interface configured to present via text;

the first challenge;

a guideline language construct that provides a model answer to the first challenge, wherein the guideline language construct includes;

a key element; and

contextual language in which the key element is embedded, wherein the key element is caused to be visually distinguished from the contextual language;

wherein the watching section includes a watching user interface configured to present;

a textual representation of the key element;

an audio video presentation of a first character audibly presenting the guideline language construct, including the key element, and/or audibly presenting the key element without the guideline language construct, wherein the first character has lip motions at least substantially synchronized with the audio presentation;

wherein the practice session user interfaces include;

a performing user interface, wherein the performing user interface includes an audio video presentation of a second character, wherein the second character audibly presents the first challenge, wherein the user is to verbally provide a response to the first challenge, the response including at least the key element;

a review user interface configured and arranged to include at least a textual representation of the key element;

in response to at least one user action, transmitting for presentation on the user terminal user interfaces associated with a scored challenge session configured to test the user with respect to at least the first challenge, wherein the scored challenge user interface includes;

at least one character visually and audibly presenting the first challenge, wherein the at least one character has lip motions at least substantially synchronized with the audible first challenge, and wherein the user is to audibly respond to the first challenge by at least presenting the key element;

a scoring interface, the scoring interface configured to receive and/or provide at least the following scoring information;

how accurately and/or completely the user audibly presented the key element; and

transmitting for presentation on the user terminal at least one navigation control via which the user can provide navigational instructions that enable the user to navigate to a desired user interface.

36. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, the method further comprising:

transmitting for presentation on the user terminal a table of contents including an entry for each of a plurality of challenges,

wherein a given entry includes text of the corresponding challenge and an audio video presentation, wherein the audio video presentation presents a character that audibly presents the corresponding challenge, the character having lip motions at least substantially synchronized with the audibly presented corresponding challenge.

37. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, wherein the first and second characters are animated avatars.

38. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, wherein the first and second characters are different characters.

39. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, wherein the first and second characters are the same character.

40. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, wherein the at least one character is the same as the second character.

41. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, wherein the reading section does not include a video presentation.

42. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, the method further comprising:

providing for display a character design user interface including one or more menus of clothing and body parts via which characters can be generated via a user selection of one or more body parts and one or more articles of clothing; and

providing a user interface via which a background corresponding to a real world environment can be selected to be displayed in association with at least one generated character.

43. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, the method further comprising synchronizing a display of the user terminal with at least one other terminal, wherein only a portion of training related information displayed on the at least one other terminal is displayed on the user terminal.

44. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, the method further comprising:

converting at least one verbal challenge response from the user to computer readable characters;

comparing the computer readable characters with the key element; and

identifying elements correctly verbally recited by user.

45. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, the method further comprising:

detecting the initiation of a verbal challenge response by the user, wherein the verbal challenge response is made after the first challenge has been presented;

determining how long it took the user to initiate the response relative to the presentation of the first challenge; and

generating a score related to how quickly the user initiated the challenge response.

46. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 45, the method further comprising identifying a speech disfluency at the beginning of the verbal challenge response, wherein the act of determining how long it took the user to initiate the response relative to the presentation of the first challenge does not include the time at which the user articulated the speech disfluency as the initiation of the response.

47. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, wherein the scoring interface for the first challenge is further configured to receive and/or provide at least the following scoring information:

how fast the user began responding to the first challenge; and

how confident the user seemed when responding to the first challenge.

48. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 47, the method further comprising generating a cumulative score using at least the following:

a score related to the correctness and/or completeness of the challenge response;

a score related to how quickly the user initiated the challenge response; and

a score related to the confidence and/or style with which the user verbalized the challenge response.

49. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, the method further comprising providing a user-accessible control configured to receive a user input indicating whether the audio video presentation of the first character in the watching user interface is to audibly present the guideline language construct, including the key element, or is to audibly present the key elements without the guideline language construct.

50. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, the method further comprising inhibiting scoring when the performing user interface is displayed.

51. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, the method further comprising:

transmitting for display on the user terminal a notes field in association with the reading user interface, the watching user interface, the reviewing user interface, and/or the scored challenge session; and

storing for later retrieval user notes entered via the notes field.

52. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, wherein the module includes more than one challenge directed to the module subject matter, but no more than twelve challenges.

53. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, wherein no more than nine key elements are displayed for the first challenge.

54. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, wherein the watching user interface configured to present the textual representation of the key element without the guideline language.

55. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 35, wherein the watching user interface configured to present the textual representation of the key element embedded in the guideline language used in the reading user interface.

56. A computer based method of training, comprising:

for a first challenge in a training module, wherein the first challenge is a statement or question that a user is to respond to, electronically transmitting for presentation on a user terminal;

a reading user interface configured to present via text;

the first challenge;

a guideline language construct that provides a model answer to the first challenge, wherein the guideline language construct includes;

a key element; and

contextual language in which the key element is embedded, wherein the key element is caused to be visually distinguished from the contextual language;

a watching user interface configured to present;

a textual representation of the key element;

an audio video presentation of a first character audibly presenting the guideline language construct, including the key element, and/or audibly presenting the key element without the guideline language construct, wherein the first character has lip motions at least substantially synchronized with the audio presentation;

a performing user interface, wherein the performing user interface includes an audio video presentation of a second character, wherein the second character audibly presents the first challenge, wherein the user is to verbally provide a response to the first challenge, the response including at least the key element;

a review user interface configured and arranged to include at least a textual representation of the key element;

in response to at least one user action, transmitting for presentation on the user terminal user interfaces associated with a scored challenge session configured to test the user with respect to at least the first challenge, wherein the scored challenge user interface includes;

at least one character visually and audibly presenting the first challenge, wherein the at least one character has lip motions at least substantially synchronized with the audible first challenge, and wherein the user is to audibly respond to the first challenge by at least presenting the key element;

a scoring interface, the scoring interface configured to receive and/or provide at least the following scoring information;

how accurately and/or completely the user audibly presented the key element; and

—

transmitting for presentation on the user terminal at least one navigation control via which the user can provide navigational instructions that enable the user to navigate to a desired user interface.

57. The method of claim 56, the method further comprising:

transmitting for presentation on the user terminal a table of contents including an entry for each of a plurality of challenges,

wherein a given entry includes text of the corresponding challenge and an audio video presentation, wherein the audio video presentation presents a character that audibly presents the corresponding challenge, the character having lip motions at least substantially synchronized with the audibly presented corresponding challenge.

58. The method of claim 56, wherein the first and second characters are animated avatars.

59. The method of claim 56, wherein the first and second characters are different characters.

60. The method of claim 56, wherein the first and second characters are the same character.

61. The method of claim 56, wherein the at least one character is the same as the second character.

62. The method of claim 56, wherein the reading section does not include a video presentation.

63. The method of claim 56, the method further comprising:

providing for display a character design user interface including one or more menus of clothing and body parts via which characters can be generated via a user selection of one or more body parts and one or more articles of clothing; and

providing a user interface via which a background corresponding to a real world environment can be selected to be displayed in association with at least one generated character.

64. The method of claim 56, the method further comprising synchronizing a display of the user terminal with at least one other terminal, wherein only a portion of training related information displayed on the at least one other terminal is displayed on the user terminal.

65. The method of claim 56, the method further comprising:

converting at least one verbal challenge response from the user to computer readable characters;

comparing the computer readable characters with the key element; and

identifying if the user correctly recited the key element.

66. The method of claim 56, the method further comprising:

detecting the initiation of a verbal challenge response by the user, wherein the verbal challenge response is made after the first challenge has been presented;

determining how long it took the user to initiate the response relative to the presentation of the first challenge; and

generating a score related to how quickly the user initiated the challenge response.

67. The method of claim 56, wherein the scoring interface for the first challenge is further configured to receive and/or provide at least the following scoring information:

how fast the user began responding to the first challenge; and

how confident the user seemed when responding to the first challenge.

