Learning system with learner-constructed response based methodology

• US RE39,435 E1
• Filed: 09/02/2003
• Issued: 12/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/17/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: VXI Global Solutions, LLC
• Original Assignee: DRB LIT Ltd.
• Inventors: Berman, Dennis Ray
• Primary Examiner(s): Harris, Chanda L.
• Application Number:
  US10/653,748
• Time in Patent Office: 1,204 Days
• Field of Search: 434/323, 434/322, 434/353, 434/156, 434/157
• US Class Current: 434/323
• 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 methodology in which a learner-constructed response is provided in answer to a question presented by the system, the response being evaluated by comparison with pre-defined expected responses and, based upon the evaluation, the system determining whether to proceed to another question or to offer remedial feedback. Such a learner-constructed response based evaluation methodology greatly reduces the potential for “guess-work” based correct responses and improves the training process through remedial feedback and advancement upon demonstration of knowledge.

Claims

1. A computer readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program for execution by a computer system having a processor, a memory, and a display, the computer program for implementing a learning system with a learner-constructed response based methodology, comprising:

a presentation process for presenting on the display, using a graphical user interface, at least one knowledge topic to the learner and for prompting the learner to enter a learner-constructed response thereto;

a displaying process for presenting on the display, using the graphical user interface, the learner-constructed response;

an evaluation information process for providing keyword data that corresponds to the knowledge topic; and

an evaluation process for determining, based upon entry of a learner-constructed response to the knowledge topic, success or failure of the learner to know the knowledge topic, the success or failure being determined by comparison of the learner-constructed response with the keyword data wherein upon a determination of failure of the learner, remedial information is provided to the learner before the learner is prompted to enter another learner-constructed response.

2. The program of claim 1 wherein the comparsion comprises a determination of whether or not expected keyword data appears in the learner-constructed response, the keyword data comprising at least one synonym.

10. The computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the presentation process for prompting includes a process for prompting the learner to fill in a blank in response to a displayed question.

11. The computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the presentation process for prompting includes a process for utilizing HTML tags to display a question.

12. The computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the evaluation process for determining includes a process for comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in an HTML tag.

13. The computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the evaluation process for determining includes a process for comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in a meta-data tag.

14. The computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting text.

15. The computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting graphics.

16. The computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting video.

17. The computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting on a desktop computer display.

18. The computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting on a television display.

19. The computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting on a hand-held display.

20. The computer readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting, using a web browser, on the display.

21. The computer readable storage medium of claim 1, further comprising a receiving process for receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input.

22. The computer readable storage medium of claim 1, further comprising a receiving process for receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input and converting the voice input into text.

3. A method for implementing an automated learning system, the method performed by a computer system having a processor, a memory, and a display, the method comprising:

presenting at least one knowledge topic on the display, using a graphical user interface, to the learnerand for ;

prompting the learner to enter a learner constructed learner-constructed response thereto;

presenting on the display, using the graphical user interface, the learner-constructed response;

comparing keyword data that corresponds to the knowledge topic with the learner-constructed response; and

determining success of failure of the learner to know the knowledge topic, the success or failure being determined by whether or not expected keyword data appears in the learner-constructed response, wherein upon a determination of failure of the learner, remedial information is provided to the learner before the learner is prompted to enter another learner-constructed response.

23. The method of claim 3, wherein the prompting includes prompting the learner to fill in a blank in response to a displayed question.

24. The method of claim 3, wherein the prompting includes utilizing HTML tags to display a question.

25. The method of claim 3, wherein the comparing includes comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in an HTML tag.

26. The method of claim 3, wherein the comparing includes comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in a meta-data tag.

