Computerized interactive educational method and apparatus for teaching vocabulary

• US 6,343,935 B1
• Filed: 03/01/2000
• Issued: 02/05/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Castle Hill Conference Center, LLC
• Original Assignee: Castle Hill Learning Company, LLC
• Inventors: Clements, Jeanne
• Primary Examiner(s): Cheng, Joe H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Harris, Chanda
• Application Number:
  US09/516,540
• Time in Patent Office: 706 Days
• Field of Search: 434/156, 434/157, 434/167, 434/178, 434/185, 434/323
• US Class Current: 434/156
• 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 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

Abstract

A computer based interactive method and apparatus for teaching vocabulary words. In particular, a vocabulary game aimed at preparing children for the SAT. The invention is also applicable to other vocabulary words for children and adults of all ages and learning levels, as well as teaching subjects and concepts other than vocabulary. The vocabulary game comprises a synonym matching game which provides audio and visual reinforcement of words, their definitions, and dialogue that uses the word, and requires the user to physically interact (i.e. select words, approve word choices, and the like). Reinforcement of vocabulary words is enhanced through the use of various support materials, including support tests, index cards containing phrases using the vocabulary words, and mnemonic aids.

Claims

1. An interactive computerized educational method for teaching vocabulary words to a user, comprising the steps of:

providing a database containing words and an associated definition for each word;

providing a visual display which includes at least one word set containing pairs of synonyms;

providing an input device for user selection;

displaying the word set on the visual display;

displaying a first user chosen word from the word set and an associated word definition;

providing an audio voice for pronouncing the first user chosen word and reading its definition;

storing the first user chosen word;

displaying a second user chosen word and an associated word definition;

providing an audio voice for pronouncing the second user chosen word and reading its definition;

storing the second user chosen word; and

comparing the two word choices to determine if the words are synonyms.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1, comprising the further steps of:

displaying a dialogue using the first user chosen word; and

displaying a dialogue using the second user chosen word.

3. A method in accordance with claim 2, comprising the further step of:

providing an audio voice for reading the dialogue after the dialogue is displayed.

4. A method in accordance with claim 3, wherein:

the audio voice which pronounces the word choices and reads the definitions is in the form of a first voice; and

the audio voice which reads the dialogue is in the form of a second voice.

5. A method in accordance with claim 4, wherein the first voice comprises an adult-like voice and the second voice comprises a child-like voice.

6. A method in accordance with claim 1, comprising the further steps of:

displaying the word set in the form of a grid;

providing a selection device for user approval or rejection of the first user chosen word, wherein

the first user chosen word is returned to the word set if the first user chosen word is rejected, in which case a new first word choice is permitted, and

the first user chosen word is compared with a second user chosen word to determine whether the words are synonyms if the first user chosen word is accepted, such that a correct choice of synonyms results in;

a first graphic appearing on the visual display;

a compliment directed at the user who correctly made a synonym match;

the word choices disappearing from the word grid to reveal a portion of a larger picture hidden beneath the grid of word choices;

a score is recorded reflecting the correctly matched synonym pair; and

the user who correctly made a synonym match is allowed to make additional word choices;

and such that an incorrect choice results in;

a second graphic appearing on the visual display;

an insult directed at the user who made the incorrect choice; and

the word choices returning to the word grid; and

repeating the word selection and comparison process until all words are matched such that the hidden picture is completely revealed.

7. A method in accordance with claim 6, wherein:

the compliment comprises an audio compliment; and

the insult comprises an audio insult.

8. A method in accordance with claim 6, wherein:

the first graphic comprises an animation; and

the second graphic comprises an animation.

9. A method in accordance with claim 6, comprising the further step of animating the hidden picture once the hidden picture is revealed as an indicator that all synonyms have been successfully matched.

10. A method in accordance with claim 1, comprising the further step of providing a selection device for returning to a main start screen to enable a user to choose a different word set.

