U.S. patent application number 11/862283 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-24 for blended learning experience tool and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Charles A. Hamilton, Janis A. Morariu, Tony M. O'Driscoll, James J. Sharpe, Mark F. Sidlauskas, Inderpreet S. Thukral.
Application Number | 20080022200 11/862283 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34634015 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080022200 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hamilton; Charles A. ; et
al. |
January 24, 2008 |
BLENDED LEARNING EXPERIENCE TOOL AND METHOD
Abstract
A blended learning solution is defined by determining degrees of
elements in learning zones. The zones are defined by the types of
interactions of the learners. Both formal and informal learning is
defined for each zone. A specialized circular display is
constructed to depict the optimal blended learning solution.
Inventors: |
Hamilton; Charles A.;
(Vancouver, CA) ; Morariu; Janis A.; (Hardy,
VA) ; O'Driscoll; Tony M.; (Cary, NC) ;
Sharpe; James J.; (Norton, IL) ; Sidlauskas; Mark
F.; (Closter, NJ) ; Thukral; Inderpreet S.;
(Delmar, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IBM CORPORATION
IPLAW SHCB/40-3
1701 NORTH STREET
ENDICOTT
NY
13760
US
|
Assignee: |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES
CORPORATION
New Orchard Road
Armonk
NY
10504
|
Family ID: |
34634015 |
Appl. No.: |
11/862283 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10729747 |
Dec 5, 2003 |
7281219 |
|
|
11862283 |
Sep 27, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/273 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B 7/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/273 |
International
Class: |
G06F 13/14 20060101
G06F013/14 |
Claims
1-19. (canceled)
20. A computer program product for instructing a processor to
provide a representation of a learning solution, comprising: a
computer readable medium; first program instruction means for
determining degrees of elements in learning zones; second program
instruction means for determining a percentage of formal learning
for each said zone; third program instruction means for
constructing a circular display having wedges corresponding to said
zones with each said wedge having an inner sub-wedge, wherein the
angular width of each wedge corresponds to said degrees and the
radius of each sub-wedge corresponds to said percentage of formal
learning; and fourth program instruction means for displaying said
circular display on a computer monitor or hardcopy printout; and
wherein all said program instruction means are recorded on said
medium.
21. The computer program product of claim 20, wherein said degrees
are angular degrees of a full circle.
22. The computer program product of claim 20, wherein said zones
are information, interaction, collaboration, and in-person.
23. The computer program product of claim 20, wherein said formal
learning is prescribed with intended goals and objectives set by an
organization.
24. The computer program product of claim 20, wherein informal
learning is learning in which the learner decides when and how
sources are used.
25. A method of deploying the representation of a blended learning
solution, comprising the steps of: defining degrees of elements in
learning zones; defining a percentage of formal learning for each
said zone; constructing a circular display on a computer screen,
having wedges corresponding to said zones with each said wedge
having an inner sub-wedge, wherein the angular width of each wedge
corresponds to said degrees and the radius of each said sub-wedge
corresponds to said percentage of formal learning; and sending the
constructed circular display to a learner for display on a computer
monitor or hardcopy printout.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is related to application Ser. No. ______
entitled "OPERATIONALIZING A LEARNING SOLUTION" which is co-owned
by the same assignee and filed on the same date.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates generally to the field of training or
learning systems. More particularly the invention relates to
learning systems which integrate traditional classroom learning
with new modes of learning such as on-line and web-based learning
as well as integration of formal and informal learning
experiences.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Organizations are deploying new learning technologies to
supplement conventional classroom or instructor led training (ILT).
Technology enabled delivery modes including on-line learning and
web-based learning allow learners to interact without being
physically present in a classroom. These organizations, however,
are struggling with the problem of integrating these new modes of
learning to achieve their desired objectives while minimizing
overall training costs. It is often the case that the desired
learning outcome as measured by a return on investment spending on
training is not optimized because training programs are designed
around a classroom experience and do not take advantage of other
technology based learning due to this lack of effective integration
of these two modes.
[0004] Examples of technology based learning include U.S. Pat. No.
6,341,960 by Frasson et al. Networked cognitive agents are employed
to provide intelligent assistance in a distance learning
situation.
[0005] Harris, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,094 describes an interactive
learning method using a learning model along with speech
recognition and synthesis techniques.
[0006] Wade and Power in their article titled "Evaluating the
Design and Delivery of WWW Based Educational Environments and
Courseware" presented at the 6.sup.th Annual Conference on the
Teaching of Computing, Dublin, Ireland held Aug. 17-21, 1998
describe the application of world wide web (WWW) based technology
to support distance education and computer aided learning.
Interestingly, Wade and Power note that such courses frequently are
not properly integrated within an educationally sound curriculum
and fail to enhance learning skills.
[0007] It is therefore evident that improved methods of providing
such integration is a desirable objective and would constitute a
significant advancement in the art.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A principal object of the present invention is to enhance
the learning solution art by providing a method of representing a
learning solution with enhanced capabilities.
[0009] It is another object to provide such a method wherein
enhanced capabilities are possible.
[0010] It is a further object to provide a computer program product
having such a capability.
[0011] These and other objects are attained in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention wherein there is provided a method of
displaying a blended learning experience, comprising the steps of
defining degrees of elements in learning zones, defining a
percentage of formal learning for each zone, constructing a
circular display having wedges corresponding to the zones with each
wedge having an inner sub-wedge, wherein the angular width of each
wedge corresponds to the degrees and the radius of each sub-wedge
corresponds to the percentage of formal learning, and displaying
the circular display on a computer monitor or hardcopy
printout.