27. The method of claim 3, wherein the presenting at least one knowledge topic includes presenting text.

28. The method of claim 3, wherein the presenting one knowledge topic includes presenting graphics.

29. The method of claim 3, wherein the presenting one knowledge topic includes presenting video.

30. The method of claim 3, wherein the presenting one knowledge topic includes presenting on a desktop computer display.

31. The method of claim 3, wherein the presenting one knowledge topic includes presenting on a television display.

32. The method of claim 3, wherein the presenting one knowledge topic includes presenting on a hand-held display.

33. The method of claim 3, wherein the presenting one knowledge topic includes presenting, using a web browser, on the display.

34. The method of claim 3, further comprising receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input.

35. The method of claim 3, further comprising receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input and converting the voice input into text.

4. A method for implementing an automated learning system, the method performed by a computer system having a processor, a memory, and a display, the method comprising:

presenting a series of knowledge topics on the display, using a graphical user interface, to the learner;

and

prompting the learner to enter a learner constructed learner-constructed response to each topic;

presenting on the display, using the graphical user interface, the learner-constructed responses;

comparing keyword data that corresponds to the knowledge topics with the learner-constructed responses; and

determining success or failure of the learner to know each of the knowledge topics, the success or failure being determined by whether or not expected keyword data appears in the learner-constructed response;

upon a determination of failure of the learner, providing remedial information to the learner and again prompting the learner to enter a learner-constructed response;

upon a determination of success of the learner, discontinuing presentation and prompting of the learner regarding the particular knowledge topic;

whereupon automated presentation of the series is completed when success is determined for each knowledge topic.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the comparing comprises a determination of whether or not expected keyword data appears in the learner-constructed response, the keyword data comprising at least one exact keyword.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein the comparing comprises a determination of whether or not expected keyword data appears in the learner-constructed response, the keyword data comprising at least one exact phrase.

7. The method of claim 4 wherein the comparing comprises a determination of whether or not expected keyword data appears in the learner-constructed response, the keyword data comprising at least one synonym.

8. The method of claim 4 wherein the comparing comprises a determination of whether or not the learner-constructed response fails a lexical analysis.

9. The method of claim 4 further comprising:

collecting information regarding a performance of at least one learner during the presentation process, the evaluation information process and the evaluation process;

analyzing the collected information; and

generating a report based on the analyzed information for at least one predetermined party.

36. The method of claim 4, wherein the prompting includes prompting the learner to fill in a blank in response to a displayed question.

37. The method of claim 4, wherein the prompting includes utilizing HTML tags to display a question.

38. The method of claim 4, wherein the comparing includes comparing at least one learner-constructed response with data encoded in an HTML tag.

39. The method of claim 4, wherein the comparing includes comparing at least one learner-constructed response with data encoded in a meta-data tag.

40. The method of claim 4, wherein the presenting a series of knowledge topics includes presenting text.

41. The method of claim 4, wherein the presenting a series of knowledge topics includes presenting graphics.

42. The method of claim 4, wherein the presenting a series of knowledge topics includes presenting video.

43. The method of claim 4, wherein the presenting a series of knowledge topics includes presenting on a desktop computer display.

44. The method of claim 4, wherein the presenting a series of knowledge topics includes presenting on a television display.

45. The method of claim 4, wherein the presenting a series of knowledge topics includes presenting on a hand-held display.

46. The method of claim 4, wherein the presenting a series of knowledge topics includes presenting, using a web browser, on the display.

47. The method of claim 4, further comprising receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input.

48. The method of claim 4, further comprising receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input and converting the voice input into text.

49. A computer readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program for execution by a computer system having a processor, a memory, and a display, the computer program for implementing a learning system with a learner-constructed response based methodology, comprising:

a presentation process for presenting on the display, using a graphical user interface, at least one knowledge topic to the learner and for prompting the learner to enter a learner-constructed response thereto;

a displaying process for presenting on the display, using the graphical user interface, the learner-constructed response;

an evaluation information process for providing keyword data that corresponds to the knowledge topic; and

an evaluation process for determining, based upon entry of the learner-constructed response to the knowledge topic, success or failure of the learner to know the knowledge topic, the success or failure being determined by comparison of the learner-constructed response with the keyword data wherein after a determination of failure of the learner, remedial information is provided to the learner, after which the learner is prompted to enter another learner-constructed response.

