Method and system for improving the quality of teaching through analysis using a virtual teaching device

Abstract

A learning support method and system for a classroom includes a monitoring device configured to capture real-time participant events and stimuli in a learning environment. The participant events include classroom and collaboration-oriented input. A database is configured to store and organize a-priori skills of a typical student and a-priori knowledge a participating student. A set of cognitive model profiles are stored in system memory representing typical student behaviors and participant student behaviors with access to the captured participant events, the stimuli and the a-priori knowledge and skills. An interaction manager is configured to be responsive to the participant events and stimuli to perform interactive tasks during a class session. The interactive tasks may include posing a question, supplementing a lecture, tracking progress and rating teacher performance.

1 . A learning support system for a classroom, comprising:
 a monitoring device configured to capture real-time participant events and stimuli in a learning environment, the participant events including classroom and collaboration-oriented input;   a database configured to store and organize a-priori skills of a typical student and a-priori knowledge a participating student;   a set of cognitive model profiles stored in system memory representing typical student behaviors and participant student behaviors with access to the captured participant events, the stimuli and the a-priori knowledge and skills; and   an interaction manager configured to be responsive to the participant events and stimuli to perform interactive tasks during a class session, the interactive tasks including at least one of posing a question, supplementing a lecture, tracking progress and rating teacher performance.   
     
     
         2 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the system assimilates new information and translates the new information into a-priori knowledge and skills. 
     
     
         3 . The system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the system models and tracks participants based on the real-time participant events and stimuli. 
     
     
         4 . The system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the system permits an instructor to evaluate a level of learning acquired by students using the a-priori skills and knowledge collected by the system. 
     
     
         5 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a conversational interface wherein the system and participants interact on their own initiative. 
     
     
         6 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the interaction manager selects a best action based on one of standards and policies to respond to the participant events and stimuli. 
     
     
         7 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the set of cognitive model profiles are employed to infer an action of a participant to perform an interactive task based upon an inference. 
     
     
         8 . A method for providing learning support for a classroom, comprising:
 monitoring real-time participant events and stimuli in a learning environment using sensing devices, the participant events including classroom and collaboration-oriented input;   storing and organizing a-priori skills of a typical student and a-priori knowledge a participating student;   representing participant student behaviors as a set of cognitive model profiles stored in system memory using the captured participant events, the stimuli and the a-priori knowledge and skills; and   responding to the participant events and stimuli to perform interactive tasks during a class session, the interactive tasks including at least one of posing a question, supplementing a lecture, tracking progress and rating teacher performance.   
     
     
         9 . The method as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising the step of assimilating new information into a-priori knowledge and skills. 
     
     
         10 . A computer readable storage medium comprising a computer readable program, wherein the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to perform the steps of:
 monitoring real-time participant events and stimuli in a learning environment using sensing devices, the participant events including classroom and collaboration-oriented input;   storing and organizing a-priori skills of a typical student and a-priori knowledge a participating student;   representing participant student behaviors as a set of cognitive model profiles stored in system memory using the captured participant events, the stimuli and the a-priori knowledge and skills; and   responding to the participant events and stimuli to perform interactive tasks during a class session, the interactive tasks including at least one of posing a question, supplementing a lecture, tracking progress and rating teacher performance.   
     
     
         11 . The computer readable storage medium as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising the step of assimilating new information into a-priori knowledge and skills.