11. A method in accordance with claim 1, comprising the further step of providing index cards containing written dialogue which communicates common messages from adults to children utilizing a word from the word sets, for use by adults in conversation with children to reinforce vocabulary retention.

12. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein each word set contains an even number of words arranged in a grid with an odd number of pairs of synonyms and at least one pair of wild card words which are not synonyms.

13. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the word sets are comprised of words appearing on a Scholastic Aptitude Test.

14. A method in accordance with claim 13, comprising the further step of printing a support test containing sample Scholastic Aptitude Test questions.

15. A method in accordance with claim 14, comprising the further step of providing index cards containing written dialogue which communicates common messages from adults to children utilizing a word from the word sets, for use by adults in conversation with children to reinforce vocabulary retention.

16. A method in accordance with claim 1, comprising the further step of providing a mnemonic aid wherein:

each word from the word set, together with its definition and an associated mnemonic aid are displayed one at a time; and

audio in the form of a voice reads each word, its definition, and an associated mnemonic aid as they are displayed.

17. A method in accordance with claim 16, wherein the mnemonic aid is a matching game comprising the further steps of;

displaying each word in a grid on a first section of a display;

displaying either definitions or mnemonic aids for each word in a grid on a second section of the display; and

providing a selection device to enable a user to match the word with its associated definition or mnemonic aid, wherein incorrect matching results in a graphic display and insult and correct matching results in a graphic display and compliment.

18. A method in accordance with claim 17, wherein:

the compliment comprises an audio compliment; and

the insult comprises an audio insult.

19. A method in accordance with claim 17, wherein the mnemonic aid comprises at least one of a picture association aid, a word association aid, or a sound association aid provided when a word is correctly matched to its definition.

20. A method in accordance with claim 17, wherein the mnemonic device comprises each of a picture association aid, a word association aid, and a sound association aid provided when a word is correctly matched to its definition.

21. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

a first user and a second user in turn select word choices in an attempt to match synonyms; and

scoring for each user is independently recorded.

22. A method in accordance with claim 21, wherein the word sets are comprised of words appearing on a Scholastic Aptitude Test.

23. A method in accordance with claim 22, comprising the further step of providing index cards containing written dialogue which communicates common messages from adults to children utilizing a word from the word sets, for use by adults in conversation with children to reinforce vocabulary retention.

24. A method in accordance with claim 22, comprising the further step of printing a support test containing sample Scholastic Aptitude Test questions.

25. A method in accordance with claim 24, wherein the support test comprises an online test.

26. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein each word set contains multiple word pairs of synonyms arranged in a grid and at least two wild card words which are not synonyms.

27. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

multiple users in turn select word choices in an attempt to match synonyms; and

scoring for each user is independently recorded.

28. An interactive computerized educational apparatus for teaching vocabulary words to a user, comprising:

a database containing words and an associated definition for each word;

a visual display which includes at least one word set containing pairs of synonyms;

an input device for user selection;

a visual display adapted to display the word set;

said visual display being adapted to display a first user chosen word from the word set and an associated word definition;

an audio processor for providing a voice for pronouncing the first user chosen word and reading its definition;

memory for storing the first user chosen word from the word set;

said visual display being adapted to display a second user chosen word and an associated word definition;

said audio processor providing a voice for pronouncing the second user chosen word and reading its definition;

memory for storing the second user chosen word; and

a comparator for comparing the two word choices to determine if the words are synonyms.

29. An apparatus in accordance with claim 28, wherein:

said visual display is adapted to display a dialogue using the first user chosen word and to display a dialogue using the second user chosen word.

30. An apparatus in accordance with claim 29, wherein:

said audio processor provides an audio voice for reading the dialogue after the dialogue is displayed.

31. An apparatus in accordance with claim 30, wherein:

the audio voice which pronounces the word choices and reads the definitions is in the form of a first voice; and

the audio voice which reads the dialogue is in the form of a second voice.

32. An apparatus in accordance with claim 31, wherein the first voice comprises an adult-like voice and the second voice comprises a child-like voice.