68. The method of claim 67, the method further comprising generating a cumulative score using at least the following:

a score related to the correctness and/or completeness of the challenge response;

a score related to how quickly the user initiated the challenge response; and

a score related to the confidence and/or style with which the user verbalized the challenge response.

69. The method of claim 56, the method further comprising providing a user-accessible control configured to receive a user input indicating whether the audio video presentation of the first character in the watching user interface is to audibly present the guideline language construct, including the key element, or is to audibly present the key elements without the guideline language construct.

70. The method of claim 56, the method further comprising:

transmitting for display on the user terminal a notes field in association with the reading user interface, the watching user interface, the reviewing user interface, and/or the scored challenge session; and

storing for later retrieval user notes entered via the notes field.

71. The method of claim 56, wherein the module includes more than one challenge directed to the module subject matter, but no more than twelve challenges.

72. The method of claim 56, wherein no more than nine key elements are displayed for the first challenge.

73. A training system configured to train a user, comprising:

a server;

a network interface coupled to the server;

a tangible computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, if executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform a method comprising;

for a first challenge in a training module, wherein the first challenge is a statement or question that a user is to respond to, electronically transmitting for presentation on a user terminal;

a reading user interface configured to present via text;

the first challenge;

a guideline language construct that provides a model answer to the first challenge, wherein the guideline language construct includes;

a key element; and

contextual language in which the key element is embedded, wherein the key element is caused to be visually distinguished from the contextual language;

a watching user interface configured to present;

a textual representation of the key element;

an audio video presentation of a first character audibly presenting the guideline language construct, including the key element, and/or audibly presenting the key element without the guideline language construct, wherein the first character has lip motions at least substantially synchronized with the audio presentation;

a performing user interface, wherein the performing user interface includes an audio video presentation of a second character, wherein the second character audibly presents the first challenge, wherein the user is to verbally provide a response to the first challenge, the response including at least the key element;

a review user interface configured and arranged to include at least a textual representation of the key element;

in response to at least one user action, transmitting for presentation on the user terminal user interfaces associated with a scored challenge session configured to test the user with respect to at least the first challenge, wherein the scored challenge user interface includes;

at least one character visually and audibly presenting the first challenge, wherein the at least one character has lip motions at least substantially synchronized with the audible first challenge, and wherein the user is to audibly respond to the first challenge by at least presenting the key element;

a scoring interface, the scoring interface configured to receive and/or provide at least the following scoring information;

how accurately and/or completely the user audibly presented the key element; and

transmitting for presentation on the user terminal at least one navigation control via which the user can provide navigational instructions that enable the user to navigate to a desired user interface.

74. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 73, the method further comprising:

transmitting for presentation on the user terminal a table of contents including an entry for each of a plurality of challenges,

wherein a given entry includes text of the corresponding challenge and an audio video presentation, wherein the audio video presentation presents a character that audibly presents the corresponding challenge, the character having lip motions at least substantially synchronized with the audibly presented corresponding challenge.

75. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 73, wherein the first and second characters are different animated avatars.

76. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 73, wherein the reading section does not include a video presentation.

77. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 73, the method further comprising synchronizing a display of the user terminal with at least one other terminal, wherein only a portion of training related information displayed on the at least one other terminal is displayed on the user terminal.

78. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 73, the method further comprising:

converting at least one verbal challenge response from the user to computer readable characters;

comparing the computer readable characters with the key element; and

identifying if the user correctly articulated the key element.

79. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 73, the method further comprising:

detecting the initiation of a verbal challenge response by the user, wherein the verbal challenge response is made after the first challenge has been presented;

determining how long it took the user to initiate the response relative to the presentation of the first challenge; and

generating a score related to how quickly the user initiated the challenge response.

80. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 73, wherein the scoring interface for the first challenge is further configured to receive and/or provide at least the following scoring information:

how fast the user began responding to the first challenge; and

how confident the user seemed when responding to the first challenge.

81. The tangible computer-readable medium of claim 73, the method further comprising:

transmitting for display on the user terminal a notes field in association with the reading user interface, the watching user interface, the reviewing user interface, and/or the scored challenge session; and

storing for later retrieval user notes entered via the notes field.