50. The computer readable storage medium of claim 49, wherein the presentation process for prompting includes a process for prompting the learner to fill in a blank in response to a displayed question.

51. The computer readable storage medium of claim 49, wherein the presentation process for prompting includes a process for utilizing HTML tags to display a question.

52. The computer readable storage medium of claim 49, wherein the evaluation process for determining includes a process for comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in an HTML tag.

53. The computer readable storage medium of claim 49, wherein the evaluation process for determining includes a process for comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in a meta-data tag.

54. The computer readable storage medium of claim 49, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting text.

55. The computer readable storage medium of claim 49, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting graphics.

56. The computer readable storage medium of claim 49, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting video.

57. The computer readable storage medium of claim 49, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting on a desktop computer display.

58. The computer readable storage medium of claim 49, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting on a television display.

59. The computer readable storage medium of claim 49, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting on a hand-held display.

60. The computer readable storage medium of claim 49, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting, using a web browser, on the display.

61. The computer readable storage medium of claim 49, further comprising a receiving process for receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input.

62. The computer readable storage medium of claim 49, further comprising a receiving process for receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input and converting the voice input into text.

63. A computer readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program for execution by a computer system having a processor, a memory, and a display, the computer program for implementing a learning system with a learner-constructed response based methodology, comprising:

a presentation process for presenting on the display, using a graphical user interface, at least one knowledge topic to the learner and for prompting the learner to enter a learner-constructed response to one of the at least one knowledge topic;

a displaying process for presenting on the display, using the graphical user interface, the learner-constructed response;

an evaluation information process for providing keyword data that corresponds to the one of the at least one knowledge topic; and

an evaluation process for determining, based upon entry of the learner-constructed response to the knowledge topic, success or failure of the learner to know the knowledge topic, the success or failure being determined by comparison of the learner-constructed response with the keyword data, wherein upon a determination of failure of the learner, remedial information is provided to the learner after the learner is prompted to enter the learner-constructed response.

64. The computer readable storage medium of claim 63, wherein the presentation process for prompting includes a process for prompting the learner to fill in a blank in response to a displayed question.

65. The computer readable storage medium of claim 63, wherein the presentation process for prompting includes a process for utilizing HTML tags to display a question.

66. The computer readable storage medium of claim 63, wherein the evaluation process for determining includes a process for comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in an HTML tag.

67. The computer readable storage medium of claim 63, wherein the evaluation process for determining includes a process for comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in a meta-data tag.

68. The computer readable storage medium of claim 63, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting text.

69. The computer readable storage medium of claim 63, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting graphics.

70. The computer readable storage medium of claim 63, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting video.

71. The computer readable storage medium of claim 63, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting on a desktop computer display.

72. The computer readable storage medium of claim 63, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting on a television display.

73. The computer readable storage medium of claim 63, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting on a hand-held display.

74. The computer readable storage medium of claim 63, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting, using a web browser, on the display.

75. The computer readable storage medium of claim 63, further comprising a receiving process for receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input.

76. The computer readable storage medium of claim 63, further comprising a receiving process for receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input and converting the voice input into text.

77. A computer readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program for execution by a computer system having a processor, a memory, and a display, the computer program for implementing a learning system with a learner-constructed response based methodology, comprising:

a presentation process for presenting on the display, using a graphical user interface, at least one knowledge topic to the learner and for prompting the learner to enter a learner-constructed response thereto;

a displaying process for presenting on the display, using the graphical user interface, the learner-constructed response;

an evaluation information process for providing keyword data that corresponds to the knowledge topic; and

an evaluation process for determining, based upon entry of a learner-constructed response to the knowledge topic, success or failure of the learner to know the knowledge topic, the success or failure being determined by comparison of the learner-constructed response with the keyboard data, wherein upon a determination of failure of the learner, remedial information is provided to the learner before the learner is prompted to enter a last learner-constructed response.

