U.S. patent application number 14/344691 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-20 for microlearning event management in a modular learning system.
The applicant listed for this patent is MONK AKARSHALA DESIGN PRIVATE LIMITED, MONK AKARSHALA INC.. Invention is credited to Samridh Kapoor.
Application Number | 20140343996 14/344691 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47883659 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140343996 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kapoor; Samridh |
November 20, 2014 |
MICROLEARNING EVENT MANAGEMENT IN A MODULAR LEARNING SYSTEM
Abstract
A system and method are disclosed for modularly scheduling
learning events in a modular learning system. Information about
application services and microlearning events are stored in the
modular learning system, with each microlearning event comprising a
plurality of learning applications associated with the application
services. The modular learning system receives a request from an
organizing user to organize a microlearning event, and in response
the modular learning system generates a set of services compatible
with the event.
Inventors: |
Kapoor; Samridh; (Mumbai,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MONK AKARSHALA DESIGN PRIVATE LIMITED
MONK AKARSHALA INC. |
Mumbai
Sacramento |
CA |
IN
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47883659 |
Appl. No.: |
14/344691 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
September 12, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US12/54698 |
371 Date: |
March 13, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/7.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/109 20130101;
G09B 7/00 20130101; G06Q 50/20 20130101; G06Q 10/1097 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/7.21 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/10 20060101
G06Q010/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 13, 2011 |
IN |
2593/MUM/2011 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method for modularly scheduling learning
events in a modular learning system, comprising steps of:
maintaining an application services database including a plurality
of application services, each application service associated with
an available time; maintaining a microlearning event items database
including a plurality of microlearning events, each microlearning
event comprising a plurality of learning applications, wherein each
learning application is associated with a plurality of compatible
application services; receiving, from a user device operated by an
organizing user, an organizing request associated with a
microlearning event in the plurality of microlearning events, the
organizing request comprising an event schedule and a plurality of
requested application services, wherein an event schedule
designates a sequence of learning applications associated with the
microlearning event, each learning application in a sequence
associated with a designated time; generating a set of compatible
application services by comparing the designated time of each
learning application in the sequence to an available time of each
application service associated with each learning application; and
displaying the set of compatible application services to the
organizing user.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
organizing request designates minimum purchase requirements
specifying a minimum number of purchases of the microlearning
event, further comprising the steps of: receiving purchase items
indicating a number of purchases of each application service;
wherein generating the set of compatible application services
further comprises comparing the number of purchases of each
application service to the minimum purchase requirements.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
organizing request designates minimum performance requirements
specifying a minimum number of performances of the microlearning
event, further comprising the steps of: receiving performance items
indicating a number of performances of each learning application;
wherein generating the set of compatible application services
further comprises comparing the number of performances of each
learning application to minimum performance requirements.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the sequence
of learning applications is based on a difficulty level associated
with each learning application in the sequence.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
organizing request further comprises an event type preference
selected from a group consisting of learning visits, industrial
visits, short-term exchange programs, workshops, tutorials, and
courses.
6. computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising steps
of: maintaining an application services database including a
plurality of application services, each application service
associated with an available time; maintaining a learning
application database including a plurality of learning
applications, each learning application associated with metadata
defining performance metrics and each learning application
comprising a plurality of application services; maintaining a
microlearning event items database including a plurality of
microlearning events, each microlearning event associated with a
plurality of learning applications, wherein each learning
application associated with the microlearning event has a
designated time; receiving a microlearning event initiation request
from an organizing user specifying the microlearning event;
generating a set of compatible application services by comparing
the designated time of each learning application in a specified
microlearning event to an available time of each application
service in the plurality of application services; displaying the
set of compatible application services to a learning user;
receiving from the learning user a request to access compatible
application services; receiving a set of performance measurements
from each learning user, wherein performance measurements are based
on performance metrics associated with the specified microlearning
event; and displaying performance measurements to the organizing
user.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, further comprising
the steps of: maintaining a learning user database including a
plurality of learning users, each learning user associated with
privacy settings authorizing one or more users to view the
performance measurements associated with each learning user;
wherein displaying the performance measurements to the organizing
user comprises determining whether the organizing user is an
authorized user.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, further comprising
the steps of: receiving from the organizing user a price associated
with the microlearning event; wherein the request received from
each learning user comprises an agreement to pay the price
associated with the microlearning event.
9. An apparatus for modularly scheduling learning events in a
modular learning system comprising: a processor configured to
execute instructions stored on a non-transitory medium; a
non-volatile memory including: instructions for execution on a
processor, instructions executable to perform steps comprising:
maintaining an application services database including a plurality
of application services, each application service associated with
an available time; maintaining a microlearning event items database
including a plurality of microlearning events, each microlearning
event comprising a plurality of learning applications, wherein each
learning application is associated with application services;
receiving, from a user device operated by an organizing user, an
organizing request associated with the microlearning event in the
plurality of microlearning events, the organizing request
comprising an event schedule and a plurality of requested
application services, wherein an event schedule designates a
sequence of learning applications associated with the microlearning
event, each learning application in a sequence having a designated
time; generating a set of compatible application services by
comparing the designated time of each learning application in the
sequence to an available time of each application service
associated with each learning application; and displaying the set
of compatible application services to the organizing user.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein an organizing request
designates minimum purchase requirements specifying a minimum
number of purchases of the microlearning event, the steps further
comprising: receiving purchase items indicating a number of
purchases of each application service; wherein generating the set
of compatible application services further comprises comparing the
number of purchases of each application service to minimum purchase
requirements.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein an organizing request
designates minimum performance requirements specifying a minimum
number of performances of the microlearning event, the steps
further comprising: receiving performance items indicating a number
of performances of each learning application; wherein generating
the set of compatible application services further comprises
comparing the number of performances of each learning application
to the minimum performance requirements.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sequence of learning
applications is based on a difficulty level associated with each
learning application in the sequence.
13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the organizing request
further comprises an event type preference selected from a group
consisting of learning visits, industrial visits, short-term
exchange programs, workshops, tutorials, and courses.
14. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising: maintaining an
application services database including a plurality of application
services, each application service associated with an available
time; maintaining a learning application database including a
plurality of learning applications, each learning application
associated with metadata defining performance metrics and each
learning application comprising a plurality of application
services; maintaining a microlearning event items database
including a plurality of microlearning events, each microlearning
event associated with a plurality of learning applications, wherein
each learning application associated with the microlearning event
has a designated time; receiving a microlearning event initiation
request from an organizing user specifying the microlearning event;
generating a set of compatible application services by comparing
the designated time of each learning application in a specified
microlearning event to an available time of each application
service in the plurality of application services; displaying the
set of compatible application services to a learning user;
receiving from the learning user a request to access compatible
application services; receiving a set of performance measurements
from each learning user, wherein performance measurements are based
on the performance metrics associated with the specified
microlearning event; and displaying performance measurements to the
organizing user.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the steps further comprise:
maintaining a learning user database including a plurality of
learning users, each learning user associated with privacy settings
authorizing one or more users to view the performance measurements
associated with each learning user; wherein displaying the
performance measurements to the organizing user comprises
determining whether the organizing user is an authorized user.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the steps further comprise:
receiving from the organizing user a price associated with the
microlearning event; wherein the request received from each
learning user comprises an agreement to pay the price associated
with the microlearning event.
17. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing
computer program instructions executable by a processor for
performing a method for modularly scheduling learning events in a
modular learning system, comprising steps of: maintaining an
application services database including a plurality of application
services, each application service associated with an available
time; maintaining a microlearning event items database including a
plurality of microlearning events, each microlearning event
comprising a plurality of learning applications, wherein each
learning application is associated with application services;
receiving, from a user device operated by an organizing user, an
organizing request associated with the microlearning event in the
plurality of microlearning events, the organizing request
comprising an event schedule and a plurality of requested
application services, wherein an event schedule designates a
sequence of learning applications associated with the microlearning
event, each learning application in the sequence having a
designated time; generating a set of compatible application
services by comparing the designated time of each learning
application in the sequence to an available time of each
application service associated with each learning application; and
displaying the set of compatible application services to the
organizing user.
18. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
17, wherein an organizing request designates minimum purchase
requirements specifying a minimum number of purchases of the
microlearning event, further comprising the steps of: receiving
purchase items indicating a number of purchases of each application
service; wherein generating the set of compatible application
services further comprises comparing the number of purchases of
each application service to minimum purchase requirements.
19. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
17, wherein an organizing request designates minimum performance
requirements specifying a minimum number of performances of the
microlearning event, further comprising the steps of: receiving
performance items indicating a number of performances of each
learning application; wherein generating the set of compatible
application services further comprises comparing the number of
performances of each learning application to the minimum
performance requirements.
20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
17, wherein the sequence of learning applications is based on a
difficulty level associated with each learning application in the
sequence.
21. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
17, wherein the organizing request further comprises an event type
preference selected from a group consisting of learning visits,
industrial visits, short-term exchange programs, workshops,
tutorials, and courses.
22. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
17, further comprising steps of: maintaining an application
services database including a plurality of application services,
each application service having an available time; maintaining a
learning application database including a plurality of learning
applications, each learning application associated with metadata
defining performance metrics and each learning application
comprising a plurality of application services; maintaining a
microlearning event items database including a plurality of
microlearning events, each microlearning event associated with a
plurality of learning applications, wherein each learning
application associated with the microlearning event has a
designated time; receiving a microlearning event initiation request
from an organizing user specifying the microlearning event;
generating a set of compatible application services by comparing
the designated time of each learning application in a specified
microlearning event to an available time of each application
service in the plurality of application services; displaying the
set of compatible application services to a learning user;
receiving from the learning user a request to access compatible
application services; receiving a set of performance measurements
from each learning user, wherein performance measurements are based
on performance metrics associated with the specified microlearning
event; and displaying performance measurements to the organizing
user.
23. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
22, further comprising the steps of: maintaining a learning user
database including a plurality of learning users, each learning
user associated with privacy settings authorizing one or more users
to view the performance measurements associated with each learning
user; wherein displaying the performance measurements to the
organizing user comprises determining whether the organizing user
is an authorized user.
24. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim
22, further comprising the steps of: receiving from the organizing
user a price associated with the microlearning event; wherein the
request received from each learning user comprises an agreement to
pay the price associated with the microlearning event.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a U.S. National Stage of International
Application No. PCT/US2012/054698, titled "Microlearning Event
Management in a Modular Learning System" filed on 12 Sep. 2012,
which claims the benefit of Indian Provisional Specification No.
2593/MUM/2011, titled "Microlearning Event Management in a Modular
Learning System" filed on 13 Sep. 2011, both of which are
incorporated by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE ART
[0002] The present invention relates generally to modular learning
systems, and more particularly to systems and methods of
microlearning event management in a modular learning system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0003] The current education environment includes members like
students or learners, teachers, tutors, coaches, guides, professors
or lecturers, content authors, and organization members like
preschools, schools, colleges, universities, educational boards and
professional standards authorities, admission testing authorities,
placement organizations, recruiters, HR departments of
organizations, educational content and media publishers and local,
regional, and national governments. All the above maintain some
form of transactional and functional relationships with each other.
Conventionally, organizers of workshops, industrial or educational
visits, exchange programs or even short tutorials or courses in the
current education environment may organize and manage access to the
events manually, or through an event organizing interface of an
event organizing system and base the same on the curriculum,
syllabus, course material or educational media constraints
determined by an educational board, standards authority, preschool,
school, college, university, department of education of a local,
regional or national government to which the organizer is
affiliated or whose curriculum, syllabus or course material it
follows. Further, some organizing institutions like certain
preschools, schools, colleges or universities in the current
education environment may grant event access only to students who
are admitted to each such institution, with access restricted to
other educational events of other organizing institutions to any
student of a particular institution. Recently, modular learning
systems enable a plurality of kinds of users to establish
transactional and functional relationships with each other, and
such users include a plurality of learning users, tutoring users,
learning application authoring users, a plurality of kinds of
learning facility administering users, learning tool supplying
users, a plurality of kinds of learning event organizing users like
microlearning workshop organizing users and microlearning visit
organizing users, in addition to a plurality of learning
applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0004] The disclosed embodiments have other advantages and features
which will be more readily apparent from the detailed description,
the appended claims, and the accompanying figures (or drawings). A
brief introduction of the figures is below.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a modular learning environment including a modular
learning system according to one embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a modular learning system
according to one embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 3A is a block diagram of the metadata of a learning
application according to one embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 3B is a block diagram of the metadata of a learning
application according to an alternative embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the microlearning event
management module according to one embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the method for a microlearning
event organizing user to organize a microlearning event through a
modular learning system according to one embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of the method for a microlearning
event organizing user to manage the performance of a microlearning
event in a modular learning system environment according to one
embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates components of an example machine able to
read instructions from a machine-readable medium and execute them
in a processor (or controller) according to one embodiment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention specifically relates to management of
microlearning events in a modular learning system. The invention
describes a system and a method of scheduling and organizing
learning events in the modular learning system.