33. An apparatus in accordance with claim 28, wherein said visual display is adapted to display the word set in the form of a grid, said apparatus further comprising;

a selection device for approval or rejection of the first user chosen word, wherein

the first user chosen word is returned to the word set if the first user chosen word is rejected, in which case new word choices are permitted, and p2 the first user chosen word is compared with a second user chosen word to determine whether the words are synonyms if the first user chosen word is accepted, such that a correct choice of synonyms results in;

a first graphic appearing on the visual display;

a compliment directed at the user who correctly made a synonym match;

the word choices disappearing from the word grid to reveal a portion of a larger picture hidden beneath the grid of word choices;

a score is recorded reflecting the correctly matched synonym pair; and

the user who correctly made a synonym match is allowed to make additional word choices;

and such that an incorrect choice results in;

a second graphic appearing on the visual display;

an insult directed at the user who made the incorrect choice; and

the word choices returning to the word grid; and

a visual display adapted to reveal the hidden picture when all words are matched.

34. An apparatus in accordance with claim 33, wherein:

the compliment comprises an audio compliment; and

the insult comprises an audio insult.

35. An apparatus in accordance with claim 33, wherein:

the first graphic comprises an animation; and

the second graphic comprises an animation.

36. An apparatus in accordance with claim 33, wherein said visual display is adapted to provide animation of the hidden picture once the hidden picture is revealed as an indicator that all synonyms have been successfully matched.

37. An apparatus in accordance with claim 28, further comprising a selection device for returning to a main start screen to enable a user to choose a different word set.

38. An apparatus in accordance with claim 28, further comprising index cards containing written dialogue which communicates common messages from adults to children utilizing a word from the word sets, for use by adults in conversation with children to reinforce vocabulary retention.

39. An apparatus in accordance with claim 28, wherein each word set contains an even number of words arranged in a grid with an odd number of pairs of synonyms and at least one pair of wild card words which are not synonyms.

40. An apparatus in accordance with claim 28, wherein the word sets are comprised of words appearing on a Scholastic Aptitude Test.

41. An apparatus in accordance with claim 40, further comprising a printable support test containing sample Scholastic Aptitude Test questions.

42. An apparatus in accordance with claim 28, further comprising a mnemonic aid wherein:

said visual display is adapted to display each word from the word set, together with its definition and an associated mnemonic aid one at a time; and

said audio processor provides a voice which reads each word, its definition, and an associated mnemonic aid as they are displayed.

43. An apparatus in accordance with claim 42, wherein:

the mnemonic aid is a matching game;

said visual display is adapted to display each word in a grid on a first section thereof and to display either definitions or mnemonic aids for each word in a grid on a second section thereof; and

a selection device is provided to enable a user to match each word with its associated definition or mnemonic aid, such that incorrect matching results in a graphic display and insult and correct matching results in a graphic display and compliment.

44. An apparatus in accordance with claim 43, wherein:

the compliment comprises an audio compliment; and

the insult comprises an audio insult.

45. An apparatus in accordance with claim 42, wherein the mnemonic aid comprises at least one of a picture association aid, a word association aid, or a sound association aid.

46. An apparatus in accordance with claim 42, wherein the mnemonic device comprises each of a picture association aid, a word association aid, and a sound association aid.

47. An apparatus in accordance with claim 28, wherein:

a first user and a second user in turn select word choices in an attempt to match synonyms; and

scoring for each user is independently recorded.

48. An apparatus in accordance with claim 47, wherein the word sets are comprised of words appearing on a Scholastic Aptitude Test.

49. An apparatus in accordance with claim 48, further comprising a printable support test containing sample Scholastic Aptitude Test questions.

50. An apparatus in accordance with claim 49, wherein the support test comprises an online test.

51. An apparatus in accordance with claim 28, wherein each word set contains multiple word pairs of synonyms arranged in a grid and at least two wild card words which are not synonyms.

52. An apparatus in accordance with claim 28, wherein:

multiple users in turn select word choices in an attempt to match synonyms; and

scoring for each user is independently recorded.