Blended learning educational system and method

• US 6,370,355 B1
• Filed: 05/04/2000
• Issued: 04/09/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Diem Investments, Inc.
• Original Assignee: LEO Learning, Inc. (Learning Technologies Group Plc)
• Inventors: Ceretta, Craig, Warne, Burr, Stirling, David, Bain, Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): Cheng, Joe H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MOSSER, KATHLEEN MICHELE
• Application Number:
  US09/565,273
• Time in Patent Office: 705 Days
• Field of Search: 434/322, 434/323, 434/307.R, 434/350, 434/236, 434/118, 434/119
• US Class Current: 434/350
• 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

In general, an Internet based blended learning system provides educational tools to a student in accordance with the student'"'"'s expressed educational interests. The blended learning system uses multiple educational tools that are tailored toward providing the end-user with complete and efficient educational lessons. Each tailored educational tool is focused upon a knowledge area in which the student has expressed educational interest. Students may complete each educational tool at their own pace, repeat lessons as necessary, and learn according to their own schedule. The blended learning system uses combinations of instructor-led virtual classrooms (I-led), online coaching, interactive computer based training (CBT), knowledge databases, published study guides and books, hands-on exercise labs and/or pre-certification exams.

Claims

1. A network based blended learning system for providing a plurality of educational tools to a user within a specified topic, comprising:

logic configured on an interface server to receive a request from said user for said plurality of educational tools; and

logic configured on said interface server to provide said plurality of educational tools, responsive to receiving said request from said user, said plurality of educational tools being selected from a group consisting of instructor-led classes, online coaching, interactive computer based training, knowledge databases, exercise labs, pre-certification practice exams, and study guides and books,

wherein said plurality of educational tools includes, for at least one specific topic, instructor-led classes, online coaching and interactive computer based training, knowledge databases, exercise labs, pre-certification practice exams, and study guides and books.

2. A method for providing a plurality of user specific blended learning educational tools to a user, comprising the steps of:

determining an educational interest of said user;

providing said plurality of blended learning educational tools to said user based upon said determined educational interest of said user, wherein said plurality of blended learning educational tools are selected from a group consisting of instructor-led classes, online coaching, interactive computer based training, knowledge databases, exercise labs, pre-certification practice exams, and study guides and books;

recording said user'"'"'s selection and activity within said plurality of blended learning educational tools; and

dynamically changing options within said plurality of educational tools that are offered to said user, based upon said user'"'"'s recorded selection and activity,

wherein said online coaching is further defined by a mentor who assists said user while said user is using said educational tools, said mentor performing said assistance via use of an Internet based communication method.

3. A method for providing a plurality of user specific blended learning educational tools to a user, comprising the steps of:

determining an educational interest of said user;

providing said plurality of blended learning educational tools to said user based upon said determined educational interest of said user, wherein said plurality of blended learning educational tools are selected from a group consisting of instructor-led classes, online coaching, interactive computer based training, knowledge databases, exercise labs, pre-certification practice exams, and study guides and books;

recording said user'"'"'s selection and activity within said plurality of blended learning educational tools; and

dynamically changing options within said plurality of educational tools that are offered to said user, based upon said user'"'"'s recorded selection and activity,

wherein said knowledge databases are further defined by a discussion board where said user may post questions to be answered by another blended learning system user, an instructor, or an online coach.