[0012] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention there
is provided a method of providing a representation of a learning
solution, comprising the steps of determining degrees of elements
in learning zones, determining a percentage of formal learning for
each zone, constructing a circular display having wedges
corresponding to the zones with each wedge having an inner
sub-wedge, wherein the angular width of each wedge corresponds to
the degrees and the radius of each sub-wedge corresponds to the
percentage of formal learning, and displaying the circular display
on a computer monitor or hardcopy printout.
[0013] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention
there is provided a computer program product for instructing a
processor to represent a learning solution, the computer program
product comprising a computer readable medium, first program
instruction means for defining degrees of elements in learning
zones, second program instruction means for defining a percentage
of formal learning for each zone, third program instruction means
for constructing a circular display having wedges corresponding to
the zones with each wedge having an inner sub-wedge, wherein the
angular width of each wedge corresponds to the degrees and the
radius of each sub-wedge corresponds to the percentage of formal
learning, and fourth program instruction means for displaying the
circular display on a computer monitor or hardcopy printout, and
wherein all the program instruction means are recorded on the
medium.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a circular display of a blended learning
experience; and
[0015] FIGS. 2 & 3 are examples of specific blended learning
solutions.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0016] For a better understanding of the present invention together
with other and further objects, advantages, and capabilities
thereof, reference is made to the following disclosure and the
appended claims in connection with the above-described
drawings.
[0017] The learning solutions market requires a comprehensive model
to address emerging learning methods such as informal learning.
Informal learning shall be taken herein to mean learning in which
the learner decides when and how sources are used. Alternatively
informal learning may be taken herein to mean unstructured
learning. Structured learning is a predefined, predetermined
learning experience defined by an organization rather than the
individual learner. Such informal learning comprises up to 80% of
the learning experience for corporate knowledge workers.
[0018] The learning optimization model (LOM) of the present
invention incorporates informal learning into a solution design and
recognizes the impact of formal and informal learning. The LOM also
recognizes how content is defined by the learner context which
includes the learner, his/her educational role, competency level
and physical environment. Various types of learner interactions are
defined by the LOM and provide a linkage to learning objectives.
Learning delivery modes are also optimized to the context of the
learner, whether the learner is located in a classroom or
participating on a virtual team.
[0019] In FIG. 1 there is shown a circular display of a blended
learning experience in accordance with the LOM of the present
invention. Four radial zones refer to a specific type of learning
experience. Within each zone are specific learning elements which
may be selected for a particular learning solution.
[0020] Information zone 12 deals with self-directed knowledge
acquisition. Information flows one way from the media source to the
learner. Elements of this zone include static sources of
information such as books, journals, reference material, web pages,
videos, or the wearable electronic performance support system
(EPSS) used for real time training of plant personnel.
[0021] Interaction zone 14 deals with an individual engaging with
programs designed for tutorial instruction, drill and practice,
simulation, and gaming. In this zone the learner interacts only
with automated programs or processes, not with other students or an
instructor.
[0022] Information and interaction zones 12, 14 describe learning
experiences focused on the individual learner. The remaining zones
to be described below refer to collaborative or group based
learning.
[0023] Collaboration zone 16 deals with learners brought together
online with other learners, instructors, or mentors through
technologies. Learners use collaborative techniques such as chat,
team rooms, virtual classes, e-meetings, or the like to enable
people-to-people exchanges and interactions. The exchanges and
interactions may be online at the same time as well as off-line
(asynchronously).
[0024] In-Person zone 18 deals with people interacting with each
other in the same classroom. Examples include the traditional
classroom model, mentoring, coaching, or team members engaged
together.
[0025] For any learning solution the amount of informal and formal
learning will differ in each zone. Boundary arcs 22 separate an
inner ring representing the amount of formal learning and an outer
ring representing the amount of informal learning for each zone or
vice versa. For example, boundary arc 22 may be positioned so that
the area of the inner circle wedge for a particular zone represents
a percentage of total zone area for that zone. The percentage may
represent the percentage of total learning hours within that zone
devoted to formal learning. Other schemes for placement of radial
boundary lines may be used such as radial distance from the center
as a percentage of formal learning.
[0026] In like manner, the angular width of each zone wedge in
degrees can vary to correspond to degrees of elements selected in
each zone. Degrees of elements shall be taken to mean the form and
how much of each element is selected. For example, suppose a
particular learning experience, say new employee orientation, is
expected to take 20 hours, and 5 hours of training time will be
taken in learning time by the degrees of elements selected from
information zone 12. Then the angular width of information zone 12
would be 5/20 of a full circle (360 degrees) or 90 angular degrees.
Other learning units besides hours may be used in the above
calculations without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0027] A single learning solution will be a combining or blending
of the zones. One can choose varying degrees of elements from each
zone, or choose only from selected zones. The amount of formal and
informal learning will also change from zone to zone based on
defined learning objectives or the intent of the learner. FIGS. 2
and 3 show two examples of specific learning solutions. A specific
learning solution may represent the optimal blended learning mix
for a corporate management development course, a high school
biology curriculum, or an online home improvement course offered by
a hardware store chain.
[0028] Once the optimum blended learning degrees and percentages
are determined for any solution, the display of FIGS. 1, 2, or 3
may be constructed. A computer program product may be used to
assist in performing the blended solution determination. The
computer program product may also include instructions for
automatically drawing or displaying or printing the circular
representation as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 or 3.
[0029] While there have been shown and described what are at
present considered the preferred embodiments of the invention, it
will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes
and modification may be made therein without departing from the
scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
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