Cross Reference to Related Application
[001] This application claims the benefit of Indian Provisional Patent Application: 1834/DEL/2015 titled “UNIFIED LEARNING SOLUTION” and filed on 19th June 2015.

Field of Invention

[002] The present invention relates generally to the field of educational systems and more specifically to a unified learning system for digitalization of an educational institution.

Background of Invention

[003] In many situations, Traditional teaching methodologies in educational sector involve class room based tutoring sessions. Advent of smart communication methodologies in the educational sector has led to several new solutions for improving the class room based tutoring sessions. The smart communication methodologies include technical software advancements such as smart boards, digital libraries and online learning applications. These technical software advancements have led to the evolution of smart education techniques. These smart education techniques restrict its communication with a single client interface. The client interface may be a student, an employee or any other learner. As the smart communication methodologies restrict its communication with a single client interface, there is a possibility of communication gap between a teacher, the student and a parent who monitors the student.

[004] Further, although the student may have a web based tutoring sessions post school hours, due to the restriction of single client interface, the student may not interact with the teacher to clarify his/her queries.

[005] Due to the communication gap, the teacher may not able to send appropriate performance reports of the student to the parent. Hence, the parent may not be up-to-date with the growth of the student, which may seriously affect the student.

[006] There is also a need to integrate assessment into learning where assessment data can be received online.

[007] Hence, there is a need for modern and unified educational system that connects the teacher, the student, the parent and the school management through a software based multi-client system.

Objects of the Invention

[008] The main object of the present invention is to design a unified learning solution, to enable students to gain in-depth knowledge in concepts. Further, the present invention develops thinking skills through inter-disciplinary learning and unique pedagogical construct.

[009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a solution which enables learning through assessments which are designed to be continuous, comprehensive and provide insights which enable remediation.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a solution that enables teachers to follow an effective teaching process, equipped by integrated learning tools and supported by classroom training and delivery support.

[0011] Still another object of the present invention is to enable learning after classrooms where a child can access learning resources at home and self-evaluate learning on a medium like a smartphone that they prefer, which further involves the parents in the learning process on a continuous basis.

[0012] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description.

Summary of the Invention

[0013] A method for providing a unified learning solution is disclosed. The method includes providing a digital resources module having digital content that can be accessed by a plurality of client devices independent of the location and/or time; enabling assessment of one or more criteria of a student via an assessment module; processing the assessed information for further discussion with at least one other client device; and storing the processed information along with other learning material.

[0014] Other features of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from accompanying drawings and from detailed description that follows.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] In the Figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0016] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of an unified learning system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an assessment module used in the unified learning system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a client device used in the unified learning system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a publishing module used in the unified learning system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a digital resources module used in the unified learning system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a teachers training and certification module used in the unified learning system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0022] The present invention provides a system and method for unified learning of students, teachers, etc. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this invention will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

[0023] Applications, software programs or computer readable instructions may be referred to as components or modules. Applications may be hardwired or hard coded in hardware or take the form of software executing on a general purpose computer, such that, when the software is loaded into and/or executed by the computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention, or they are available via a web service. Applications may also be downloaded in whole or in part through the use of a software development kit or a toolkit that enables the creation and implementation of the present invention. In this specification, these implementations, or any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as techniques. In general, the order of the steps of the disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.

[0024] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention include various steps, which will be described below. The steps may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor programmed with the instructions to perform the steps. Alternatively, steps may be performed by a combination of hardware, software, and firmware and/or by human operators.

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention may be provided as a computer program product, which may include a machine-readable storage medium tangibly embodying thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) to perform a process. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, fixed (hard) drives, magnetic tape, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor memories, such as ROMs, PROMs, random access memories (RAMs), programmable read-only memories (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable PROMs (EEPROMs), flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, or other type of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions (e.g., computer programming code, such as software or firmware).

[0027] Various methods described herein may be practiced by combining one or more machine-readable storage media containing the code according to the present invention with appropriate standard computer hardware to execute the code contained therein. An apparatus for practicing various embodiments of the present invention may involve one or more computers (or one or more processors within a single computer) and storage systems containing or having network access to computer program(s) coded in accordance with various methods described herein, and the method steps of the invention could be accomplished by modules, routines, subroutines, or subparts of a computer program product.

[0028] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0029] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

[0030] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named.

[0031] Wherever possible, same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. FIG. 1 illustrates a unified learning system 100 to be deployed by an educational institution. The learning system 100 is configured as a client/server architecture as used in an embodiment of the present invention. A client device 104 is a member of a class or group that uses the services of another class or group to which it is not related. In the context of a computer network, such as the Internet, the client device 104 may be a process (i.e. roughly a program or task) that requests a service which is provided by another process, known as a server program. The client device process uses the requested service without having to know any working details about the server program or the server itself. In networked systems, the client device 104 process may usually run on a computer that accesses shared network resources provided by another computer running a corresponding server process.