[0014] When the modular learning system receives an event
initiation request from the event organizing user, the system
validates the organizing users credentials before granting access
to the event organizing interface. This is followed by the
determination of the sequence of learning applications or services,
and compatibility of selected application services. The system
receives minimum purchase and performance requirements of the
learning users and the microlearning event. If all the applications
and services are available, and if the payment terms are
acceptable, then the microlearning event is published to the
learning user marketplace.
[0015] The method for managing the published microlearning event in
a modular learning environment is also provided
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The Figures (FIGS.) and the following description relate to
embodiments by way of illustration only. It should be noted that
from the following discussion, alternative embodiments of the
systems, methods, figures, diagrams and interfaces disclosed herein
will be readily recognized as viable alternatives that may be
employed without departing from the principles of what is
claimed.
[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It
is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference
numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like
functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the disclosed
system (or method) for purposes of illustration only. One skilled
in the art will readily recognize from the following description
that alternative embodiments of the systems, methods, figures,
diagrams and interfaces illustrated herein may be employed without
departing from the principles described herein. In the following
description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the various embodiments. It will be evident, however to one
skilled in the art that the various embodiments may be practiced
without these specific details.
CONFIGURATION OVERVIEW
[0018] A system and method for managing the purchase and
performance of a learning application and associated application
services stack is provided. Further, a method of modularly
scheduling learning events has been described in detail. The
invention further relates to microlearning event management in a
modular learning system 144. A modular learning system 144 stores
and manages a plurality of learning applications. For example, a
learning application may relate to swimming, learning a level of
mathematics, or learning a form of martial art. The learning
application may relate to fact-based lessons, such as a history
lesson, to a performance-based skill, such as swimming, or to a
creative skill such as writing and directing a play. The learning
applications comprise learning content and metadata for determining
compatibility of the learning application with users and learning
services required for performing the learning application. Prior to
purchasing and using a learning application, a learning user is
verified as compatible for receiving and using the learning
application. Learning applications are described in further detail
below.
[0019] Learning users purchasing a learning application may select
learning service providers compatible with the particular learning
application in order to learn the content of the learning
application. Such learning services may include access to a
learning facility, learning tools, learning aids, learning
materials, tutoring services, testing services and other services.
Each of these learning services may be selected by the learning
user 102 and may be provided by a different entity. Each learning
application comprises a plurality of kinds of application metadata
in addition to the instructional content and associated media for a
particular topic or subject. The instructional content and media of
each learning application may comprise a specific unit of
instruction for a particular portion of knowledge or a skill, and
may vary widely in scope. The learning user 102's relationship with
the various application service providers is managed through
modular learning system 144 with respect to individual learning
applications. Each of the learning services is also associated with
metadata which may describe aspects of the application services,
application service availability, learning user's compatibility
with the application services, schedules, and other aspects of the
application services. This metadata relating to the learning
services is described in further detail below.
[0020] For example, a learning user 102 using the modular learning
system 144 may obtain, in micro increments of time and money,
tutoring services from a particular tutoring user 112, learning
applications from a content application authoring user 104,
learning tools, aids or materials from a learning tools supplying
user 118, learning visits from a learning visits organizing user
114, learning facility access to a learning facility 132, learning
workshop access from a learning workshop organizing user 116 and
may wish to seek placement or recruitment at another organization
through a user registered on the system as a recruiting user 120.
The modular learning system 144 enables each of these entities to
provide services to the learning user 102 using the learning
applications. As such, the modular learning system 144 enables the
learning user 102 to identify learning content applications the
learning user 102 is interested in, and connecting the learning
user 102 with application service providers that can provide
distinct application services associated with those learning
content applications.
[0021] Figure (FIG. 1 is a modular learning environment 100
including a modular learning system 144 according to one
embodiment. Modular learning system 144 operates in modular
learning environment 100 and communicates with a plurality of user
devices 140 over a network 142. The user devices 140 are operated
by a plurality of kinds of users in the learning environment. The
user devices 140 may comprise any of a variety of computing
devices, such as a desktop computer, a laptop, a mobile device, a
tablet computer, a set-top box, a kiosk, interactive television,
gaming console, and other computing platforms suitable for
communicating with modular learning system 144. The modular
learning system 144 provides a system for managing curricula,
learning facilities, standardized tests, learning applications,
tutors, and other modules of a learning experience in micro
increments of time and money. The modular learning system 144
enables the various users to communicate with other users in a
learning environment and provide services to learning user 102. The
network 142 includes a wireless area network, a local area network,
a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, an Enhanced Data for
Global Evolution (EDGE) network and the like. The user devices 140
are connected to the modular learning system 144 via the network
142.
[0022] Modular learning system 144 allows a learning user 102 to
manage the purchase and performance of each module of a single
microlearning service stack for a learning application (e.g.
Breaststroke) or a group of learning applications (e.g.
Breaststroke, Freestyle, Butterfly and Swimming Safety). Tutor
access, such as access to a swimming instructor may be purchased in
various increments, such as in hours. Learning content applications
such as a breaststroke application with attached instructional
media and other data may be purchased in timed access quantities or
may be permanently purchased. Learning facility access such as an
Olympic Sized Swimming Pool may be purchased in increments of hours
or learning application performances such as ten laps. Learning
tools or materials such as Swimming Goggles may be purchased as
well. Each of these modules may be separately purchased and
interacted with through an interface displayed on user device 140.
In case of a learning performance which can be completed on the
user device 140 itself, the learning application content is not
only purchased and managed, but also performed, through an
interface displayed on the user device 140. A learning user 102 may
manage the purchase and performance of groups of microlearning
performances in the form of learning visits and learning workshops,
through an interface displayed on user device 140. Learning user
102 may manage an individual learning identity (or learning
profile) and offer details of microlearning application
performances completed by him, as well as the personal learning
metrics, scores, and reviews. This learning identity may be
provided to recruiting users for the purpose of placement.
[0023] The modular learning system 144 manages, regulates and
supervises the purchase, sale, preview, performance and review of a
plurality of microlearning applications, each comprised modularly
of a tutoring service, a learning application, learning facility
access, and/or learning tools or infrastructure access, a learning
visit, and/or a workshop as described in further detail below. The
modular learning system 144 manages transactional and functional
relationships between users of the modular learning system 144.
These various users interact with the modular learning system 144
to modify learning applications and provide learning services as
described below.
[0024] The modular learning system 144 may enable various other
users including but not limited to tutors, authors, tool/material
suppliers learning application template developers, translators,
certifying user, learning facility administrators, learning event
organizers, recruiters, and funders to modularly manage at least
one of micro tutoring services associated with specific learning
applications, microlearning content applications, microlearning
application templates, translation of microlearning content
applications, certification of microlearning content applications,
access to learning facilities, access to learning workshops,
organization of learning visits associated with specific learning
applications, supply of tools, aids and/or materials, recruitment
services, as well as granular funding services.
[0025] The modular learning system 144 enables a tutoring user 112
to provide micro tutoring services to learning user 102. Tutoring
user 112 are typically individuals with credentials or other
knowledge in the area of learning applications. The tutoring user
112 may associate themselves with particular pieces of content and
may indicate qualifications to teach each learning application, as
is described further below. The modular learning system 144 manages
the sale of micro tutoring services and associated tutoring user
112 with specific learning applications to learning user 102.
Tutoring user 112 assists the learning user 102 with learning the
subject matter of the learning application. As such, the modular
learning system 144 facilitates the meeting and communication of
tutors and learners. Tutoring user 112 may also provide learning
performance data to the modular learning system 144. The learning
performance data may indicate, for example, the level of the
learner's mastery or proficiency through scoring or other metrics
for reviewing performance at a learning performance task. The
tutoring user 112 provides input to the modular learning system 144
using a plurality of learning applications through an interface
displayed on the tutoring user's 112 user device 140.
[0026] The modular learning system 144 enables a learning
application authoring user 104 to manage the drafting, editing,
testing, publishing, sale and updates of learning content in
applications through an interface displayed on user device 140.
That is, the learning application authoring user 104 authors
individual pieces of learning content which may be purchased and
used by a learning user. For example, a learning application
authoring user 104 may create instructional content for learning
the backstroke. The instructional content may comprise instructions
and multimedia, as well as directions for the learning user 102 to
practice aspects of the backstroke in a suitable pool. The learning
application authoring user 104 may use a pre-existing application
template to create the learning application.
[0027] The modular learning system 144 enables a learning
application template developing user 110 to create learning
templates for use in creating learning applications. The learning
application templates provide a framework for creating various
types of learning applications. For example, learning application
templates may comprise a quiz, simulation, role play, experiment,
multimedia material, and other types of learning frameworks. The
learning application template developing user 110 may manage the
development, testing and sale of the learning application templates
to learning application authoring users 104 through an interface
displayed on a user device 140.
[0028] The modular learning system 144 enables a learning
application translating user 106 to manage the translation and
translation updates of learning content in applications and sale of
such services to microlearning content application authors through
an interface displayed on a user device 140. The translations are
provided to the modular learning system 144 and may be stored with
the corresponding learning application to enable providing
instructions to learning users 102 in a variety of languages.
[0029] The modular learning system 144 enables a learning
application certifying user 108 to certify various learning
applications according to standards applied by the certifying user
108. Such certifying users may include boards of education at
various levels, universities, professional standards groups, and
other certification authorities. Certifying users 108 may or may
not be formal institutions. For example, a certifying user may
include a company establishing a set of learning applications to
prepare a candidate for a job with the company. The certifying user
108 manages the certification of each learning content application
as a part of their respective curricula or syllabi and manages the
sale of such certification services to learning content application
authoring users, through an interface displayed on user device
140.
[0030] The learning facility 132 facilitates the performance of
specific learning applications available on the modular learning
system 144. Learning facility 132 may comprise any location
suitable for performing types of learning applications. For
example, learning facility 132 may comprise an athletic club, a
chemistry lab, a science lab, a university, a library, or a tutor's
home. In some embodiments, the modular learning system 144 enables
a facility administering user 124 to determine the compatibility of
various learning applications which can be performed within
learning facility 132 by picking the learning infrastructure
available in the learning facility and associating the learning
facility 132 with each learning application (e.g. Breaststroke)
compatible with the learning infrastructure (e.g. Olympic sized
Swimming Pool). In one embodiment, rather than expressly
associating the learning facility with individual learning
applications, the learning facility administering user 124
indicates to the modular learning system 144 the specific
infrastructures and amenities available at the learning facility
132. In this embodiment, the modular learning system 144 enables a
learning user 102 or learning application authoring user 104 to
identify a learning facility 132 which is compatible with the
learning application based on the infrastructure available at the
learning facility 132. The modular learning system 144 may also
identify compatible learning facilities based on metadata
associated with the learning application and the infrastructure
indicated by the learning facility administering user 124.
[0031] The learning facility 132 may comprise a variety of types of
learning facilities, such as an independent learning facility,
institutional learning facility, workplace learning facility, and
temporary learning facility. The modular learning system 144
enables an administrator 124 of an independent learning facility
owned, managed or franchised by the modular learning system 144 to
manage the sale of learning facility access for performances of
specific microlearning applications as well as sale of learning
tools and materials (e.g. sulphuric acid or swimming goggles) or
access to the same in micro increments of time and money ($6/hour
or $5/learning application performance) depending on multiple
factors like the learning infrastructure to be accessed (e.g.
Swimming Pool, Computers, Chemistry Lab), number of hours of
access, and the like, through an interface displayed on a user
device 140.
[0032] The modular learning system 144 enables an administrator 124
of an institutional learning facility like a preschool, school,
college or university (e.g. Bangalore University) associated,
partnered or linked with the modular learning system 144 to, in
addition to managing the sale associated with the independent
learning facility (e.g. learning facility access for performances
of specific microlearning applications), manage the learning
performances of a plurality of learners (students or outsiders)
across a plurality of learning applications available on the system
(with the learning user's explicit consent), optionally delegated
to a plurality of teachers, professors, lecturers or coaches
registered as tutoring users 112 on the modular learning system
144, through an interface displayed on a user device 140.
