U.S. patent application number 13/830254 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for systems and methods for online learning in a combined game and forum setting.
This patent application is currently assigned to PIXLWISE, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is PIXLWISE, INC.. Invention is credited to Jason M. Akatiff, Cedrick Funches, Nicholas J. Ryall.
Application Number | 20140274303 13/830254 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51529513 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140274303 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Funches; Cedrick ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ONLINE LEARNING IN A COMBINED GAME AND
FORUM SETTING
Abstract
The field of the invention relates to systems and methods that
enable online learning in a game setting combined with community
forum support and real world practice. In an embodiment, the system
includes an online learning server system coupled to a public
network and accessible to one or more users. The online learning
server system is configured to retrieve a user's data in
association with an educational game, determine at least one
lesson, challenge, or mini-game, and provide the at least one
lesson, challenge, or mini-game for playing. When the user unlocks
a lesson or level in the game, the system unlocks the associated
lesson or level in a forum associated with the game, and promotes
the user to participate in the forum. At the completion of the
learning game, the online learning server system calculates
progress and level of the user, updates, and stores the user's
data.
Inventors: |
Funches; Cedrick; (La Mesa,
CA) ; Ryall; Nicholas J.; (Auckland, NZ) ;
Akatiff; Jason M.; (Carlsbad, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PIXLWISE, INC. |
Dover |
DE |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PIXLWISE, INC.
Dover
DE
|
Family ID: |
51529513 |
Appl. No.: |
13/830254 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/67 20140902;
A63F 13/795 20140902; A63F 13/30 20140902; A63F 13/69 20140902;
H04L 67/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/23 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A computer-based system for providing online learning in a game,
comprising: an online learning server system, operatively coupled
to a public network, having game application program interface, a
forum application program interface, a database that stores data
associated with a plurality of users, wherein the online learning
server system is configured to: retrieve a user's data in
association with an educational game; determine at least one
electronic episode object, lesson object, challenge object,
mini-game object, help object, or tutorial object; provide the at
least one electronic lesson object, challenge object, or mini-game
object for playing; provide the at least one help object or
tutorial object; electronically unlock at least one lesson object
or level object in a forum associated with the educational game;
calculate progress and level; update the user's data; and store the
user's data.
2. A computer-based system for providing online learning in a game,
comprising: an online learning server system, operatively coupled
to a public network, having game application program interface, a
forum application program interface, a database that stores data
associated with a plurality of users, wherein the online learning
server system is configured to: retrieve a user's data in
association with an electronic game forum; determine at least one
level of forum participation; provide the least one level of forum
participation for user participation; and calculate, update, and
store the user's data.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The field of the invention relates to systems and methods
for online learning, and more particularly to systems and methods
that enable online learning in a combined game and forum
setting.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] With the widespread availability of online access through
the Internet, massive open online courses (MOOCs) have become
popular in both first world nations, adopted by prestigious
colleges and universities, as well as third world countries whereby
free MOOC content is being absorbed at a rapidly increasing rate.
Traditionally, the Internet has been a medium for learning by way
of passive teaching methods--reading instructional content,
listening to audio, and watching videos. These methods, however,
only promote 30% average engagement (National Training
Laboratories). Aside from the convenience of learning online, these
types of education lack the motivation, engagement, and fun
required to attract more learners and promote further learning.
[0003] To increase engagement, most MOOCs have adopted simple
gamification mechanics such as badges/badging, leveling up, social
sharing, achievements and goals (locked and unlocked), currency and
karma. Some MOOCs have also adopted simple practice exercises and
testing albeit the vast majority of content is focused on
coding/programming languages and simple mathematics. Still, these
additions have only resulted in a near 10% industry standard
completion rate. To increase completion rates, many MOOCs are now
including course certifications which seem to provide only a small
amount of incremental lift.
[0004] Children's games have very high engagement which can very
much be attributed to their unique addition of storyline elements.
Rather than basic educational content, learning is frequently
delivered through the conduit of a story and characters which often
include avatars and imaginary worlds. By creating engagement
through a storyline, children don't realize they are learning; the
perception is they are just playing a fun game.
[0005] To promote engagement in online learning, the learning
platform needs to move from passive teaching methods, with a 30%
average retention rate, to participatory methods which include
group discussion (50% average retention rate), practice (75%
average retention rate), and teaching others (90% average retention
rate). Both group discussion and teaching others can be achieved by
adding a forum component to the learning platform, but to be
successful, engagement in the forum must also be promoted. The
learning platform must also include elements allowing users to
practice what they've learned.