[0032] A server 103 is typically a remote computer system that is accessible over a communication medium such as the Internet. The client device process may be active on a portable device which communicates with the server process via a network that allows multiple client devices to take advantage of the information-gathering capabilities of the server 103. Thus, the server essentially acts as an information provider for a computer network.

[0033] Further referring to FIG. 1, the system for practicing the teachings of the present invention includes one or more client devices104a, 104b, a server 103 and a network (not shown) which is used for establishing communication between the client devices 104a, 104band the server 103. Each client device includes at least an application program, a processor (not shown) and a memory (shown). In one embodiment, the process or in a client device 104a or 104bexecutes the application program while a memory (not shown) stores the data. In an embodiment, the stored data may be assessment information, attendance information, worksheets, ebooks, etc. which is then uploaded to the server. The client device may be without limitation a personal computer, laptop, notebook, handheld computer, set-top box, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile phone, a wearable device, etc.

[0034] The network between the client 104a, 104b and the server 103 may be a global area network (GAN), such as the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or any other type of network or combination of networks. The communication medium may provide for wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless communication between devices in the network. In some embodiments of the invention, the communication medium described herein may be a cloud computing network.

[0035] Further referring to FIG.1, the learning system 100 includes an assessment module 102, a publishing module 106, a digital resources module 108 and teachers training and certification module 110. The assessment module 102 provides one or more criteria on which a student can be assessed and displays on the client device. The criteria may be name of a subject, class number, topic number, etc. The student may access the data via the application program and provide inputs to the content displayed by the assessment module 102 and send this information to the publishing module 106. The publishing module 106 holds the processed information for further discussion with the tutor. The publishing module 106 also includes necessary learning material needed for processing the information. The processed information is stored along with other learning materials in the digital resources module 108. Optionally, the teachers training and certification module 110 provides training to teachers to improve their teaching capability.

[0036] The client 104a and/or 104b include an application program which is installed on the client device of for example, a parent, student, etc. In case the client device is of a parent, the parent may monitor the performance of the child and focus on improvement of the child. In an embodiment, using the client 104a, a student scans a picture from a course book. The scanned picture may trigger a course video, which may be mapped for that particular picture and the course video may play on the client 104a. Further, the unified learning system may assign a set of questions to the student upon completion of the course video. The student may answer those questions through the client 104a. The student may receive feedback instantly on the answered questions which may improve the performance of the student. The course book includes a video indicator, which helps student and the teacher to view the course videos.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows the assessment module 102 of the unified learning system 100. The assessment module 102 includes a pre-assessment component 202, a post-assessment component 204, a real-time assessment component 206, a CCE component 208 and an insight component 210. The pre-assessment component 202 sends the pre-assessment information to the client device. In one embodiment, the pre-assessment information may be a preliminary questionnaire, which is given to the student to check his learning. The post-assessment component 204 sends the post-assessment information to the client device. In one embodiment, the post-assessment information is a feedback form provided to the student. The feedback form may be a 360 degree feedback from a student to further improve the unified learning management system. Based on the feedback, the teacher may be modified.

[0038] The real-time assessment component 206 sends real-time assessment information to the client device. In one embodiment, the real-time information may include real-time constructive feedback provided to a student after each answer inputted by the student. The real-time feedback helps the student to have increased interaction with the teacher and/or course material.

[0039] The CCE component 208 is a center for credentialing and education. After assessment, the assessed information is certified by the CCE component 208. In one embodiment, the CCE component includes a HS certification element 212 and a BCC certification element 214. The HS certification element 212 is for certifying human services knowledge and the BCC certification element 214 is for certifying coaching knowledge.

[0040] The insight component 210 gives the overall trends of the assessment and the area of improvements in a graphical manner. In one embodiment, the insights are provided as bar charts, pie charts, bubble diagrams, etc. The style of insights may be changed in accordance with the requirement. The insight graphs may indicate the information about the student, including, but not limited to, his/her gaps in learning, nature of mistakes and a pattern involved in making mistakes. Through insights, the parent and/or the tutor may ascertain improvement areas of the student and they may train the student for his/her improvement. The insight component 210 may provide to a tutor individual as well as class-level performance analysis of each student for the respective courses taught by him/her. The tutor can also decide to assign some specific learning material or provide specific instructions, or quizzes to a student or a set of students based on learning level demonstrated in the ongoing assessments.