[0033] The modular learning system 144 enables an administrator 124
of a workspace learning facility associated, partnered or linked
with the modular learning system 144 to, in addition to managing
the sale associated with the independent learning facility (e.g.
learning facility access for performances of specific microlearning
applications), manage the learning performances of a plurality of
learners (employees) across a plurality of learning applications
available on the system (with the learning user's explicit
consent), optionally delegated to a plurality of Human Resource
Managers, Trainers and/or immediate superiors, registered as
tutoring users 112 on the modular learning system, through an
interface displayed on a user device 140.
[0034] The modular learning system 144 enables an administrator 124
of a temporary learning facility (e.g. a Cricket Ground available
for net practice on Saturdays and Sundays from six in the morning
to twelve in the midnight) to, in addition to managing the sale
associated with the independent learning facility (e.g. learning
facility access for performances of specific microlearning
applications), manage the hours of accessibility to the designated
learning facility, through an interface displayed on a user device
140. In addition to managing the sale and performance of
microlearning applications, an administrator of an independent,
institutional, workspace, or temporary learning facility may manage
the modular purchase of learning infrastructure (e.g. chemistry
equipment, computers, cricket stumps) as well as learning tools,
aids and materials (e.g. sulphuric acid, swimming goggles, cricket
bat) from the modular learning system or a third party, topic wise,
subject wise, location wise or otherwise based on the learning
applications intended to be offered in the designated learning
facility, through an interface displayed on a user device 140.
[0035] The modular learning system 144 enables a learning visit
organizing user 114 to manage the organization of learning visits,
and the sale of learning visits to learning users 102. The learning
visit organizing user 114 may also associate a learning visit with
compatible microlearning applications. Such learning visits may
comprise, for example, a visit to a factory or industrial area, a
museum, or a trip to a city. The learning visit organizing user 114
may associate the learning visit with learning applications and
manage the learning performances if necessary during the learning
visits. The management of performances of associated learning
applications may be optionally provided by tutoring users 112. The
learning visit organizing user 114 communicates with the modular
learning system 144 through an interface displayed on a user device
140.
[0036] The modular learning system 144 enables a learning workshop
organizing user 116 to manage the organization of workshops
available to learning users 102. A workshop comprises a plurality
of specific microlearning applications to be performed in the
workshop, and a sequence of the microlearning applications to be
performed at the workshop. The workshop may also specify learning
tools, a designated learning facility, and a tutoring user or
tutoring users to perform the workshop. As such, the workshop user
organizes performance and modules of learning applications to be
performed together with a group of learning users 102. The learning
workshop organizing users 116 also manage the sale of such
microlearning workshop access and manage the learning performances
for a plurality of learners. The learning workshop organizing users
communicate with the modular learning system 144 through an
interface displayed on a user device 140.
[0037] The modular learning system 144 enables a learning tools
supplying user 118 to provide learning tools and materials such as
chemicals, biology samples, computer software, and other materials
for use in conjunction with learning applications to learning users
102. The learning tools supplying user 118 manages the organization
and sale of the learning tools and materials (or optionally, access
to the same) to learning users and administrators of learning
facility 132. The learning tools supplying user 118 may also
associate learning tools with particular learning applications
stored on modular learning system 144. Alternatively, the learning
tools supplying user 118 may designate the tools available and the
modular learning system 144 may determine which learning
applications may require the tools provided by the learning tools
supplying user 118. Responsive to the determination the learning
tools supplying user communicates with the modular learning system
144 through an interface displayed on a user device 140.
[0038] The modular learning system 144 enables a recruiter 120 of
learning users 102 to manage the recruitment of learning users 102
through the modular learning system 144. The recruiter 120 may view
and filter learning users 102 by specific learning applications
performed on the system, scores, metrics and reviews generated in
relation to the learning applications performed by learning users
102. The recruiter may access and filter learning users 102 based
on demographic data like the language used in performing the
learning application. Recruiting user 120 may also operate as a
certifying user 108 to certify particular learning applications
that may be desirable to the recruiting user 120. The recruiting
user may use the certified application as a filter prior to
considering learning users for a position. The recruiting user 120
manages recruiting access to the modular learning system 144
through an interface displayed on a user device 140.
[0039] The modular learning system 144 enables a funding user 122
of learning users 102 to provide funding and scholarship funds and
other support to learning users 102. Such funding users 122 may
comprise a parent, sibling, friend, spouse, relative, university,
employer, or scholarship/grant offering institution. The funds may
be provided for the funding of specific learning users or of
specific learning applications, or of specific microlearning goods
and services associated with the specific learning applications, in
small increments, through an interface displayed on a user device
140.
[0040] Although the modular learning environment 100 is described
as being composed of various, user devices (e.g. personal
computer), a network (e.g. internet, intranet, world wide web),
learning facilities (e.g. an Independent Learning Facility, an
Institutional Learning Facility), it would be appreciated by one
skilled in the art that fewer or more kinds of users (e.g. a
Learning Application Fact Checking User, a Web Based Offsite
Tutoring User), user devices (e.g. a mobile phone device, a
portable gaming console device, a tablet device, a learning console
device, gaming console device or server device attached to a
television or other screen), networks (e.g. an intranet at a
preschool, school, college, university, educational board,
professional standards authority, coaching/tuition class; a social
or professional network; an intranet at a company, HR department,
training department and at a training organization) and learning
facilities may comprise the modular learning environment 100, with
the present disclosure still falling within the scope of various
embodiments.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a modular learning system 144
according to one embodiment. The modular learning system 144
includes maintaining a variety of databases and modules for
providing learning applications and learning services to users of
the modular learning system 144. The modular learning system 144
maintains learning applications in a learning application database
204, each learning application associated with metadata defining
performance metrics and each learning application comprising a
plurality of application service. The learning applications are
sold to users along with microlearning services using the purchase
management module 238. Performance of learning applications is
enabled by performance management module 240. Additional modules of
the modular learning system 144 are described below.
[0042] The learning user database 202 is configured for receiving,
storing, retrieving and updating a plurality of data fields of each
subset of learning users scheduled to attend the microlearning
event from the larger plurality of learning users in database 202
of the modular learning system 144. Each learning user associated
with privacy settings authorizing one or more users to view the
performance measurements associated with each learning user
[0043] A user database 202 is further configured for receiving,
storing, updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of each
user, such as the user's name, address, and contact details.
Depending on the user's role in the modular learning system 144,
the user database 202 maintains additional information on the user.
For example, for a learning user 102, the user database 202
maintains learning history outside the modular learning system 144,
learning application performance history on the modular learning
system 144, purchase history of learning applications as well as
purchase history of a host of related microlearning purchase items
like, for example, timed access to a learning facility 132, timed
access to a tutor 112 or his services, and purchase of access to a
learning tool from learning tools database 232. In some
embodiments, the data fields are used to determine purchase
compatibility using purchase management module 238 and to determine
performance compatibility using performance management module
240.
[0044] The user database 202 may maintain information about each
type of user based on the user's role in the system. The user
information may be stored in a plurality of databases, each
database associated with a user role, or the user roles may be
stored in a single user database 202. For example, the additional
user roles include learning application authoring users, learning
facility administering users, learning visit organizing users, and
other types of users of the modular learning system 144.
[0045] In one embodiment, a distinct Learning User Database is
configured for receiving, storing, updating and retrieving a
plurality of data fields of each learning user 102, comprising the
learning user's name, address, contact details as well as learning
related data fields like learning history outside the modular
learning system 144, learning application performance history on
the modular learning system 144, purchase history of learning
applications as well as purchase history of a host of related
microlearning purchase items like, for example, access to learning
facility 132, access to tutor 112, and purchase of access to a
learning tool. In one embodiment, a distinct Learning Application
Authoring User Database is configured for receiving, storing,
updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of each learning
application authoring user 104. In one embodiment, a distinct
Independent Learning Facility Administering User Database is
configured for receiving, storing, updating and retrieving a
plurality of data fields of each independent learning facility
administering user 124. In one embodiment, a distinct Learning
Tools Supplying User Database is configured for receiving, storing,
updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of each learning
tools supplying user 118. In one embodiment, a distinct Learning
Visit Organizing User Database is configured for receiving,
storing, updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of each
learning visit organizing user 114. In one embodiment, a distinct
Learning Application Translating User Database is configured for
receiving, storing, updating and retrieving a plurality of data
fields of each learning application translating user 106. In one
embodiment, a distinct Learning Application Certifying User
Database is configured for receiving, storing, updating and
retrieving a plurality of data fields of each learning application
certifying user 108. In one embodiment, a distinct Learning
Application Template Developing User Database is configured for
receiving, storing, updating and retrieving a plurality of data
fields of each learning application template developing user 110.
In one embodiment, a distinct Learning Workshop Organizing User
Database is configured for receiving, storing, updating and
retrieving a plurality of data fields of each learning workshop
organizing user 116. In one embodiment, a distinct Recruiting User
Database is configured for receiving, storing, updating and
retrieving a plurality of data fields of each recruiting user, say,
recruiting user 120. In one embodiment, a distinct Funding User
Database is configured for receiving, storing, updating and
retrieving a plurality of data fields of each funding user, say,
funding user 122.
[0046] In one embodiment, a distinct Institutional Learning
Facility Administering User Database is configured for receiving,
storing, updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of
each, institutional learning facility administering user 124. In
one embodiment, a distinct Workspace Learning Facility
Administering User Database is configured for receiving, storing,
updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of each
workspace learning facility administering user 124. In one
embodiment, a distinct Temporary Learning Facility Administering
User Database is configured for receiving, storing, updating and
retrieving a plurality of data fields of each temporary learning
facility administering user 124. In one embodiment, a distinct
Learning Facility Database is configured for receiving, storing,
updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of a plurality
of kinds of learning facilities, say, facility 132, as received
from a plurality of kinds of learning facility administering users
124. In one embodiment, a distinct Learning Visits Database is
configured for receiving, storing, updating and retrieving a
plurality of data fields of each learning visit from the respective
learning visit organizing user, say user 114. In some embodiments,
the data fields of the databases in the above embodiments are used
to determine purchase compatibility using purchase management
module 238 and to determine performance compatibility using
performance management module 240.
[0047] The learning application database 204 is configured for
receiving, storing, updating and retrieving all the learning
application metadata of all learning applications whose performance
is managed through the microlearning performance management module
240. Optionally, all purchase related metadata of the learning
application, like number of copies accessed per day per location,
language, learning facility, user device, or other learning related
purchase analytics metadata that may be generated during the
purchase process may be received, stored, and updated by the
microlearning purchase management module 238 in the learning
application database 204.
[0048] In one embodiment, the learning application database 204 is
configured for receiving, storing, updating and retrieving all the
learning application metadata of all learning applications whose
performance is managed through the microlearning performance
management module 240. Optionally, all performance related metadata
of the learning application, like number of copies performed per
day per location, language, learning facility, user device, or
other learning related performance analytics metadata that may be
generated during the performance process may be received, stored,
and updated by the microlearning performance management module 240
in the learning application database 204.
[0049] The learning application database 204 may be further used to
receive, store, retrieve and update a plurality of learning
application and associated identifier and metadata items published
and updated by learning application authoring user 104 on the
modular learning system 144. A subset of the metadata may be
accessed by a microlearning event management interface generator
434 to be displayed with the corresponding microlearning event
application preferences interface through an interface displayed on
user 116's device 140.
[0050] A subject database 206 is configured for receiving, storing,
updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of each subject
linked or tagged to each learning application 300 in Subject
Metadata 312. The subject database 206 provides a categorization
system for the learning applications and enables learning
application authoring users, like user 104, to categorize learning
applications as belonging to one or more subjects by associating
them with one or more subjects, such subjects are then stored in
subject metadata 312 of each authored learning application 300. The
subject database 206 also allows users to search for learning
applications according to particular subjects using the subjects
associated with the learning applications. For example, a tutoring
user 112 with a mathematics specialty may search the learning
applications using the subject database 206 to identify mathematics
learning applications for the tutor to associate his services
with.
[0051] A tutor database 208 is configured for receiving, storing,
updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of each tutoring
user, comprising the tutoring user's name, address, contact
details, as well as learning related data fields like learning
users to whom microlearning services have or are being provided,
performance data and performance review data for the tutoring
services, tutoring history outside the modular learning system 144,
and remittance history. In some embodiments, the data fields are
used to determine purchase compatibility using purchase management
module 238 and to determine performance compatibility using
performance management module 240.