[0006] Accordingly, systems and methods for online learning which
include, among others, passive teaching methods, gamification
components, participatory teaching methods, forums components, and
storyline elements may be highly desirable for online learning.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The field of the invention relates to systems and methods
for online learning, and more particularly to systems and methods
that enable online learning in a game setting combined with a
community game forum (herein referred to as forum or game forum) to
support real world practice. The systems and methods for online
learning of the invention include, among others, passive teaching
methods, gamification components, participatory teaching methods,
forum components, storyline elements, and real world activity upon
graduation. The online learning provides lessons, objectives, and
mini-games that simulate real life activities, and an associated
community forum for the users to help and teach others. Upon
completion of a game, the online learning systems and methods of
the invention also provide a conduit to real world use of the newly
learned skills.
[0008] In an embodiment, the system includes an online learning
server system coupled to a public network and accessible to one or
more users. The online learning system server includes game
application program interface, a forum application program
interface, and a database that stores data associated with the one
or more users. The online learning server system is configured to
retrieve a user's data in association with an educational game. The
system determines at least one lesson, exercise, or challenge,
mini-game, or tutorial, and provides at least one lesson, exercise,
challenge, or mini-game for playing, which may include associated
help and/or tutorials. The system may dynamically create the
storyline of the educational game, and provide assistance
dynamically to the user. When the user unlocks a lesson or level in
the game, the system unlocks an associated lesson or level in a
forum associated with the game, and may prompt the user to
participate in the forum. Throughout the episode or game, the
online learning server system calculates progress, level, rewards,
and so on, of the user, updates, and stores the user's data.
[0009] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the
art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected
by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] In order to better appreciate how the above-recited and
other advantages and objects of the inventions are obtained, a more
particular description of the embodiments briefly described above
will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof,
which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be
noted that the components in the figures are not necessarily to
scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the
principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like
reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the
different views. However, like parts do not always have like
reference numerals. Moreover, all illustrations are intended to
convey concepts, where relative sizes, shapes and other detailed
attributes may be illustrated schematically rather than literally
or precisely.
[0011] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of an online learning system
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram of an online learning server
system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2a is another exemplary diagram of an online learning
server system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of an online learning game
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3a is another exemplary diagram of an online learning
game according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is an exemplary user interface according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is another exemplary user interface according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5a is another exemplary user interface according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is another exemplary user interface according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is another exemplary user interface according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7a is another exemplary user interface according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7b is another exemplary user interface according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 is another exemplary user interface according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 9 is another exemplary user interface according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 9a is another exemplary user interface according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 is another exemplary user interface according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 11 is another exemplary user interface according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 12 is an exemplary process of an online learning server
system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 13 is another exemplary process of an online learning
server system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Preferred Systems
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a computer-based online learning system 1000 in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The system
1000 generally includes an online learning server system 1400,
which may be distributed on one or more physical servers, each
having processor, memory, an operating system, and input/output
interface, and a network interface all known in the art, one or
more social networking servers 1500, one or more payment servers
1600, and a plurality of end user computing devices 1200/1300
coupled to a public network 1100, such as the Internet and/or a
cellular or wireless network. The online learning server system
1400 may be a cloud computing based system.
[0031] Turning to the online learning server system 1400, an
exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 2. Generally, an online
learning server system 1400 includes one or more web-based
electronic game programs 1430 designed to provide online learning
and one or more online electronic forums 1440 designed to provide
community learning, support and discussion. An online forum 1440
generally associates with a game 1430. The user of a game 1430 will
have to complete certain tasks in the associated forum 1440.
However, a forum 1440 may or may not directly connect to or
communicate with the associated game 1430. When not directly
connected to the associated game 1430, the forum 1440 is an
entirely separate element from the game 1430. For example, the user
may leave the game 1430 and connect to the forum 1440 to ask
questions and/or help other users. The user then may leave the
forum 1440 and go back to the game 1430. Alternatively, the user
may use the forum 1440 as a standalone product. A learning engine
application program interface (API) 1420 provides the building
blocks, applications, tools, analytics and software to enable the
development (including third party development) and management of
the games 1430 and forums 1440. The learning engine API 1420 also
supports communications between a gaming API 1421 and a forum API
1422 which are described below. Users of the system 1400 may log
into the system 1400 directly, or via social networking server
1500, for example, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Google+, and the
like.