[0041] FIG. 3 shows the client device 104a of the unified learning system 100. The application program of the client device includes a self-insight component 302, a learning material component 304, a practice test component 306, a tutor-student virtual workbench 308 and a student-student virtual workbench 310. The self-insight component 302 provides overall trends of the assessed information to the student in a graphical manner. In one embodiment, the insights are provided as bar charts, pie charts, bubble diagrams, etc. The style of insights may be changed in accordance with the requirement. The insight graphs may indicate the information about the student, including, but not limited to, his/her gaps in learning, nature of mistakes and a pattern involved in making mistakes. The student may self-evaluate with the received insight information and may work on the improvement. The student may refer tutoring materials from the learning material component 304 for further study. The student may take exemplary tests from the practice test components 306 independent of location constraints. In case if the student has some queries, he/she may clarify the doubts in real-time with the tutor through the tutor-student workbench 308 of the client device 104a. Further, the students can interact with each other or collaborate on a project in real time by using student-student virtual workbench 310. The client device 104a may be accessed anywhere and anytime.

[0042] FIG. 4 shows a publishing module 106 of the unified learning system 100. The publishing module includes a learning batch component 402, a learner workbook 404, a tutoring material component 406, and a tutor workbook 408. The learning batch component 402 includes a set of learning materials necessary for a student during a particular time period. In one embodiment, the time period may be a semester of six months, or a semester of a year, etc. The student may use the learner workbook 404 in the publishing module 106 for publishing his/her tasks to the tutor. In one embodiment, the learner workbook 404 is shared within a group of students for further discussion of that particular task. Each tutor prepares a teacher plan. The tutor may refer the teaching materials from the tutoring material component 406 during lecture sessions based on teacher plan. The teacher plan includes (1) learning objectives (2) teaching material required (3) teaching steps as per a defined learning process. The tutor may also have the option to add additional teaching material to the tutoring material component 406 for future reference. The tutor may use the tutor workbook 408 of the publishing module 106 while virtually explaining complex concepts to the student.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows the digital resources module 108 of the unified learning system 100. The digital resources module 108 includes a learning material repository 502, an article/journal repository 504, an educational eBook repository 506 and an audio/video repository 508. The learning material repository 502 includes all the learning materials required for the students, teachers and the management of the school.

[0044] The article/journal repository 504 is frequently updated with current articles, journals, etc. to enable students and/or teachers to access latest articles or journals anytime and/or anywhere. The educational eBook repository 506 includes the necessary books required for the students and the teachers, so that, the eBooks can be accessed by students and teachers anytime and/or anywhere. The client device 104 may access the eBooks using the innovative concept of learning layers, where each layer represents a skill and a concept that interacts with the student. Further, the client device 104a may include various levels, including, but not limited to a basic mode, an intermediate mode and an advanced mode. The access levels gradually assist the student to travel from a Lower Order Thinking Skills (LOTS) to Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). The audio/video repository 508 includes educational audios and videos for students and teachers. The educational videos include animations, which may attract students towards learning that particular subject.

[0045] FIG. 6 shows the teachers training and certification module 110 of unified learning system 110. The teachers training and certification module 110 includes training material repository 602, assessment module 604 and certification module 606. The training material repository 602 includes modules on various topics pertaining to teachers training. The teacher may access modules on the topics of relevance. After studying the module, the teacher may assess his understanding by giving online assessment of that module. The assessment module 604 provides the assessment to the teacher and then grades the assessment. On doing a prescribed number of modules and achieving the defined grades, the teacher will qualify for certification. A soft copy of the certificate will be generated by the certification module 606 and be available to the teacher in her online space and be emailed to her registered mobile number.

[0046] In one embodiment, the teachers can discuss amongst each other in real-time by using tutor-tutor virtual workbench 608. Through this, the teachers can share best practices, challenges and teaching material with each other. The teachers can also create and share instructional materials or create unique lesson plans.

[0047] While aspects of the present invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present invention as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

CLAIMS:Claims:
We claim:
1. A system and method for providing a unified learning solution, the method comprising:
a) providing a digital resources module having digital content that can be accessed by a plurality of client devices independent of the location and/or time;
b) enabling assessment of one or more criteria of a student via an assessment module;
c) processing the assessed information for further discussion with at least one other client device; and
d) storing the processed information along with other learning material.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assessment comprises at least one of:
a) sending pre-assessment information to one or more client devices to determine the level of learning;
b) sending post-assessment information to one or more client devices to get feedback;
c) sending real-time assessment information to one or more client devices to provide real-time constructive feedback to the client devices;
d) sending trends of assessment and area of improvements in a graphical manner to one or more client devices; and
e) after assessment, certifying human service knowledge and coaching knowledge and sending the certificates to one or more client devices.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising providing learning material during a particular time period to one or more client devices and publishing and sharing tasks to one or more client devices.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising one or more tutor workbooks for explaining complex concepts.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising training on one or more topics of relevance and providing e-certificates.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the digital resource module comprises: teaching material such as articles, journals, educational ebooks, and audio video visuals.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a. providing training material on various modules;
b. providing online assessment for assessing and giving grades; and
c. on doing prescribed number of modules, achieving the prescribed grades providing e-certificates.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portable client module comprises: displaying trends of assessed information in a graphical manner; accessing tutoring materials and taking exemplary tests; collaborating with other client devices by using one or more virtual work benches.