[0052] An authentication module 210 is configured for validating
the login credentials of the learning user 102 and also validate
and confirm the microlearning event purchase item of the learning
user 102. The authentication module 210 is further configured for
comparing the login credentials filled in by the learning user
through the microlearning event access interface generated by
interface generator 434 with the credentials preferences of the
learning user by accessing the same from learning user database
202.
[0053] A learning facility database 230 is configured for
receiving, storing, updating and retrieving a plurality of data
fields of a plurality of kinds of learning facilities such as
learning facility 132 as received from learning facility
administering users 124. In some embodiments, the data fields are
used to determine purchase compatibility using purchase management
module 238 and to determine performance compatibility using
performance management module 240.
[0054] A learning tools database 232 is configured for receiving,
storing, updating and retrieving a plurality of data fields of each
learning tool or material from each learning tools supplying user
118. In some embodiments, the data fields are used to determine
purchase compatibility using purchase management module 238 and to
determine performance compatibility using performance management
module 240.
[0055] Each of these databases, such as the tutor database 208,
facilities database 230, and learning tools database 232, may also
include information relating to purchase and performance
compatibility. For example, a tutor in the tutor database may
specify the tutor is only willing to teach students aged thirty to
forty, or a learning facility may indicate it is only willing to
allow entry to learning users who are a member of the facility.
[0056] A purchase management module 238 is configured for managing
the purchase of learning applications and associated application
services as a microlearning stack by the learning user 102.
[0057] A performance management module 240 is configured for
managing the performance of learning applications and associated
application services as a microlearning stack by the learning user
102.
[0058] A microlearning event management module 242 is configured
for managing a microlearning event in a modular learning system. In
one embodiment, the microlearning event management module 242
receives an event initiation request from an organizing user and,
in response, retrieves a microlearning event schedule and
determines the availability of services associated with the event
schedule, wherein the event schedule designates a sequence of
learning applications associated with the microlearning event. If
the necessary services for the event are available, the event
management module 242 manages learning user access to the event,
processes the learning user's performances, and displays updated
purchase and performance analytics to the organizing user 114 or
116.
[0059] In one embodiment, the tutor database, learning facilities
database, tools database and other application services databases
form a single consolidated application services database in modular
learning system 144.
[0060] Although the modular learning system 144 is described as
being composed of various components like databases and modules,
the modular learning system 144 may comprise fewer or more
databases, components, and other modules. For example, the modular
learning system 144 may include a Learning Application Genre
Database, a Locational Learning Facility Price Range Database, a
Learning Workshop Database, a Multilingual Dictionary Database, a
Concept Tags Database, a Learning Objectives/Outcomes Database, a
Micro tutoring Services Database, and a Skill and Ability Tags
Database. The modular learning system 144 may also include an Age
Compatibility Module, a Learner Ranking Module, a Tutor Ranking
Module, a Learner Billing Module, a Tutor Remittance Module, a
Profile Management Module, a User Roles Management Module, a
Learning Tools Management Module, a Learning Facility Management
Module, Metadata Management Module, a Notification Module, a
Recruitment Module, a Funding Module, a Map Module, a Learning
Application Template Programming Interface Module, an Age
Compatibility Module or a Translation Interface Module, with the
present disclosure still falling within the scope of various
embodiments. In some embodiments, an individual or group may play a
plurality of user roles on the modular learning system, (e.g.
tutoring user learning new applications as a learning user through
another tutoring user, a learning application authoring user
translating the authored application or developing the application
template), with the present disclosure still falling within the
scope of various embodiments.
[0061] In various embodiments the modular learning system 144 may
be any of a web application, a mobile application, or an embedded
module or subsystem of a social networking environment, a learning
content management system, a learning management system, a
professional networking environment, an electronic commerce system,
an electronic payments system, a mobile operating system, a
computer based operating system, or of a tablet based operating
system, with the present disclosure still falling within the scope
of various embodiments.
[0062] In one embodiment, a distinct roles management module is
configured for managing and authorizing different roles associated
with the various users of the modular learning system 144 and in
the respective user databases. For example, the roles management
module may provide distinct feature tabs and functionalities to
each user based on the role associated with him or her. It can be
noted that, the roles management module may enable a user to have
one or more roles for accessing the modular learning system 144.
For example, a tutoring user can avail the functionality and
interface tabs of a learning user and also of a translating user if
authorized by the modular learning system 144.
[0063] In one embodiment, a distinct metadata management module is
configured for managing metadata associated with a plurality of
specific learning applications, like learning application 300. In
one embodiment, the metadata management module is configured for
receiving, storing, updating and retrieving various types of
metadata associated with each learning application 300 in the
learning application database 204. In another embodiment, the
metadata management module is configured for receiving and storing
updated metadata of a specific learning application 300 in database
204 at regular intervals of time as updated by different users in
authorized user roles and retrieving the required metadata when
requested by the purchase management module 238 and the performance
management module 240 for determining compatibility and performance
compatibility of requested microlearning service stack
respectively. In yet another embodiment, the metadata management
module enables various users of the modular learning platform to
update metadata associated with specific learning applications in
the learning application database according to their user role.
[0064] It is appreciated that, in some embodiments, various
databases like 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 230, and 232, modules 238,
240 and 242 as well as the databases, engines, modules and
components of the above embodiments may be stored in the form of
machine readable instructions in the memory of the modular learning
system 144 and executed by a processor of the modular learning
system 144 to perform one or more embodiments disclosed herein.
Alternatively, the various databases like 202, 204, 206, 208, 210,
230, and 232, modules 238, 240 and 242 as well as the databases,
engines, modules and components of the above embodiments may be
implemented in the modular learning system in the form of an
apparatus configured to perform one or more embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0065] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a learning application 300,
according to one embodiment. Each learning application 300
comprises a plurality of kinds of application metadata in addition
to the instructional content and associated media for a particular
topic or subject. The instructional content and media of each
learning application 300 may comprise a specific unit of
instruction for a particular portion of knowledge or a skill, and
may vary widely in scope. The learning application 300 may be very
narrow in scope, such as "treading water" or may be broad in scope,
such as "overview of world history", depending on the authoring
process of learning application authoring user 104. The learning
application 300 could indicate a theoria (to think, a theory based
application using primarily memory, reasoning, logic) performance
type or a praxis performance type (to do, a practical performance
type or a poeisis performance type). The learning application 300
may comprise metadata indicating associated application services
for purchasing or performing the learning application 300 like
tutor metadata 336, tools metadata 322 and learning facility
metadata 316. In one embodiment, the learning application 300 may
be requested for purchase or performance with associated
application services as a microlearning service stack, wherein the
application services comprise of access to tutoring user 112,
access to a learning tool from learning tools database 232 and
access to a learning facility from facilities database 230. For
example, the media metadata 326 of a learning application 300
provided by learning application authoring user 104 may specify
instructions for learning how to swim a breaststroke, but the media
metadata 326 does not typically specify individual pools i.e.
learning facilities to perform the learning application or tutors
to coach and review the performance. Rather, the application
services metadata like tutor metadata 336, tools metadata 322 and
learning facility metadata 316 indicates tutors, tools, and
facilities which the learning user may choose to perform the
learning application's instructions.
[0066] The Certification Metadata 302 is used to receive, store,
retrieve, display and update certification history as well as live
certifications of the learning application 300, including, for
example, a certification from educational board 108 and another
educational board in another state, present as a certifying user in
database 202 or a distinct certifying user database. In some
embodiments, the certification metadata is also used to determine
purchase compatibility in the microlearning purchase management
module 238 through learning application database 204 and to
determine performance compatibility in the microlearning
performance management module 240 through learning application
database 204.
[0067] The Scoring Metrics Metadata 304 is used to receive, store,
retrieve, display and update a plurality of metrics for
quantitative and qualitative scoring as defined and updated for
learning application 300 by learning application authoring user
104. In some embodiments, the quantitative scoring of each metric
is conducted during the performance by a dedicated module within
the learning application 300 itself, while in other embodiments of
a performance, especially a non-screen based praxis or poeisis
performance, the quantitative and optionally, qualitative score for
each metric is received through a user device 140 from the learning
user 102 and/or the tutoring user 112. In some embodiments, the
scoring metrics metadata is also used to determine purchase
compatibility in the microlearning purchase management module 238
through learning application database 204 and to determine
performance compatibility in the microlearning performance
management module 240 through learning application database
204.
[0068] The Language Metadata 306 is used to receive, store,
retrieve, display and update a plurality of translations of all
user viewable application metadata for learning application 300
translated by, for example, learning application translating user
106 into Bengali, comprising of media metadata 326 like
instructional text, subtitles to audio and video instructions, and
all other linguistic content for the preview, performance and
review of learning application 300 by learning user 102 and preview
and review of the learning performance by tutoring user 112. In
some embodiments, metadata 306 further comprises translations in at
least one other language, of performance type metadata 308,
duration metadata 310, subject links and tags metadata 312, age
level metadata 314, learning facility metadata 316 authoring
metadata 318, sequence metadata 320, tool metadata 322, mode
metadata 324, medium metadata 328 and job skill metadata 330. In
some embodiments, the language metadata is also used to determine
purchase compatibility in the microlearning purchase management
module 238 through learning application database 204 and to
determine performance compatibility in the microlearning
performance management module 240 through learning application
database 204.
[0069] The Performance Type Metadata 308 is used to receive, store,
retrieve, display and update the performance type of the learning
application 300. For example, the metadata 308 could indicate a
theoria (to think, a theory based application using primarily
memory, reasoning, logic, like a `Biomechanics of Swimming` Pop
Quiz) performance type or a praxis performance type (to do, a
practical performance type like an `eight hundred meter Freestyle
Swim as per Olympic performance guidelines` or a poeisis
performance type (to make, a creation oriented performance type
like a `five minute Synchronized Swimming Choreography`), such that
the learning user is already aware of the task or performance type
before purchasing and performing the learning application 300. In
some embodiments, the performance type metadata is also used to
determine purchase compatibility in the microlearning purchase
management module 238 through learning application database 204 and
to determine performance compatibility in the microlearning
performance management module 240 through learning application
database 204.
[0070] The Duration Metadata 310 is used to receive, store,
retrieve, display and update the suggested duration of the learning
application 300. In some embodiments, the metadata 310 indicates a
fixed duration like, fifteen minutes, or thirty minutes, or one
hour, while in other embodiments, the metadata indicates a variable
duration with, optionally, a predetermined minimum or maximum
duration depending on the duration metadata set by the learning
application authoring user 104. In some embodiments, the duration
metadata is also used to determine purchase compatibility in the
microlearning purchase management module 238 through learning
application database 204 and to determine performance compatibility
in the microlearning performance management module 240 through
learning application database 204.
[0071] The Subject Metadata 312 is used to receive, store,
retrieve, display and update a plurality of subject links and tags
attached to the learning application 300 by the learning
application authoring user from among the subject links and tags
present in the Subject Database 206. In some embodiments, the
subject links and tags are attached to specific concepts or terms
within the Media Metadata 326. In some embodiments, the subject
link/tag metadata is also used to determine purchase compatibility
in the microlearning purchase management module 238 through
learning application database 204 and to determine performance
compatibility in the microlearning performance management module
240 through learning application database 204.
[0072] The Age Level Metadata 314 is used to receive, store,
retrieve, display and update the suggested age level of the
learning user 102 for performance of the learning application 300.
In some embodiments, the age level is set as a minimum suggested
age say, for example, ten plus by the learning application
authoring user 104. In other embodiments, a range of suggested
learner ages is set by the learning application authoring user 104.
In some embodiments, the age level metadata is also used to
determine purchase compatibility in the microlearning purchase
management module 238 through learning application database 204 and
to determine performance compatibility in the microlearning
performance management module 240 through learning application
database 204.
[0073] The Learning Facility Metadata 316 is used to receive,
store, retrieve, display and update the suggested learning
infrastructure required in a learning facility for performance of
the learning application 300. In some embodiments, such learning
facilities and infrastructure (e.g. Olympic Sized Swimming Pool)
required for the performance of the learning application (e.g.
eight hundred meter Freestyle to Olympic Guidelines) is received
and updated by the learning application authoring user 104 by
picking the same from a learning facility database 230 available on
the modular learning system 144. In other embodiments the metadata
316 is received and updated by the administering user 124 of
learning facility 132. In some embodiments, the learning facility
metadata is also used to determine purchase compatibility in the
microlearning purchase management module 238 through learning
application database 204 and to determine performance compatibility
in the microlearning performance management module 240 through
learning application database 204.