[0032] For a game 1430, the learning engine API 1420 includes the
gaming API 1421 that provides the building blocks, applications,
tools, and software for building and managing the education
elements (e.g., lessons, challenges, mini games, and so on), story
(e.g., main storyline that moves users along from lesson to lesson,
and so on), agent assistance (e.g., pop-ups or fly-ins with dynamic
text to help users), level unlocking, rewards, analytics dashboard,
and so on, for the game 1430. Alternatively, a game 1430 may be
built as a standalone game (application) without the learning
engine API 1420.
[0033] For online electronic forum 1440, the learning engine API
1420 includes the forum API 1422 that provides the building blocks,
applications, tools, analytics and software for building and
managing level unlocking, rewards, content voting, content levels,
content management, and so on, for the forum 1440. Levels (e.g.,
topics, and so on) in the forum 1440 are locked (user cannot access
or participate in) until the associated levels in the associated
game 1430 are unlocked. Users of the forum 1440 are rewarded (e.g.,
with karma, swag, currency) for engagement which may include
providing content (e.g., asking questions and providing answers),
voting content up and/or down, and socializing content by posting
on social networks, blogs, and so on. Users are also rewarded for
bringing other users to the forum 1440 and/or game 1430 (user
acquisition). After bringing in other users to the forum 1440
and/or game 1430, a user may also help or mentor the other users,
creating a teacher/student acquisition. As such, the user (teacher)
earns rewards based on the user's consistent help to or mentoring
of the other users, and/or based on the performance of the other
users (students). Users of the forum 1440 may vote on the forum
content. As a result, authors of content that reach a predetermined
number or type of votes (good content) also receive rewards (e.g.,
karma, swag, currency). The forum rewards can be used back inside
the associated game 1430. Content that also reaches a predetermined
number or type of votes are also socialized (e.g., published) to
one or more social networks (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and
so on) of the authors of the content, or of the online learning
server system 1400. The content may be socialized automatically.
The above encourages participation in the forum 1440 for learning
and collaboration.
[0034] The learning engine API 1420 also keeps profiles of users
and data in a user profile database 1410. Users may need to
register with the system 1400 before using the system 1400.
Alternatively, a tier of users may use the system 1400 without
registration. These users can only access a limited number of games
or forums and/or for a limited period of time. The registration may
be free of charge, or the users may have to pay a subscription fee,
which may be made via the payment server 1600 (e.g., PayPal, Google
Wallet, Stripe and the like). The subscription fee may have one
more tiers, each tier offering a different level of services. As
such, the data stored in the user profiles include user personal
information, payment information, user's device information, user's
game information, forum information, and so on. Other data may
include metrics and analytics data from the game sessions performed
by the user. This data may include, e.g., timestamp of session,
session duration, game information, forum information, and so on.
As mentioned above, the system 1400 may be distributed on one or
more physical servers. The user profile database 1410 may be
integrated with the system 1400, or communicatively coupled to the
system 1400. The user profile database 1410 may be a single
database or a distributed database, or in multiple databases.
[0035] FIG. 2a shows another exemplary view of the learning engine
API 1420, the gaming API 1421, the game 1430, the forum API 1422,
and the forum 1440. The game 1430 may include, among others, social
gaming which is driven by a narrative and a plurality of game
objectives. The user is introduced to new concepts through a series
of interactive actions. The game API 1421 takes the user through
the game 1430 and periodically directs the user into the forum 1440
platform, through the forum API 1422, to continue the learning
experience and then back to the game 1430. This engagement
volleying, the back and forth between the game 1430/game API 1421
and forum 1440/forum API 1422, promotes learning through parallel
game playing (learning) and community forum participation.
[0036] The learning engine API 1420, the game API 1421, and the
forum API 1422 also support dynamic storytelling. Each time the
user (or player) starts a session, the game API 1421 records key
data interactions (e.g., duration of play, in-game purchases,
referrals, billing, and so on) and forms a unique user story and/or
user game profile. The forum API 1422 also records forum activity
which is also used to form the unique user story and/or user game
profile. The user stories are aimed at refining the gameplay as
well as helping to define the user acquisition strategy, game
strategy, and the like. The story is driven on a parallel track
with the game progression. The user completes tasks but can also
engage in a lighter version of the story mechanic if he chooses.
This allows the ability to push the story along without forcing the
user to complete actions. The online learning server system 1400
has the ability to deliver the story, updates, alerts, and
motivating factors in ways that aim to prompt retention, not
necessarily in-game purchases.