78. The computer readable storage medium of claim 77, wherein the presentation process for prompting includes a process for prompting the learner to fill in a blank in response to a displayed question.

79. The computer readable storage medium of claim 77, wherein the presentation process for prompting includes a process for utilizing HTML tags to display a question.

80. The computer readable storage medium of claim 77, wherein the evaluation process for determining includes a process for comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in an HTML tag.

81. The computer readable storage medium of claim 77, wherein the evaluation process for determining includes a process for comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in a meta-data tag.

82. The computer readable storage medium of claim 77, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting text.

83. The computer readable storage medium of claim 77, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting graphics.

84. The computer readable storage medium of claim 77, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting video.

85. The computer readable storage medium of claim 77, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting on a desktop computer display.

86. The computer readable storage medium of claim 77, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting on a television display.

87. The computer readable storage medium of claim 77, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting on a hand-held display.

88. The computer readable storage medium of claim 77, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting, using a web browser, on the display.

89. The computer readable storage medium of claim 77, further comprising a receiving process for receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input.

90. The computer readable storage medium of claim 77, further comprising a receiving process for receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input and converting the voice input into text.

91. A computer readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program for execution by a computer system having a processor, a memory, and a display, the computer program for implementing a learning system with a learner-constructed response based methodology, comprising:

a presentation process for presenting on the display, using a graphical user interface, at least one knowledge topic to the learner and for prompting the learner to enter a learner-constructed response thereto;

a displaying process for presenting on the display, using the graphical user interface, the learner-constructed response;

an evaluation information process for providing keyword data that corresponds to the knowledge topic; and

an evaluation process for determining, based upon entry of a learner-constructed response to the knowledge topic, success or failure of the learner to know the knowledge topic, the success or failure being determined by comparison of the learner-constructed response with the keyword data wherein upon a determination of failure of the learner, remedial information is provided to the learner before the learner is prompted to enter a plurality of learner-constructed responses.

92. The computer readable storage medium of claim 91, wherein the presentation process for prompting includes a process for prompting the learner to fill in a blank in response to a displayed question.

93. The computer readable storage medium of claim 91, wherein the presentation process for prompting includes a process for utilizing HTML tags to display a question.

94. The computer readable storage medium of claim 91, wherein the evaluation process for determining includes a process for comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in an HTML tag.

95. The computer readable storage medium of claim 91, wherein the evaluation process for determining includes a process for comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in a meta-data tag.

96. The computer readable storage medium of claim 91, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting text.

97. The computer readable storage medium of claim 91, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting graphics.

98. The computer readable storage medium of claim 91, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting video.

99. The computer readable storage medium of claim 91, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting on a desktop computer display.

100. The computer readable storage medium of claim 91, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting on a television display.

101. The computer readable storage medium of claim 91, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting on a hand-held display.

102. The computer readable storage medium of claim 91, wherein the presentation process for presenting includes a process for presenting, using a web browser, on the display.

103. The computer readable storage medium of claim 91, further comprising a receiving process for receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input.

104. The computer readable storage medium of claim 91, further comprising a receiving process for receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input and converting the voice input into text.

105. A method for implementing an automated learning system, the method performed by a computer system having a processor, a memory, and a display, the method comprising:

presenting on the display, using a graphical user interface, at least one knowledge topic to the learner;

prompting the learner to enter a learner-constructed response to one of the at least one knowledge topic;

presenting the learner-constructed response on the display using the graphical user interface;

comparing keyword data that corresponds to the one knowledge topic with the learner-constructed response; and

determining success or failure of the learner to know the knowledge topic, the success or failure being determined by whether or not expected keyword data appears in the learner-constructed response, wherein upon a determination of failure of the learner, remedial information is provided to the learner before the learner is prompted to enter a last learner-constructed response.

106. The method of claim 105, wherein the prompting includes prompting the learner to fill in a blank in response to a displayed question.

107. The method of claim 105, wherein the prompting includes utilizing HTML tags to display a question.

108. The method of claim 105, wherein the determining includes comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in an HTML tag.

109. The method of claim 105, wherein the determining includes comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in a meta-data tag.

110. The method of claim 105, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting text.

111. The method of claim 105, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting graphics.

112. The method of claim 105, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting video.

113. The method of claim 105, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting on a desktop computer display.

114. The method of claim 105, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting on a desktop computer display.

115. The method of claim 105, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting on a hand-held display.

116. The method of claim 105, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting, using a web browser, on the display.

117. The method of claim 105, further comprising receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input.

118. The method of claim 105, further comprising receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input and converting the voice input into text.

119. A method for implementing an automated learning system, the method performed by a computer system having a processor, a memory, and a display, the method comprising:

presenting on the display, using a graphical user interface, at least one knowledge topic to the learner;

prompting the learner to enter a learner-constructed response thereto;

presenting the learner-constructed response on the display using the graphical user interface;

comparing keyword data that corresponds to the knowledge topic with the learner-constructed response; and

determining success or failure of the learner to know the knowledge topic, the success or failure being determined by whether or not expected keyword data appears in the learner-constructed response, wherein upon a determination of failure of the learner, remedial information is provided to the learner before the learner is prompted to enter a last learner-constructed response.

120. The method of claim 119, wherein the prompting includes prompting the learner to fill in a blank in response to a displayed question.

121. The method of claim 119, wherein the prompting includes utilizing HTML tags to display a question.

122. The method of claim 119, wherein the determining includes comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in an HTML tag.

123. The method of claim 119, wherein the determining includes comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in a meta-data tag.

124. The method of claim 119, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting text.

125. The method of claim 119, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting graphics.

126. The method of claim 119, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting video.

127. The method of claim 119, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting on a desktop computer display.

128. The method of claim 119, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting on a television display.

129. The method of claim 119, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting on a hand-held display.

130. The method of claim 119, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting, using a web browser, on the display.

131. The method of claim 119, further comprising receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input.

132. The method of claim 119, further comprising receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input and converting the voice input into text.

133. A method for implementing an automated learning system, the method performed by a computer system having a processor, a memory, and a display, the method comprising:

presenting on the display, using a graphical user interface, at least one knowledge topic to the learner;

prompting the learner to enter a learner-constructed response to the at least one knowledge topic;

presenting the learner-constructed response on the display using the graphical user interface;

comparing keyword data that corresponds to the knowledge topic with the learner-constructed response; and

determining success or failure of the learner to know the knowledge topic, the success or failure being determined by whether or not expected keyword data appears in the learner-constructed response, wherein upon a determination of failure of the learner, remedial information is provided to the learner after the learner is prompted to enter the learner-constructed response.

134. The method of claim 133, wherein the prompting includes prompting the learner to fill in a blank in response to a displayed question.

135. The method of claim 133, wherein the prompting includes utilizing HTML tags to display a question.

136. The method of claim 133, wherein the determining includes comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in an HTML tag.

137. The method of claim 133, wherein the determining includes comparing the learner-constructed response with data encoded in a meta-data tag.

138. The method of claim 133, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting text.

139. The method of claim 133, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting graphics.

140. The method of claim 133, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting video.

141. The method of claim 133, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting on a desktop computer display.

142. The method of claim 133, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting on a television display.

143. The method of claim 133, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting on a hand-held display.

144. The method of claim 133, wherein the presenting the at least one knowledge topic includes presenting, using a web browser, on the display.

145. The method of claim 133, further comprising receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input.

146. The method of claim 133, further comprising receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input and converting the voice input into text.

147. A method for implementing an automated learning system, the method performed by a computer system having a processor, a memory, and a display, the method comprising:

presenting on the display, using a graphical user interface, a series of knowledge topics to the learner;

prompting the learner to enter a learning constructed response to each knowledge topic;

presenting the learner-constructed response on the display using the graphical user interface;

comparing keyword data that corresponds to each knowledge topic with each learner-constructed response;

determining a success or a failure of the learner to know each knowledge topic, the success or failure being determined by whether expected keyword data appears in each learner-constructed response;

after a determination of failure of the learner for a particular knowledge topic, providing remedial information to the learner for the particular knowledge topic and prompting the learner to enter a new learner-constructed response to the particular knowledge topic;

upon a determination of success of the learner for a particular one of the knowledge topics, discontinuing presentation and prompting of the learner regarding the particular one of the knowledge topics.

148. The method of claim 147, wherein the prompting includes prompting the learner to fill in a blank in response to a displayed question.

149. The method of claim 147, wherein the prompting includes utilizing HTML tags to display a question.

150. The method of claim 147, wherein the determining includes comparing at least one learner-constructed response with data encoded in an HTML tag.

151. The method of claim 147, wherein the determining includes comparing at least one learner-constructed response with data encoded in a meta-data tag.

152. The method of claim 147, wherein the presenting the series of knowledge topics includes presenting text.

153. The method of claim 147, wherein the presenting the series of knowledge topics includes presenting graphics.

154. The method of claim 147, wherein the presenting the series of knowledge topics includes presenting video.

155. The method of claim 147, wherein the presenting the series of knowledge topics includes presenting on a desktop computer display.

156. The method of claim 147, wherein the presenting the series of knowledge topics includes presenting on a television display.

157. The method of claim 147, wherein the presenting the series of knowledge topics includes presenting on a hand-held display.

158. The method of claim 147, wherein the presenting the series of knowledge topics includes presenting, using a web browser, on the display.

159. The method of claim 147, further comprising receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input.

160. The method of claim 147, further comprising receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input and converting the voice input into text.

161. A method for implementing an automated learning system, the method performed by a computer system having a processor, a memory, and a display, the method comprising:

presenting on the display, using a graphical user interface, a series of knowledge topics to the learner;

prompting the learner to enter a learner-constructed response to each topic;

presenting the learner-constructed response on the display using the graphical user interface;

comparing keyword data that corresponds to the knowledge topics with the learner-constructed responses;

determining success or failure of the learner knowing each one of the knowledge topics, the success or failure being determined by whether or not expected keyword data appears in each learner-constructed response; and

upon a determination of failure of the learner, providing remedial information to the learner at a later time and prompting the learner to enter another learner-constructed response.

162. The method of claim 161, wherein the prompting includes prompting the learner to fill in a blank in response to a displayed question.

163. The method of claim 161, wherein the prompting includes utilizing HTML tags to display a question.

164. The method of claim 161, wherein the determining includes comparing at least one learner-constructed response with data encoded in an HTML tag.

165. The method of claim 161, wherein the determining includes comparing at least one learner-constructed response with data encoded in a meta-data tag.

166. The method of claim 161, wherein the presenting the series of knowledge topics includes presenting text.

167. The method of claim 161, wherein the presenting the series of knowledge topics includes presenting graphics.

168. The method of claim 161, wherein the presenting the series of knowledge topics includes presenting video.

169. The method of claim 161, wherein the presenting the series of knowledge topics includes presenting on a desktop computer display.

170. The method of claim 161, wherein the presenting the series of knowledge topics includes presenting on a television display.

171. The method of claim 161, wherein the presenting the series of knowledge topics includes presenting on a hand-held display.

172. The method of claim 161, wherein the presenting the series of knowledge topics includes presenting, using a web browser, on the display.

173. The method of claim 161, further comprising receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input.

174. The method of claim 161, further comprising receiving the learner-constructed response via voice input and converting the voice input into text.