[0074] The Authoring Metadata 318 is used to receive, store,
retrieve, display and update the authoring metadata received by the
learning application author 104, including for example the name,
signature, contact details, intellectual property disclaimer and
other information of the user or user group. In some embodiments,
the metadata also includes metadata generated by the modular
learning system 144 during the authoring user's editing process,
including the version history, tracked changes and time stamps of
edits and updates to the learning content application. In some
embodiments, the metadata may also include citations to other
learning content applications or other learning content application
authoring users made by the user 104.
[0075] The Sequence Metadata 320 is used to receive, store,
retrieve, display and update the suggested sequence of performance
of the learning application 300 relative to another learning
application. The sequence metadata may indicate if the learning
application should be performed before, after, instead of, or with
another learning application by learning application authoring user
104. The user 104 may wish for any learning user, say 102 to
perform an advanced microbiology learning application 300 only
after performing a corresponding beginner's microbiology learning
application, irrespective of the learning user's age or quality of
performance. In other embodiments, wherein the learning application
authoring user is not the author of the suggested beginner's
application, the user 104 may input a sequence suggesting to the
learning user 102 to perform the learning application before or
after a learning application authored by another learning
application authoring user. In some embodiments, the sequence
metadata is also used to determine purchase compatibility in the
microlearning purchase management module 238 through learning
application database 204 and to determine performance compatibility
in the microlearning performance management module 240 through
learning application database 204.
[0076] The Tool Metadata 322 is used to receive, store, retrieve,
display and update the compatible tools or learning materials to
the learning application 300. In some embodiments, the tool
compatibility is received from and updated by the learning
application authoring user 104 by accessing the tools database 232.
In other embodiments, the tool compatibility is received and
updated by the learning tools supplying user 118 by accessing the
learning application database 204. In still other embodiments, the
tool compatibility may be updated by the modular learning system
144. In some embodiments, the tool metadata is used to determine
purchase compatibility of the microlearning purchase management
module 238 through learning application database 204 and to
determine performance compatibility in the microlearning
performance management module 240 through learning application
database 204. In some embodiments, wherein the learning tool is a
peripheral input device which can be connected to the user device
140 during the learning application performance (e.g. Electric
Guitar attached to a user device 140 during an `Introduction to
Hard Rock` learning application) the Tool Metadata includes the
compatibility to the user device 140. In other embodiments, wherein
the learning material is not material to the user device 140, (e.g.
Sulphuric Acid during a Chemistry Experiment) the Tool Metadata may
not include any additional user device compatibility.
[0077] The Mode Metadata 324 is used to receive, store, retrieve,
display and update the available modes of performance of the
learning application. In some embodiments, the mode metadata 324 is
determined by the modes chosen by the learning application
authoring user from the learning application template chosen. In
various embodiments, the learning application may comprise an
individual learner performance mode, a learner plus learner
cooperative performance mode, a learner versus learner competitive
performance mode, a learner plus tutor cooperative performance
mode, a learner versus tutor competitive performance mode, a
limited plurality of learners (e.g. four learners) cooperative
performance mode, a limited plurality of learners (e.g. four
learners) competitive performance mode, a tutor plus limited
plurality of learners (e.g. nine learners) cooperative performance
mode (a typical classroom mode). Although the Mode Metadata 324 is
described as being composed of various available modes as chosen by
the learning application authoring user, various other modes (e.g.
a limited plurality of learners vs a limited plurality of learners
competitive performance mode) may comprise the Mode Metadata 324
and still fall within the scope of various embodiments. In some
embodiments, the various Media Metadata 326 for the preview,
performance and review screens for each mode of the same learning
application and the sequence of the same (especially wherein the
learning application 300 is performed by multiple users from the
same user device and, optionally, by viewing the same display
device) is received, stored, retrieved, displayed and updated in
the Media Metadata 326. In some embodiments, the mode metadata 324
is also used to determine purchase compatibility in the
microlearning purchase management module 238 through learning
application database 204 and to determine performance compatibility
in the microlearning performance management module 240 through
learning application database 204.
[0078] The Media Metadata 326 is used to receive, store, retrieve,
display and update text, image, audio, video, animation, links and
other interactive elements of the learning content application as
received and updated by the learning application authoring user 104
during the publishing and revision of the learning application 300.
In other embodiments, the learning application Media Metadata may
comprise the theoria, praxis or poeisis task or, optionally,
plurality of tasks to be completed during the performance, their
sequence, and, optionally, the learning outcomes and objectives of
the same. In some embodiments, the media metadata is also used to
determine purchase compatibility in the microlearning purchase
management module 238 through learning application database 204 and
to determine performance compatibility in the microlearning
performance management module 240 through learning application
database 204.
[0079] The Medium Metadata 328 is used to receive, store, retrieve,
display and update the medium of access to the learning application
preview, review and performance screen during the microlearning
performance. For example, for a Beginner's Kathak Dancing
microlearning Application, in addition to requiring a compatible
learning facility and tutoring user, the learning application
authoring user 104 or, optionally, modular learning system 144 may
require the preview and review screen to be viewable only on a
display device connected to a learning console user device or the
display device of a computer device but not a mobile device screen
to ensure an optimum learning experience. In another case, for a
Kathak Quiz microlearning application, the learning application
authoring user 104 or, optionally, modular learning system 144 may
require the performance screen, preview screen and review screen to
be viewable only on a mobile device screen but not on a display
device connected to a learning console user device, or the display
device of a computer device. In some embodiments, the medium
metadata may further comprise the compatibility to a plurality of
software platforms and, optionally, runtime environments as
determined by the modular learning system 144. In some embodiments,
the medium metadata is also used to determine purchase
compatibility in the microlearning purchase management module 238
through learning application database 204 and to determine
performance compatibility in the microlearning performance
management module 240 through learning application database
204.
[0080] The Job Skill Metadata 330 is used to receive, store,
retrieve, display and update the skills and abilities tagged to the
learning application 300 by the learning application authoring user
104, the recruiting user 120 or, optionally, the modular learning
system 144 from a skills and abilities database provided by the
modular learning system 144. In some embodiments, the metadata is
used by a recruiting user 120 to post the completion of the
learning application (optionally, in a controlled testing
environment) or group of applications as a minimum requirement for
a particular job role to a plurality of potentially employable
learning users. In other embodiments, the metadata is used by the
recruiting user 120 to post the requirement of completion of the
learning application 300 (optionally, in a controlled testing
environment) or group of applications as a minimum requirement for
a promotion to a higher post in a particular organization, to a
plurality of potentially employable learning users. In some
embodiments, the job skill metadata is also used to determine
purchase compatibility in the microlearning purchase management
module 238 through learning application database 204 and to
determine performance compatibility in the microlearning
performance management module 240 through learning application
database 204.
[0081] The Error Metadata 332 is used to receive, store, retrieve,
display and update the potential errors which can be made by the
learning user 102 (e.g. ten potential errors in an auditing
microlearning application), as determined by the learning
application authoring user 104. In some embodiments, wherein the
learning application (e.g. a Karnataka History Quiz) is performed
through an input device on a user device 140 itself, the error
metadata may be synchronized to each potential input point during
the learning application 300 performed through the user device 140
by the learning application authoring user 104. In some
embodiments, wherein the learning application (e.g. a Karate kata)
300's error metadata is outside the recordable boundaries of the
user device 140, the potential errors may be entered with reference
to each instructional step of the performance by the learning
application authoring user 104, such that at the time of the
performance, the tutoring user (or, in some modes, the learning
user 102 himself, another learning user, or the recruiting user
120) may note errors in each observable step of the performance and
confirm the same on user device 140 to generate the score. In other
embodiments, wherein the error observed by the observing user (say,
tutoring user 112) is not part of the potential errors in the Error
Metadata 332 of the application 300, the tutoring user 112 may
update such errors to the Errors Metadata, or optionally, send the
same to the learning application authoring user 104, to be updated
after review. In some embodiments, the error metadata is also used
to determine purchase compatibility in the microlearning purchase
management module 238 through learning application database 204 and
to determine performance compatibility in the microlearning
performance management module 240 through learning application
database 204.
[0082] The Template Metadata 334 is used to receive, store,
retrieve, display and update the default script, formatting and
media modules of the learning application template used to author
the learning application 300. In some embodiments, wherein a
particular sequence and format of the same has been chosen by the
learning application authoring user from the options offered in the
template developed by the learning application template developing
user, the chosen setting may be a part of the Template Metadata
334. In various embodiments, the learning application templates may
comprise a quiz, role play, simulation, project, experiment, essay,
recital, research paper, race, challenge, problem, game, question,
exercise or problem set. In some embodiments, the templates may be
for performances conducted and supervised in front of a display
device with an input device connected to the user device 140, while
in other embodiments the templates may be for previews, reviews and
guidelines for performances conducted without the input device,
with the user device 140 merely placed next to the performance area
or learning station (e.g. for Praxis Tasks in Dance Applications)
as a reference point. Although the Template Metadata is described
as being composed of various available templates as developed by
the learning application template authoring user and chosen by the
learning application authoring user, various other templates (e.g.
a Swimming Race Template, a Patent Drafting Template) may comprise
the Template Metadata 334 and still fall within the scope of
various embodiments. In some embodiments, the template metadata is
also used to determine purchase compatibility in the microlearning
purchase management module 238 through learning application
database 204 and to determine performance compatibility in the
microlearning performance management module 240 through learning
application database 204.
[0083] The Tutor Metadata 336 is used to receive, store, retrieve,
display and update the compatibility of tutoring users to learning
content application. In some embodiments, the tutoring user
compatibility is received from and updated by the tutoring user 112
by updating the tutor database 208 (e.g. a Mathematics Tutoring
User whose medium of instruction is Mandarin, updating
compatibility to a plurality of Mathematics microlearning
applications available in Mandarin, in the tutor database 208). In
other embodiments, the tutoring user compatibility metadata is
received from and updated by the tutoring user 112 by accessing the
learning application database 204. In still other embodiments, the
tutoring user compatibility metadata may be updated by the modular
learning system 144. In some embodiments, the Tutor Metadata 336 is
also used to determine purchase compatibility in the microlearning
purchase management module 238 through learning application
database 204 and to determine performance compatibility in the
microlearning performance management module 240 through learning
application database 204.
[0084] In various embodiments, the metadata of a learning
application 300 is retrieved, displayed to and updated by a
plurality of kinds of users as may be applicable to the kind of
metadata and the kind of user. Optionally, in addition to receiving
and storing the metadata, the modular learning system 144 may
update the learning application metadata as and when generated in
the system through a dynamic metadata update module or through a
dedicated administering user. In some embodiments, the learning
application authoring user 104 may further play the role of the
learning application template developing user. In some embodiments,
the modular learning system 144 may play the role of the learning
application authoring user 104 and, optionally, the role of the
learning application template developing user 110 to author and
update the media and template metadata of the learning application
300.
[0085] In some embodiments, the microlearning purchase management
module 238 and microlearning performance management module 240
retrieve some or all of the above metadata associated with the
learning application 300 from a learning application database 204
in a repository module of the modular learning system 144.
[0086] In some embodiments, the media metadata 326 of the learning
application may comprise an electronic textbook, an electronic
journal, an instructional video, or an instructional animation. In
some embodiments each learning application 300, may be a distinct
mobile application, browser based web application, or a desktop
application. In some embodiments, each learning application 300 may
be an executable file, a program, add in, macro, plug-in, or other
program of instructions associated with a plurality of application
programming interfaces of the modular learning system 144.
[0087] Although the learning application 300 is described as
comprising various metadata and associated data fields stored and
updated in learning application database 204, fewer or more
metadata and associated data fields (e.g. Application Programming
Interface Metadata, Organization versus Organization Social
Learning Mode Metadata, University versus University Social
Learning Mode Metadata, Testing Metadata, Learning Visits Metadata,
Learning Workshops Metadata, Tutorials Metadata) may comprise the
Learning Application 300 and associated learning application
database 204, with the present disclosure still falling within the
scope of various embodiments. In some embodiments, each version of
the same learning application 300 with different metadata, for
example language metadata, is treated as a distinct learning
application in learning application database 204.