[0037] Depending on the user device 1200/1300 (e.g., desktop,
tablet, smartphone, mobile, laptop, and so on), the game API 1421
may push the appropriate game notifications to the user device
1200/1300 to promote the user to take action (e.g., lesson,
challenge, mini game, and so on) in a game 1430, and the forum API
1422 may push the appropriate forum notifications to the user
device 1200/1300 to promote the user to participate in a forum
1440. For example, a user may start a session on the desktop and
moves to another device (e.g., smartphone, tablet). The game API
1421 recognizes the current device and sends the appropriate
alert/motivator message to progress the user. The game 1430 and the
forum 1440 may also utilize the learning engine API 1420 to package
and deliver the message to the appropriate game/device.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary diagram of an episode 3000 of a
game 1430. At the start 3100 of a game episode 3000, the user may
start the game 1430 from the beginning or may have leveled up from
a previous episode. The game episode 3000 often starts with a story
cinematic 3200, and a screen explaining the goal 3101 of the game
episode 3000, and one or more pop-up or pop-over instructions 3300.
Throughout the game 1430, an agent assistance provides various
pop-up or pop-over instructions 3300 either at predetermined times,
or dynamically in reaction to the user's action (e.g., when the
user makes a mistake, takes too long to perform a task, and so on).
The game 1430 then presents a plurality of challenges
3400/3410/3420 to the user. Throughout the game 1430, the user
earns rewards 3500 for performing certain task, completing certain
challenge 3400/3410/3420, and so on. At a predetermined time or
event 3600 in the game episode 3000, the user may unlock a level of
forum 1440 which is associated with the game 1430. The user will be
at a level in the forum 1440 that is associated with the level that
he is at in the game 1430. At this time, the user may leave the
game 1430 and log in and participate in the newly unlocked level of
forum 1440. The user participates in the community forum 1440 by
asking questions, providing answers, social sharing, and so on. As
the user participates in the forum 1440, he earns rewards that he
can use when he goes back to the game 1430. When the user completes
the game episode 3000 at step 3500, he may receive rewards and
achieve a level-up 3120. It is noted that a game episode may
include one or more levels, or coincide with a level (e.g., episode
1 is the same as level 1).
[0039] FIG. 3a shows another exemplary diagram of an episode 3800
of a game 1430. The episode 3800 includes three exemplary levels
3810/3811/3812 (Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3). Each level
3810/3811/3812 may be a lesson. Each level 3810/3811/3812 may also
include one or more challenges 3820 (which may also be referred to
as objectives or exercises). Each challenge 3820 may be a type of
mini-game, for example, drag-and-drop, memory, unscramble,
seek-and-find, and/or engagement in the forum 1420 (as powered by
the forum API 1422) and so on. The game 1430 directs the user to
perform the challenges 3820 through mini-games and or forum 1420
engagement, with the goal to reach the end of a level
3810/3811/3812. When the user unlocks a lesson in the game 1430,
the user also unlocks the same lesson in the associated forum 1440.
The agent assistance 3830 dynamically provides help and tutorials
to the user throughout the game 1430. The number of challenges 3820
may be predetermined, changeable, or dynamically created,
calculated or arranged. A level 3810/3811/3812 may include a
different set of challenges 3820 for different users. The user
advances to the next level after successfully completing all the
challenges 3820 in the current level 3810/3811/3812. In an
embodiment, the user may be allowed to skip some challenges 3820 in
a level 3810/3811/3812 if they are too difficult for the user, or
to complete only a number of challenges or a percentage of
challenges but still complete that level 3810/3811/3812.
[0040] The online learning server system 1400 is configured to keep
track of the user's game information and forum information and
calculate progress, levels and rewards. Rewards may be given as
gifts at predetermined time in the game 1430, or when the user has
completed a certain challenge, set of challenges, level, and so on.
Rewards may also be given when the user participates in the
community forum 1440. Rewards may be dynamically created. Rewards
are electronic data that may include currency (e.g., cash, coins),
gold, badges, tokens, points, swag, karma, powerup, and so on.
Karma represents energy which helps the user perform more
challenges, gain more patience, and so on. Powerups helps unlock
additional advice or skills for the user, which may help the user
complete the game 1430 faster and/or earn additional rewards (e.g.
currency, karma, and soon). Levels and rewards may be used as
incentives to motivate the users to perform more challenges,
participate more in the community forum 1440, and so on. In an
embodiment, the user may complete all challenges 3820, but if he
does not have a certain amount and/or type of rewards, the user
does not unlock the next level.
