Dynamic toolbar in a tutorial system

• US 7,065,512 B1
• Filed: 02/08/1999
• Issued: 06/20/2006
• 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, Bertrand, Benoit Patrick
• Primary Examiner(s): Hirl, Joseph P.
• Application Number:
  US09/868,694
• Time in Patent Office: 2,689 Days
• Field of Search: 706/45, 706/14, 706/12
• US Class Current: 706/45
• 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 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 training 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 dynamic toolbar that contains information that is context sensitive and utilities that are integrated into the presentation is instantiated from a database of presentation tailored information.

Claims

1. A method for creating a presentation on a computer system, comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving indicia representative of a goal and presenting the goal on a display;

(b) integrating examples into the presentation to provide assistance with achieving the goal;

(c) monitoring progress of a student toward the goal and providing feedback that further assists the student in accomplishing the goal; and

(d) providing a dynamic toolbar on the display to assist the student with achieving the goal, the dynamic toolbar being configurable for the presentation to enable the student to navigate through the presentation and to access the feedback.

2. The method for creating the presentation as recited in claim 1, wherein the dynamic toolbar is instantiated from information in a database.

3. The method for creating the presentation as recited in claim 1, wherein credit processing material is integrated into the presentation.

4. The method for creating the presentation as recited in claim 1, wherein the dynamic toolbar contains utilities that are integrated into the presentation.

5. The method for creating the presentation as recited in claim 1, wherein the dynamic toolbar is instantiated by a message from the presentation to a database object containing information indicative of a current status of the presentation.

6. The method for creating the presentation as recited in claim 1, wherein the dynamic toolbar contains polymorphic logic that is dynamically instantiated based on characteristics of the presentation when the toolbar is instantiated.

7. The method for creating the presentation as recited in claim 1, wherein the dynamic toolbar includes linkages to an Internet.

8. The method for creating the presentation as recited in claim 1, wherein the dynamic toolbar includes an interface to perform electronic mail management.

9. The method for creating the presentation as recited in claim 1, wherein the dynamic toolbar includes an interface that supports telephony functions from 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 examples into the presentation to provide assistance with achieving the goal;

(d) logic that monitors progress of a student toward the goal and provides feedback that further provides the student assistance in accomplishing the goal; and

(e) logic that presents a dynamic toolbar on the display to assist the student with achieving the goal, the dynamic toolbar being configurable for the presentation to enable the student to navigate through the presentation and to access the feedback.

11. The apparatus that creates the presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein the dynamic toolbar is instantiated from information in a database.

12. The apparatus that creates the presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein the dynamic toolbar is context-sensitive to the presentation.

13. The apparatus that creates the presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein the dynamic toolbar contains utilities that are integrated into the presentation.

14. The apparatus that creates the presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein the dynamic toolbar is instantiated by a message from the presentation to a database object containing information indicative of a current status of the presentation.

15. The apparatus that creates the presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein the dynamic toolbar contains polymorphic logic that is dynamically instantiated based on characteristics of the presentation when the toolbar is instantiated.

16. The apparatus that creates the presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein the dynamic toolbar includes linkages to an Internet.

17. The apparatus that creates the presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein the dynamic toolbar includes an interface to perform electronic mail management.

18. The apparatus that creates the presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein the dynamic toolbar includes an interface that supports telephony functions from the presentation.