[0088] In some embodiments, an authorization to update
certification metadata 302 of a learning application 300 is limited
to a predetermined plurality of certifying users like user 108 and
recruiting users like user 120. In some embodiments, an
authorization to update scoring metrics metadata 304, performance
type metadata 308, age level metadata 314, authoring metadata 318,
mode metadata 324, media metadata 326, medium metadata 328, and
error metadata 332 of a learning application 300 is limited to a
predetermined plurality of learning application authoring users
like user 104. In some embodiments, an authorization to update
language metadata 306 of a learning application 300 is limited to a
predetermined plurality of learning application translating users
106. In some embodiments, an authorization to update duration
metadata 310 of a learning application 300 is limited to a
predetermined plurality of learning application authoring users
like user 104 and learning application template developing users
like user 110. In some embodiments, an authorization to update
subject link/tag metadata 312 of a learning application 300 is
limited to a predetermined plurality of users in any user role. In
various embodiments, such authorizations may be set by an
administrator of system 144 based on the user role, user profile
information and user preferences information of the corresponding
users.
[0089] In some embodiments, an authorization to update learning
facility metadata 316 of a learning application 300 with associated
learning facilities is limited to a predetermined plurality of
learning facility administering users 124. In some embodiments, an
authorization to update sequence metadata 320 of a learning
application 300 is limited to a predetermined plurality of learning
application authoring users 104 and tutoring users 112. In some
embodiments, an authorization to update tool metadata 322 of a
learning application 300 with associated learning tools is limited
to a predetermined plurality of tools supplying users 118. In some
embodiments, an authorization to update job skill metadata 330 of a
learning application 300 is limited to a predetermined plurality of
recruiting users like user 120. In some embodiments, an
authorization to update template metadata 334 of a learning
application 300 is limited to a predetermined plurality of learning
application authoring users 104 and a predetermined plurality of
template developing users 110. In some embodiments, an
authorization to update tutor metadata 336 of a learning
application 300 with associated tutoring services is limited to a
predetermined plurality of tutoring users 112. In some embodiments,
an authorization to update an optional learning event metadata of a
learning application 300 with associated learning workshops, visits
and other learning events is limited to a predetermined plurality
of learning workshop organizing users 116 and learning visit
organizing users 114. In some embodiments, the associations of
application services to learning applications are enabled
automatically by a metadata association module in the system 144.
In some embodiments, each learning application 300 is associated
with a subset of learning facilities in a learning facilities
database 230. In some embodiments, each learning application 300 is
further associated with a subset of learning stations of each
associated learning facility. In some embodiments, each learning
application is associated with a subset of tutors in a tutor
database 208. In some embodiments, each learning application is
associated with a subset of tools in a learning tools database
232.
[0090] FIG. 3B is a block diagram of a learning application 340
according to another example embodiment. The learning application
340 is illustrated to depict metadata of the learning application
related to a microlearning service stack. The learning application
340 also illustrates some other performance data used during its
performance by a learner. This microlearning service stack may be
requested for purchase or performance by learning user 102. In this
embodiment, the microlearning service stack includes a learning
application 340, a time based tutoring service by a particular
tutor in database 208, time based access to a particular learning
facility from database 230, and access to a particular tool from
database 232. The particular services above may or may not be
associated with the corresponding tutor metadata, facilities
metadata, and tool metadata of learning application 340 at the time
of a request. The learning application 340 includes content data
342 which designates particular content media and content
attributes of the learning application 340. The learning
application also includes other metadata as described above, such
as tutor metadata 336, learning facility metadata 316, learning
tool metadata 322, performance type metadata 308, and scoring
metrics metadata 304. As such, the learning application 340
illustrates some aspects of the learning application used for
purchase or performance of the learning application 340 by a
learner as part of a microlearning service stack, such as content,
tutors, facilities, and tools. The learning application 340 may
also include any other metadata as described above with reference
to FIG. 3A. Any other metadata as described above with reference to
FIG. 3A may also be part of the content data 342 of the learning
application 340.
[0091] The lifecycle of a learning application 300 is now described
according to one embodiment. Initially, a learning application
template developing user 110 creates a learning application
template stored in a distinct template database in a modular
learning system 144. Next, the learning application authoring user
104 publishes learning application content stored as media metadata
of the learning application 300. In case a template has been chosen
for the application 300, the template metadata 334 is stored as
well. The tutor metadata 336, learning facility metadata 316,
learning tool metadata 322 and other optional application services
metadata indicating tutoring services, learning facilities,
learning tools, and other application service types associated with
the learning application 300 are dynamically updated by the
corresponding tutoring users, learning facility administrators,
tool suppliers and other application service providers. At this
point, the learning user may modularly select application services
in a microlearning stack to purchase or perform the learning
application. Next, the learning user 102 selects the learning
application 300 and identifies application services requested for
purchase or performance as a consolidated stack. The approval of
the purchase or performance request for learning application 300
and particular application services in the microlearning service
stack may be determined by the specific metadata of the learning
application 300 being associated with corresponding application
services, and other specific metadata of the learning application
being compatible with the profile information and preferences of
the learning user.
[0092] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the microlearning event
management module 242 according to one embodiment. The
microlearning event purchase items database 402 is configured for
receiving, storing, retrieving and updating unique purchase items
for each distinct microlearning event scheduled to be organized by
the organizing user 116 by retrieving the microlearning event items
of each event and the price items of each microlearning event,
wherein the purchase items serve as an indicator of number of
purchases. The step of receiving purchase items is performed to
determine the actual number of purchases. The microlearning event
purchase items may be accessed by the microlearning purchase
management module 238 during the promotion or sale of access to
each corresponding microlearning event to a plurality of learning
users on the modular learning system 144.
[0093] The sale compatibility module 404 is configured for
determining the compatibility of a microlearning event purchasing
learning user, say user 102, and each microlearning event item,
before the purchase transaction of the microlearning event is
completed. The sale compatibility module 404 retrieves
microlearning event items from microlearning event items database
430 and learning application identifier items and metadata items
from learning application database 204 and stores the same for
access by the microlearning purchase management module 238 to deny
the purchase of the microlearning event by the learning user 102
when some or all of the learning application metadata of the
applications to be performed are incompatible with the
corresponding identity items and, optionally, preferences of the
learning user 102. For example, the sale compatibility module 404
may determine the incompatibility of a biology microlearning event
wherein all applications are previewed, performed and reviewed in
French, with a learning user 102, whose instruction medium
preference is English, by accessing language metadata 306 of each
such learning application 300 as well as the corresponding learning
user identity items from the database 202.
[0094] The purchase analytics module 406 is configured for
generating a plurality of purchase analytics data items for each
microlearning event whose access is purchased to be performed, by
accessing purchase data items of the microlearning event from the
microlearning purchase management module 238. Further, the module
406 is used to generate a plurality of purchase analytics data
interface items for the corresponding data items of each
microlearning event. The microlearning event management interface
generator 434 accesses the interface items and displays the same to
each corresponding microlearning event organizing user through an
interface on the microlearning event organizing user's device
140.
[0095] The performance analytics module 408 is configured for
generating a plurality of performance analytics data items for each
learning application performed in the microlearning event by
accessing performance data items of the learning applications from
the microlearning performance management module 240. Further, the
performance analytics module 408 is used to generate a plurality of
performance analytics data interface items for the corresponding
data items of each learning application. The microlearning event
management interface generator 434 accesses the interface items and
displays the same to each corresponding microlearning event
organizing user 114 or 116 through an interface on the
microlearning event organizing user's user device 140. In some
embodiments, the performance data items of the learning application
may exclude the identity items of the learning users who have
performed the learning application, based on the performance
privacy preferences of the learning users in the user database
202.
[0096] The compatible tutors database 410 is configured for
receiving, storing, retrieving and updating a plurality of data
fields of a subset of tutoring users compatible with the preferred
learning applications for the microlearning event chosen by
organizing user 116 by accessing the same from the data items of
the larger plurality of tutoring users in tutor database 208 of the
modular learning system 144. In some embodiments, the compatible
tutors database 410 is accessed by the application services
consolidation module 424 and the interface generator 434 while
receiving tutoring service preferences for each learning
application from the organizing user 116.
[0097] The compatible learning facilities database 412 is
configured for receiving, storing, retrieving and updating a
plurality of data fields of a subset of learning facilities
compatible with the preferred learning applications for the
microlearning event chosen by organizing user 116 by accessing the
same from the data items of the larger plurality of learning
facilities in facilities database 230 of the modular learning
system 144. In some embodiments, the compatible learning facilities
database 412 is accessed by the application services consolidation
module 424 and the interface generator 434 while receiving learning
facility preferences for each learning application from the
organizing user 116.
[0098] The minimum purchase requirement items database 414 is
configured for receiving, storing, retrieving and updating a
plurality of minimum number of purchases to be chosen by the
organizing user 116 to determine the minimum requirements for the
purchase of access to the microlearning event without which the
purchase amount is refunded to the learning users who have
purchased access to the microlearning event (e.g. minimum number of
learning users required to attend the microlearning event for the
event to be, or service availability of all preferred application
services before the performance of the microlearning event).
[0099] The minimum performance requirement items database 416 is
configured for receiving, storing, retrieving and updating a
plurality of minimum performance requirement item choices to be
chosen by the organizing user 116 to determine the minimum
requirements for the initiation of the microlearning event or
specific applications within the microlearning event. For example,
organizing user 116 may prefer that the microlearning event only be
initiated once all learning users scheduled to attend the
microlearning event have validated their credentials and thus
confirmed their presence at the microlearning event. Alternatively,
the organizing user 116 may prefer that a learning application with
a plurality of learning modes and nine attending users may not be
performed until six learning users are present and have validated
their credentials for the learning application performance.
[0100] The learning application sequence manager 418 is configured
for determining the learning applications sequence by accessing the
sequence metadata 320 of each learning application 300 of the
plurality of preferred learning applications chosen by organizing
user 116. In other embodiments, the learning applications sequence
may be manually determined by the organizing user based on the
difficulty level of each application of the plurality of learning
applications.
[0101] The event scheduling module 420 determines the schedule for
each application performance in the microlearning event from the
event schedule input by organizing user 116 to the event scheduling
interface displayed as part of the microlearning event management
interface generated by microlearning event management interface
generator 434 and displayed to the user 116 on the user 116's user
device 140. The compatible learning tools database 422 is
configured for receiving, storing, retrieving and updating a
plurality of data fields of a subset of learning tools compatible
with the learning applications that are part of the microlearning
event chosen by organizing user 116 by accessing the same from the
identifier items of the larger plurality of learning tools in
database 232 of the modular learning system 144. In some
embodiments, the module is accessed by the application services
consolidation module 424 and the microlearning event management
interface generator 434 while receiving learning tools preferences
for each learning application from the organizing user 116.
[0102] The application services consolidation module 424 is
configured for accessing the compatible tutors database 410,
compatible learning facilities database 412, and compatible
learning tools database 422 to determine application services
compatible with each of the learning applications chosen by user
116. In some embodiments, the consolidation module 424 receives
application service preferences for each learning application to be
performed in the microlearning event from organizing user 116
through the microlearning event management interface and
corresponding application services preference items and input areas
generated by generator 434 and displayed on the user 116's user
device 140. In some embodiments, an event schedule may designate a
sequence of learning applications associated with the microlearning
event. Further, the application services consolidation module 424
may consolidate the microlearning event schedule with the service
availability of each of the application services required to be
available at the scheduled date, time and location for each
learning application performance by accessing the service
availability items of the preferred and a set of compatible
application services from compatible tutors database 410, learning
facility database 412 and compatible learning tools database 422 as
well as schedule preferences for each learning application in a
specified microlearning event from event scheduling module 420.
[0103] The application services payment terms database 426 is
configured for receiving, storing, retrieving and updating a
plurality of payment terms items for each preferred application
service of each preferred learning application required to be
performed at the microlearning event. The payment terms items may
be accessed for the preferred application service providers from
the microlearning purchase management module 238 or, optionally,
received from the microlearning application service providers on
modular learning system 144.
[0104] The pricing database 428 is configured for receiving,
storing, retrieving and updating the preferred price of one or a
plurality of microlearning events scheduled to be organized by
organizing user 116. The pricing database 428 may be accessed by
the microlearning purchase management module 238 during the
purchase of access to microlearning events by learning users on the
modular learning system 144.
[0105] The microlearning event items database 430 is configured for
receiving, storing, retrieving and updating a plurality of
microlearning event identifier items like event type preferences.
The microlearning event identifier items are selected by organizing
user 116 from among a plurality of event type item choices
displayed by event management interface generator 434. In some
embodiments, the event items database 430 receives microlearning
event identifier items like learning application preferences and
sequence preferences from organizing user 116, through application
services consolidation module 424 and learning application sequence
manager 418. In some embodiments, the event items database 430
receives microlearning event identifier items like minimum purchase
and performance requirement preferences from minimum purchase
requirement items database 414 and minimum performance requirement
items database 416.
