Goal based system utilizing an activity table

• US 6,970,858 B1
• Filed: 02/08/1999
• Issued: 11/29/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited (Accenture PLC)
• Original Assignee: Accenture LLP (Accenture PLC)
• Inventors: Nichols, Mark Stewart
• Primary Examiner(s): Hirl, Joseph P.
• Application Number:
  US09/868,682
• Time in Patent Office: 2,486 Days
• Field of Search: 706/47, 706/14, 706/12
• US Class Current: 706/47
• CPC Class Codes: G06N 5/022 Knowledge engineering; Knowledge acquisition
• 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

Abstract

A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system uses an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple “correct” answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and allows a user to experience real-world consequences for their actions and decisions and entails realtime decision-making and synthesis of the educational material. The system is architected around a linked list activity table utilized to manage and control the system.

Claims

1. A computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation, comprising:

(a) a reception source code segment comprising source code for receiving information indicative of a goal;

(b) an integration source code segment comprising source code for integrating information that motivates accomplishment of the goal for use in the presentation;

(c) a management source code segment comprising source code for managing information flow utilizing a linked list, wherein the linked list comprises a plurality of data records; and

(d) an evaluation source code segment comprising source code for evaluating progress toward the goal and providing feedback that further motivates accomplishment of the goal.

2. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 1, wherein the linked list contains a linkage to a next presentation area.

3. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 1, wherein the linked list contains a linkage to a previous presentation area.

4. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 1, including an authorization segment comprising source code for storing authorization information based on measured progress of a student.

5. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 1, including a control code segment comprising source code for allowing controlling the presentation based on the progress of a student.

6. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 1, including an activity code segment comprising source code for querying an activity table to determine whether a student may progress in a presentation.

7. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 1, including a task code segment comprising source code for querying a task table to determine whether a student may progress in a presentation.

8. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 1, including a storage code segment comprising source code for storing a list of activity names as a dimension of the linked list.

9. The computer data signal embodied in a transmission medium for creating a presentation as recited in claim 1, including a tracking code segment comprising source code for storing a current location for one or more students that tracks the one or more students progress in the presentation.

10. An apparatus that creates a presentation, comprising:

(a) a processor

(b) a memory that stores information under control of the processor;

(c) logic that integrates information that motivates accomplishment of the goal for use in the presentation;

(d) logic that manages information flow of the presentation by utilizing a linked list, wherein the linked list comprises a plurality of data records; and

(e) logic that evaluates progress toward the goal.

11. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein the linked list contains a linkage to a next presentation area.

12. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein the linked list contains a linkage to a previous presentation area.

13. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, including logic that stores authorization information based on measured progress of a student.

14. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, including logic that controls the presentation based on the progress of a student.

15. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, including logic that queries an activity table to determine whether a student may progress in a presentation.

16. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, including a code segment that queries a task table to determine whether a student may progress in a presentation.

17. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, including logic that stores a list of activity names as a dimension of the linked list.

18. The apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, including logic that stores a current location for one or more students that tracks the one or more students progress in the presentation.