[0041] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary login interface 4100 where the
user may log in to a game 1430 via a social network (e.g.,
Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Google+, and so on). Alternatively,
the user may also log directly into the online learning server
system 1400. In this example, the game 1430 rewards the user with a
badge 4200 for completing the login. In FIG. 5, the goal 3101 of
the game episode 3000 is displayed in user interface 5100, and a
story cinematic 3200 is displayed in exemplary user interface 5200,
5201, explaining the learning goal of the episode 3000 (e.g.,
learning to create an ad for Facebook) and/or the game 1430 (e.g.,
learning online marketing), when the game 1430 starts with the game
episode 3000. FIG. 5a shows another exemplary user interface 5300
which displays one or more challenges or objectives of the episode
3000.
[0042] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary user interface 6000 of the game
1430. The user interface 6000 shows an exemplary interface of a
challenge or exercise 6300 for learning a skill or a subject (e.g.,
Build your Ad). The exemplary challenge or exercise 6300 is part of
learning about the Facebook Ad Creator. The challenge 6300 is a
drag-and-drop type mini-game. The game 1430 also provides a
Tutorial 6200 that the user can invoke at any time during the game.
The user interface 6000 includes the status bar 6100, showing the
current cash 6120, token 6121, karma 6122 that the user has. The
progress bar 6110 shows the progress of the user within the game
episode 3000. Once the progress bar 6110 reaches the end (e.g., the
user completes a predetermined lesson or challenge), the user
progresses to the next level (level-up).
[0043] FIG. 7 shows another exemplary user interface 7000 of the
game 1430. User interfaces 7100 and 7300 show exemplary pop-up or
pop-over instructions 3300, which may be provided by the agent
assistance. An in-game instruction 7110 also guides the user to
perform the tasks of the lesson or challenge. User interface 7200
shows the game 1430 rewarding (e.g., 100 dollars) the user for
completing the task in user interface 7100. Throughout the game
1430, according to an embodiment and as shown in FIG. 7a, the game
1430 may include an exemplary user interface 7500. User interface
7500 includes a series of animated interfaces 7510, 7520 to explain
and instruct the user about the learning subject of the game 1430.
The user is often given the control to proceed at his pace by
clicking on a control button 7521. Similar control buttons are
typically presented at various steps in the game 1430. FIG. 7b
shows another exemplary user interface 7600, which is provided by
the agent assistance to help the user performing and completing
challenges.
[0044] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary user interface 8000 when the user
completes a lesson or challenge 6300 (FIG. 6). Generally, a game
1430 will unlock the next lesson or challenge (e.g., lesson or
challenge 6400 in FIG. 6) when the user completes a lesson or
challenge. Alternatively, a game may have more than one lesson or
challenge unlocked at the same time. Such games allow the user to
learn more than one lesson at the same time, or to skip a
lesson.
[0045] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary status interface 9000 of the game
1430. The user interface 9000 may be displayed at certain
predetermined time or event during the game 1430, or when the user
is presented with an icon or button to display the user interface
9000. The user interface 9000 includes a status bar 6100. For the
game 1430 which involves revenue, revenue and currency balance 9200
is displayed. Achievements status 9300 shows rewards (e.g., badges,
and so on) that the user has earned. Powerups status 9400 shows the
powerups that the user has unlocked during the game 1430. User data
(e.g., level, rewards, achievements, powerups, progress, and so on)
for the game 1430 and the associated forum 1440 are stored in the
user profile database 1410.
[0046] FIG. 9a shows an exemplary analytics dashboard user
interface 9500 of the game 1430, showing the activity timeline
9520, among others, for user 9510. The learning engine API 1420 has
a robust analytics component which collects data from both game
1430 and forum 1440 interaction and can then be used to: a)
automatically balance and weigh story elements, levels, objectives,
and mini-games, b) deploy the agent assistant, c) prompt for
tutorial help, d) notify the development team for
abnormalities/issues, e) power the analytics dashboard/user
interface 9500 to allow for manual adjustment, balancing, weighing
the game 1420, and so on.
[0047] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary login user interface 10000 of a
forum 1440. The user may log in to the forum 1440 via a social
network (e.g., Facebook). Alternatively, the user may also log
directly into the online learning server system 1400.
[0048] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary user interface 11000 of a forum
1440. The user interface 11000 shows the forum levels 11100 that
are still locked to the user. The forum levels 11100 may be locked
because the user has not achieved the associated levels in the game
1430 which are associated with the forum 1440, or because the user
has not achieved a predetermined participation in the forum 1440.
In this example, the user currently has an unlocked forum level
11200 (e.g., Level 1: Newbies and Groupies) in which the user may
participate. As such, the forum subjects 11210 are open to the
user. The general forum of the associated game 1430 is always
unlocked and not associated with levels in the game 1430. As
described above, as the user participates in the forum 1440 (e.g.,
asking questions, providing answers, and so on), he earns currency
and rewards which he can use the in the game 1430.
[0049] According to an embodiment, once the user completes one or
more lessons, challenges, or mini-games, the online learning server
system 1400 then offers the user to participate in a game that may
include the one or more lessons, challenges or mini-games that the
user just learned in the game 1430, together with other lessons,
challenges or mini-games.
[0050] According to an embodiment, once the user completes the game
1430, the online learning server system 1400 may offer the user to
participate in more advanced games for learning more advanced
subjects. The more advanced learning games may include real life
activities (e.g., creating and placing a real ad campaign on social
networks such as Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, and so on, after
learning about ad creation and campaign; trading on online
brokerage firms such as E*Trade, Charles Schwab, TD Ameritrade, and
so on, after learning about stock trading; participating in real
forums, and so on), and may involve real currency. The online
learning server system 1400 may offer or reward real and/or
effective currency to the user for participation in the real life
activities.
[0051] According to an embodiment, one or more new educational
games may be created using different combinations of different
episodes, story elements, levels, and challenges, mini-games,
rewards, forum engagement and so on, from the game 1430. One or
more different forums may also be created using different levels,
rewards, and so on, from the forum 1440.
Preferred Processes
[0052] FIG. 12 shows a description of the operation 12000 of the
online learning server system 1400. After a user registers with the
online learning server 1400, including paying, if required, through
the payment server 1600, upon the user's logging into the online
learning server system 1400, the online learning server system 1400
retrieves the user's data (e.g., profile, level, rewards, and so
on) from the database 1410 (Action Block 12100). Based on the
user's data, the online learning server system 1400 determines the
episodes, lessons, challenges, mini-games, and so on, that the user
should do, the help and tutorials that the user may need, and so
on, and provide these to the user as part of the game 1430, e.g.,
enables access to and/or download of said game, which may be in the
form of object code such as a Java script, HTML5, Ruby on Rails,
and so on (Action Block 12200). At various times in the game 1430,
and/or when the user unlocks a lesson or level (Decision Block
12300), the game API 1421 unlocks the associated lesson or level in
the associated forum 1440. The game API 1421 may also promote the
user to participate in the forum 1440 (FIG. 13) (Action Block
12400) in order to complete a level. At various times throughout
the game and when the user completes the episode (Decision Block
12500), the online learning server system 1400 calculates the
user's progress, game level, rewards, and so on (Action Block
12600) based on feedback from the game API 1421, updates the user's
data (e.g., profile, level, rewards, and so on) and store the
user's data in the database 1410 (Action Block 12700). If the user
has not completed the episode (Decision Block 12500), the online
training server system 1400 continues to provide the lessons,
challenges, mini-games, help, tutorials, and so on (Action Block
12200) until the completion of the episode.
[0053] FIG. 13 shows a description of the forum operation 13000 of
the online learning server system 1400. When a user logs into a
forum 1440, the online learning server system 1400 retrieves the
user's data (e.g., profile, level, rewards, powerups, progress, and
so on) from the database 1410 (Action Block 13100). Based on the
user's level in the game 1430 which is associated with the forum
1440, the online learning server system 1400 determines and
provides the associated level in the forum 1440 to the user for
participation (Action Block 13200). When the user completes
participating in the forum 1440 (Decision Block 13300), the online
learning server system 1400 calculates and updates the user's data
(e.g., rewards, level, and so on) and store the user's data in the
database 1410 (Action Block 13400). When the user has not completed
participating in the forum 1440 (Decision Block 13300), the online
learning server system 1400 continues to determine and provide the
associated level in the forum 1440 to the user for participation
(Action Block 13200).
[0054] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will,
however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be
made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of
the invention. For example, the reader is to understand that the
specific ordering and combination of process actions described
herein is merely illustrative, and the invention may appropriately
be performed using different or additional process actions, or a
different combination or ordering of process actions. For example,
this invention is particularly suited for online learning; however,
the invention can be used for any learning in general. Additionally
and obviously, features may be added or subtracted as desired.
Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light
of the attached claims and their equivalents.
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