[0106] The event type database 432 is configured for receiving,
storing, retrieving and updating a plurality of event type item
choices like learning visits, industrial visits, short term
exchange programs, workshops, tutorials, courses and other short
term microlearning events which involve the performance of a
plurality of learning applications from learning application
database 204, optionally, with other learning users from learning
user database 202 or tutoring users from compatible tutors database
410.
[0107] The microlearning event management interface generator 434
generates a plurality of interface items for the management of the
organization and performance of microlearning events involving a
plurality of learning applications on the modular learning system
144. In some embodiments, the event management interface generator
434 accesses a plurality of items generated in modules 406, 408, or
418, or stored in databases 410, 430 or other databases in the
microlearning event management module 242, and displays the
corresponding interface items through the microlearning event
management interface on the microlearning event organizing user
116's user device 140.
[0108] The application services database 436 is configured for
receiving, storing and updating a plurality of applications. Each
application service associated with an available time and a
learning application database. Also, each learning application may
be in a sequence associated with a designated time.
[0109] Although the microlearning event management module 242 is
described as being composed of various modules and databases, fewer
or more modules or databases (e.g. Application Services Transaction
Processor) may comprise the module with the present invention still
falling within the scope of various embodiments.
[0110] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram 500 of a method for managing events
in a modular learning system. At step 502, the microlearning event
management module 242 receives a microlearning event organizing
request from a microlearning event organizing user 116 through an
interface generated by microlearning event management interface
generator 434 on the microlearning event organizing user 116's
device 140. An organizing request may comprise an event type
preference selected from a group consisting of learning visits,
industrial visits, short-term exchange programs, workshops,
tutorials, and courses. Further, the organizing request designates
minimum performance requirements specifying a minimum number of
performances of the microlearning event. Further, the organizing
request designates minimum purchase requirements specifying a
minimum number of purchases of the microlearning event. When the
request is received from a learning user it comprises an agreement
to pay the price associated with the microlearning event. At step
504, the event management interface generator 434 requests the
microlearning purchase management module 238 to validate the
organizing user's login credentials and user role by accessing the
login credential preferences of the microlearning event organizing
user 116 in the user database 202 and comparing the same with the
login credentials filled in by the microlearning event organizing
user 116.
[0111] At step 506, the authentication module compares the login
credentials filled in by microlearning event organizing user 116
and compares the same with the credential preferences and user role
of the microlearning event organizing user 116 by accessing the
user database 202. If the credentials and user role are not the
same, the event management interface generator 434 does not grant
access to the microlearning event management interface to
microlearning event organizing user 116. If the credentials and
user role are valid, at step 508 the microlearning event management
interface generator 434 generates the microlearning event
organizing interface as part of the microlearning event management
interface with corresponding event organizing items and input areas
and displays the same to the microlearning event organizing user
116 on the microlearning event organizing user 116's user device
140.
[0112] At step 510, the microlearning event items database 430
receives event type preferences from microlearning event organizing
user 116, selected from among a plurality of event type item
choices displayed by event management interface generator 434. In
various embodiments, the event type item choices are learning
visits, industrial visits, short term exchange programs, workshops,
tutorials, courses and other short term microlearning events
involving the performance of a plurality of learning applications
from learning application database 204, optionally, with other
learning users from learning user database 202 or tutoring users
from compatible tutors database 410.
[0113] At step 512, the microlearning event items database 430
receives learning application preferences and sequence preferences
from organizing user 116, selected from among a plurality of
learning applications in learning application database 204 and
choosing, filling in, or ordering the sequence of the same through
the learning application sequence management interface displayed as
part of the microlearning event management interface generated by
event management interface generator 434 and displayed on the
microlearning event organizing user 116's user device 140. In some
embodiments, the learning applications' sequence may be determined
by the organizing user based on the difficulty level of each
application of the plurality of learning applications, while in
other embodiments, the applications sequence may be determined by
learning application sequence manager 418 by accessing the sequence
metadata 320 of each learning application 300. In some embodiments,
the schedule for each application performance in the microlearning
event may be determined by event scheduling module 420 from the
event schedule preferences chosen or filled in by microlearning
event organizing user 116 from through the event scheduling
interface displayed as part of the microlearning event management
interface generated by generator 434. The schedule preferences may
involve, for example, the date, time and location of each learning
application performance on one or more days depending on the event
type preferences of the microlearning event.
[0114] At step 514, the application services consolidation module
424 accesses the compatible tutors database 410, compatible
learning facilities database 412, and learning tools database 422
to determine application services compatible with each of the
learning applications chosen by microlearning event organizing user
116. At step 516, the interface generator 434 displays compatible
micro tutoring services, learning facility access, and learning
tools access for each of the learning applications to organizing
user 116 through an event organizing interface displayed on user
116's device 140. At step 518, the consolidation module 424
receives application service preferences for each learning
application to be performed in the microlearning event from
organizing user 116 through the microlearning event management
interface generated by event learning management interface
generator 434.
[0115] At step 520, the microlearning event items database 430
receives minimum purchase and performance requirements for the
microlearning event from microlearning event organizing user 116.
The purchase and performance requirements may be selected by the
user 116 from a plurality of minimum purchase requirement item
choices and minimum performance requirement item choices accessed
from purchase requirements database 414 and performance
requirements database 416. At step 522, the application services
consolidation module 424 may consolidate the microlearning event
schedule with the service availability of each of the plurality of
application services required to be available at the scheduled
date, time and location for each learning application by accessing
the service availability items of the compatible application
services from compatible tutors database 410, compatible learning
facilities database 412 and compatible learning tools database 422
as well as schedule preferences for each learning application in
the microlearning event from event scheduling module 420.
[0116] At step 524, the consolidation module 424 determines if all
preferred application services for each scheduled learning
application are available at the scheduled date, time and location.
In some embodiments, an optional service availability confirmation
request may be generated by the consolidation module 424 and
displayed to each of the preferred learning application service
providers like tutoring user 112, learning tools supplying user 118
or learning facility administering user 124. If all preferred
application services are not available or confirmed to be
available, the consolidation module 424 may request event
management interface generator 434 to generate and display a
reschedule request or a `change learning application service
provider request` to the organizing user 116, and may not proceed
until all preferred learning application services are available. In
one embodiment, the consolidation module 424 determines a time at
which the preferred application services will be available, and
recommends that time to the organizing user 116.
[0117] At step 526, if all learning application services are
available for each learning application in the microlearning event,
the interface generator 434 may access each microlearning
application service provider's payment terms from the application
services payment terms module 426 and display the same to the
organizing user 116 (e.g. a tutoring user at five hundred rupees
per hour per learning user or five hundred rupees per learning
application per learning user, a learning facility at five hundred
rupees per hour per learning user or Rs. 500 per learning
application per learning user, learning tool access at hundred
rupees per hour per learning user or hundred rupees per learning
application per learning user). In some embodiments, the interface
may further display the terms of payment before and after the
delivery of the microlearning application service (e.g. twenty
percent booking advance, eighty percent after service delivery for
a tutoring user 112). In some embodiments, the payment terms may
also include the price of each learning application to be performed
at the microlearning event from the price preferences of each such
learning application specified by each learning application
authoring user 104. In some embodiments, the payment terms may
include a plurality of bulk rates depending on the number of
learning users performing the learning applications and receiving
the learning application services with the bulk price preferences
being different from the prices of the same learning application
and application services if purchased from the microlearning
marketplace on the modular learning system 144.
[0118] At step 528, if the terms are not acceptable to organizing
user 116, the database 402 may not proceed to receive the
microlearning event's price preference from the organizing user
116. At step 530, if the payment terms are acceptable to the
microlearning event organizing user 116, the pricing module 428
receives price preferences for the microlearning event from
organizing user 116 and stores the same for future access by the
microlearning event purchase items database 402. The price
preferences (and/or price selection) may be chosen or filled in by
organizing user 116 through the microlearning event price
preferences interface. At step 532, the microlearning purchase
management module 238 accesses the microlearning event purchase
items database 402 and publishes the unique microlearning event
purchase item of the microlearning event to the microlearning
marketplace on the modular learning system 144.
[0119] Although the method for managing an event in a modular
learning environment is described as being composed of various
steps, fewer or more steps (e.g. Display Service Availability
Confirmation Request to learning application Service Providers,
Process Advance Payment Transactions Between Organizing User and
Learning Application Service Providers) may comprise the method
with the present invention still falling within the scope of
various embodiments.
[0120] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram 600 of the method for managing a
microlearning event in a modular learning environment. At step 602,
the microlearning event management module 242 receives a
microlearning event initiation request from a microlearning event
organizing user 116 through the microlearning event management
interface generated by event management interface generator 434 and
displayed on the user 116's device 140. At step 604, the interface
generator 434 retrieves the event schedule item of the
microlearning event from microlearning event items database 430 and
accesses the schedule of each learning application and accompanying
application services for the microlearning event.
[0121] At step 606, the interface generator 434 requests the
minimum performance requirement items database 416 to determine the
immediate application services availability for the microlearning
event initiation request. At step 608, the immediate application
service availability of the first learning application, first few
learning applications or all learning applications are determined
by accessing the login and check-in items of the same in
microlearning performance management module 240. If all application
services for one or more learning applications in the microlearning
event are not available immediately, the interface generator 434
may not proceed to receive microlearning event access request from
learning users.
[0122] At step 610, if the necessary, plurality of requested
application services for the microlearning event are immediately
available, the microlearning performance management module 240
proceeds to receive microlearning event access requests from one or
more learning users through the microlearning event access
interface generated by interface generator 434 and displayed on a
user device 140. At step 612, the generator 434 may request the
authentication module and the microlearning purchase management
module 238 to respectively validate and confirm the login
credentials and microlearning event purchase item of the learning
user 102.
[0123] At step 614, the authentication module may compare the login
credentials filled in by the learning user through the
microlearning event access interface generated by interface
generator 434 with the credentials preferences of the learning user
by accessing the same from learning user database 202. If the input
credentials are not valid, the learning user is denied access to
the microlearning event and corresponding performance interfaces.
If the input credentials are valid, the microlearning purchase
management module 238 confirms the learning user's purchase of
microlearning event access. If the purchase items are unavailable
or incompatible with the learning user and microlearning event, the
learning user is denied access to the microlearning event and
corresponding performance interfaces.
[0124] At step 616, if the learning user 102's credentials are
valid and the purchase of microlearning event access for the
microlearning event is confirmed, the purchase analytics module 406
updates purchase analytics items of the microlearning event for
future access and analysis by the organizing user 116. At step 618,
the microlearning performance management module 240 receives a
performance request for the first learning application in the
microlearning event from the learning user, a plurality of learning
users or the organizing user 116. If a plurality of learning
applications are scheduled to be performed in a sequence, the
microlearning performance management module 240 may receive a
performance request for the entire microlearning event or for a
predetermined subset of learning applications in the microlearning
event from any of the learning users. If the learning applications
are scheduled to be performed in more than one session (e.g. over
twenty eight sessions in fourteen days), the performance management
module 240 may receive a performance request for the appropriate
subset of learning applications at the appropriate date and time
from any of the users.
[0125] At step 620, the microlearning performance management module
240 processes the plurality of learning application performances
for the predetermined plurality of scheduled learning applications
and plurality of predetermined attending learning users, by
generating learner interface items, and, optionally, tutor
interface items for each learning application through the learning
application preview interfaces, learning application performance
interface, and learning application review interfaces displayed on
authorized user devices 140 to a plurality of predetermined
attending learning users and, optionally, predetermined tutoring,
monitoring or reviewing service providing tutoring users during the
microlearning event. Each of the learning performances or set of
performances may occur and be processed in the performance mode
specified by the application 300's mode metadata 324. In some
embodiments, the performance mode may be determined by the
organizing user 116 based on the event type chosen from the
plurality of kinds of event types in event type database 432.
[0126] At step 622, after the completion of each of the learning
application performances, the performance management module 240
receives a performance completion report by an input from the
performing learning user, the service providing tutoring user, the
duration metadata 310 of the learning application, or the
organizing user 116. At step 624, the microlearning performance
management module 240 updates the performance analytics module 408
with a plurality of performance analytics items and, optionally,
recording, measurement, scoring or review items generated or
received during each learning application performance in the
microlearning event. In some embodiments, based on the performance
privacy preferences of the learning user a step of receiving
performance items of each learning user's application performances
in the microlearning event is performed and the same is stored
without the learning user's corresponding identity items, wherein
the performance items are an indicator of number of
performances.
