Brendon B Towle

US Patent:

20140038161, Feb 6, 2014

Filed:

May 1, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/875107

Inventors:

Matthew McHenry - Pittsburgh PA, US
Brendon Towle - Los Angeles CA, US

International Classification:

G09B 7/00

US Classification:

434362

Abstract:

Techniques are described for problem selection algorithms for providing a multi-layered cognitive tutor. A repository of problems is maintained, which associates the problems with the improvement of corresponding skills according to a cognitive model. User skill levels are maintained in a user profile. Problem sets are then presented to the user in phases, where each phase may utilize different selection criteria for selecting from the repository. By varying the selection criteria between phases, for example from problems testing familiar skills to problems testing new skills, or from problems teaching few skills to problems teaching many skills, problems can be selected to address the unique requirements of each tutoring phase, from beginning to middle to end. Additionally, various secondary criteria such as user interests, category and perceptual classes, problem variety, humorous problems, and other criteria may be used to integrate factors outside of the cognitive model, helping to maintain user engagement.

US Patent:

20150104762, Apr 16, 2015

Filed:

Oct 14, 2013

Appl. No.:

14/053519

Inventors:

- Phoenix AZ, US
Joanna Morey - Neenah WI, US
Brendon Towle - Los Angeles CA, US

Assignee:

APOLLO GROUP, INC. - PHOENIX AZ

International Classification:

G09B 17/00

US Classification:

434169

Abstract:

A grammar teaching system maintains and updates a mastery estimate for a grammar skill and displays an updated visual indication of this estimation. Based on user answers to grammar problems, the system updates the mastery estimate for the grammar skill. Also, a step of a grammar problem is associated with an ordered list of hints. When the user requests a hint for the problem step, the system identifies a position in the list of hints based on how many times the user has previously requested hints for the step. The system displays text that is from the hint at the identified position in the list. Further, a hint for a grammar problem step includes pointer information that refers to a portion of a sentence for the grammar problem. When the system displays the hint, the system highlights the portion of the sentence that is referred to in the pointer information.