[0127] At step 626, the interface generator 434 accesses the
purchase analytics items and performance analytics items and
generates the corresponding updated analytics interface items for
the microlearning event. At step 628, the interface generator 434
displays the updated microlearning event management interface to
organizing user 116 with interface items including, for example,
analytics interface items generated in the previous step, and
displays the set of performance measurements to the organizing user
116 on user 116's device 140.
[0128] Although the method for managing the performances of
microlearning applications in a modular learning environment is
described as being composed of various steps, fewer or more steps
(e.g. Receive Microlearning Event Completion Confirmation From
Organizing User, Display Learning Application Performance Sequence
And Microlearning event Schedule To Learning Users) may comprise
the method with the present invention still falling within the
scope of various embodiments.
COMPUTING MACHINE ARCHITECTURE
[0129] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating components of an
example machine suitable for use as a modular learning system 144,
in which any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be performed,
according to one embodiment. This example machine is able to read
instructions from a machine-readable medium and execute them in a
processor (or controller).
[0130] Specifically, FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic representation of
a machine in the example form of a computer system 700 within which
instructions 724 (e.g. software) for causing the machine to perform
any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein may be
executed. In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a
standalone device or may be connected (e.g. networked) to other
machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the
capacity of a server machine or a client machine in a server-client
network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or
distributed) network environment.
[0131] The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a
personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a
smartphone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or
any machine capable of executing instructions 724 (sequential or
otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.
Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term
"machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines
that individually or jointly execute instructions 724 to perform
any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.
[0132] The example computer system 700 includes a processor 702
(e.g. a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit
(GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), one or more application
specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more radio-frequency
integrated circuits (RFICs), or any combination of these), a main
memory 704, and a static memory 706, which are configured to
communicate with each other via a bus 708. The computer system 700
may further include a graphics display unit 710 (e.g. a plasma
display panel (PDP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a projector,
or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system 700 may also
include alphanumeric input device 712 (e.g. a keyboard), a cursor
control device 714 (e.g. a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, a motion
sensor, or other pointing instrument), a storage unit 716, a signal
generation device 718 (e.g. a speaker), and a network interface
device 720, which also are configured to communicate via the bus
708.
[0133] The storage unit 716 includes a machine readable medium 722
on which is stored instructions 724 (e.g. software) embodying any
one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The
instructions 724 (e.g. software) may also reside, completely or at
least partially, within the main memory 704 or within the processor
702 (e.g. within a processor's cache memory) during execution
thereof by the computer system 700, the main memory 704 and the
processor 702 also constituting machine-readable media. The
instructions 724 (e.g. software) may be transmitted or received
over a network 142 via the network interface device 720.
[0134] While machine readable medium 722 is shown in an example
embodiment to be a single medium, the term "machine-readable
medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple
media (e.g. a centralized or distributed database, or associated
caches and servers) able to store instructions (e.g. instructions
724). The term "machine-readable medium" shall also be taken to
include any medium that is capable of storing instructions (e.g.
instructions 724) for execution by the machine and that cause the
machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies disclosed
herein. The term "machine-readable medium" includes, but not be
limited to, data repositories in the form of solid-state memories,
optical media, and magnetic media.
[0135] The modular learning system 144 may be one or more servers
in which one or more methods disclosed herein are performed. The
processor 702 may be a microprocessor, a state machine, an
application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate
array, etc. (e.g. Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processor). The main
memory 704 may be a dynamic random access memory and/or a primary
memory of the modular learning system 144. The static memory 706
may be a hard drive, a flash drive, and/or other memory information
associated with the modular learning system 144.
[0136] The bus 708 may be an interconnection between various
circuits and/or structures of the modular learning system 144. The
video display 710 may provide graphical representation of
information on the modular learning system 144. The alphanumeric
input device 712 may be a keypad, keyboard and/or any other input
device. The cursor control device 714 may be a pointing device such
as a mouse.
[0137] The storage unit 716 may be a hard drive, a storage system,
and/or other longer term storage subsystem. The signal generation
device 718 may be a bios and/or a functional operating system of
the modular learning system 144. The network interface device 720
may be a device that may perform interface functions such as code
conversion, protocol conversion and/or buffering required for
communication to and from a network (e.g. the network 142 of FIG.
1). The machine readable medium 722 may provide instructions 724 on
which any of the methods disclosed herein may be performed. The
instructions 724 may provide source code and/or data code to the
processor 702 to enable any one/or more operations disclosed
herein. For example, the modular learning system 144 may be stored
in the form of instructions 724 on a storage medium such as the
main memory 704 and/or the machine readable medium 722 such as
compact disk.
[0138] In one embodiment, a non-transitory medium, or a
non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing computer
program instructions executable by a processor or a computing
device (e.g., the modular learning system 144) causes the computing
device to perform method steps illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG.
6.
ADDITIONAL CONFIGURATION CONSIDERATIONS
[0139] In one embodiment, if the necessary application services for
an event are not immediately available when a user requests access
to the event, microlearning event management module 242 may
determine equivalent application services that are available and
recommends the available services to the user. For example, if one
or more learning tools required for a learning event are not
available at a particular facility at the time of the event, the
microlearning event management module 242 may determine alternative
facilities that have the required learning tools. The event
management module 242 may narrow the list of alternative facilities
by recommending facilities that are close to the original facility
(e.g., less than five kilometers away), are highly rated by users,
have a cost that is less than or equal to the cost of the original
facility, and other characteristics of the alternate facility that
may make the alternate attractive to the user.
[0140] For example, an organizing user may request to initiate a
swimming microlearning event at facility A that requires a pool,
two pairs of swim goggles, and two tutors. The microlearning event
management module 242 determines the availability of the required
services at facility A. If the pool is not available at the time of
the event, the event management module 242 determines alternative
facilities that are in close proximity to facility A and that have
a pool, swim goggles, and two tutors available to teach the
swimming event. In addition, among the possible alternative
facilities, the event management module 242 may recommend the
facility with availability at the desired time, the facility
closest to the learning user or originally requested facility, the
highest ranked tutors available to teach at that facility, or a
combination of these and other factors.
[0141] Throughout this specification, plural instances may
implement modules, operations, or structures described as a single
instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are
illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of
the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and
nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order
illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate
modules in example configurations may be implemented as a combined
structure or module. Similarly, structures and functionality
presented as a single module may be implemented as separate
modules. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and
improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter
herein.
[0142] Certain embodiments are described herein as including
functionality implemented in computing logic or a number of
modules, components, or mechanisms, for example, as illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 4. Modules may constitute either software modules (e.g.
code embodied on a machine-readable medium or in a transmission
signal) or hardware modules. A hardware module is tangible unit
capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or
arranged in a certain manner. In example embodiments, one or more
computer systems (e.g. a standalone, client or server computer
system) or one or more hardware modules of a computer system or a
computer-implemented method (e.g. a processor or a group of
processors) may be configured by software (e.g. an application or
application portion) as a hardware module that operates to perform
certain operations as described herein.
[0143] In various embodiments, a hardware module may be implemented
mechanically or electronically. For example, a hardware module may
comprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently
configured (e.g. as a special-purpose processor, such as a field
programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific
integrated circuit (ASIC)) to perform certain operations. A
hardware module may also comprise programmable logic or circuitry
(e.g. as encompassed within a general-purpose processor or other
programmable processor) that is temporarily configured by software
to perform certain operations. It will be appreciated that the
decision to implement a hardware module mechanically, in dedicated
and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured
circuitry (e.g. configured by software) may be driven by cost and
time considerations.
[0144] The various operations of example methods described herein
may be performed, at least partially, by one or more processors,
e.g. processor 702, that are temporarily configured (e.g. by
software) or permanently configured to perform the relevant
operations. Whether temporarily or permanently configured, such
processors may constitute processor-implemented modules that
operate to perform one or more operations or functions. The modules
referred to herein may, in some example embodiments, comprise
processor-implemented modules.
[0145] The one or more processors may also operate to support
performance of the relevant operations in a "cloud computing"
environment or as a "software as a service" (SaaS). For example, at
least some of the operations may be performed by a group of
computers (as examples of machines including processors), these
operations being accessible via a network (e.g. the Internet) and
via one or more appropriate interfaces (e.g. application program
interfaces (APIs).)
[0146] In another embodiment, the microlearning purchase and
performance interface provided by the modular learning system 144
can be accessed over a local area network, intranet or virtual
private network accessible to a limited plurality of user devices
at a preschool, school, college, university, educational board,
professional standards authority, coaching class, a company, HR
department, training department or at a training organization
through a user device.
[0147] In another embodiment, the microlearning purchase and
performance interface provided by the modular learning system 144
can be accessed over a wide area network, General Packet Radio
Service network, an Enhanced Data for Global Evolution network, a
3G telecommunications network, a 4G LTE telecommunications network
or other telecommunications network through a user device.
[0148] The performance of certain of the operations may be
distributed among the one or more processors, not only residing
within a single machine, but deployed across a number of machines.
In some example embodiments, the one or more processors or
processor-implemented modules may be located in a single geographic
location (e.g. within a home environment, an office environment, or
a server farm). In other example embodiments, the one or more
processors or processor-implemented modules may be distributed
across a number of geographic locations.
[0149] Some portions of this specification are presented in terms
of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data
stored as bits or binary digital signals within a machine memory
(e.g. a computer memory). These algorithms or symbolic
representations are examples of techniques used by those of
ordinary skill in the data processing arts to convey the substance
of their work to others skilled in the art. As used herein, an
"algorithm" is a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar
processing leading to a desired result. In this context, algorithms
and operations involve physical manipulation of physical
quantities. Typically, but not necessarily, such quantities may
take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable
of being stored, accessed, transferred, combined, compared, or
otherwise manipulated by a machine. It is convenient at times,
principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals
using words such as "data," "content," "bits," "values,"
"elements," "symbols," "characters," "terms," "numbers,"
"numerals," or the like. These words, however, are merely
convenient labels and are to be associated with appropriate
physical quantities.
[0150] Although the present embodiments have been described with
reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that
various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments
without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various
embodiments. For example, the various devices, modules, databases,
etc. described herein may be enabled and operated using hardware
circuitry (e.g. complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)
based logic circuitry), firmware, software and/or any combination
of hardware, firmware, and/or software (e.g. embodied in a machine
readable medium).
[0151] Unless specifically stated otherwise, discussions herein
using words such as "processing," "computing," "calculating,"
"determining," "presenting," "displaying," or the like may refer to
actions or processes of a machine (e.g. a computer) that
manipulates or transforms data represented as physical (e.g.
electronic, magnetic, or optical) quantities within one or more
memories (e.g. volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a
combination thereof), registers, or other machine modules that
receive, store, transmit, or display information.
[0152] As used herein any reference to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase
"in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0153] Some embodiments may be described using the expression
"coupled" and "connected" along with their derivatives. For
example, some embodiments may be described using the term "coupled"
to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or
electrical contact. The term "coupled," however, may also mean that
two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but
yet still co-operate or interact with each other. The embodiments
are not limited in this context.
[0154] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising,"
"includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For
example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a
list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements
but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to
such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless
expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or
and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is
satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B
is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is
true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
[0155] In addition, use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe
elements and modules of the embodiments herein. This is done merely
for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This
description should be read to include one or at least one and the
singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is
meant otherwise.
[0156] According to the embodiments described in FIG. 1 through 6,
various methods and electric structures may be embodied using
transistors, logic gates, and electrical circuits (e.g. Application
Specific Integrated Circuitry and/or in Digital Signal Processor
circuitry). For example, the purchase management module 238,
performance management module 240 and other modules of FIGS. 1 to 6
may be enabled using a purchase management circuit, a performance
management circuit, and other circuits using one or more of the
technologies described herein. In addition, it will be appreciated
that the various operations, processes, and methods disclosed
herein may be embodied in a machine-readable medium and/or a
machine accessible medium compatible with a data processing system
(e.g. a server) and may be performed in any order. Accordingly, the
specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative
rather than a restrictive sense.
[0157] Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will
appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional
designs for a system and a process for managing the purchase and
performance of learning applications and associated application
services in a microlearning stack through the disclosed principles
herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have
been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction
and modules disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and
variations, which will be apparent to those, skilled in the art,
may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method
and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit
and scope defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *