Inexpensive computer-aided learning methods and apparatus for learners

Abstract

A computer-aided learning method and apparatus for a learning user to learn materials inexpensively. Not only does the apparatus provide the user the freedom as to where and when to learn, and the guidance as to what to learn, the apparatus also reduces a significant hurdle to learning—money. The apparatus retrieves a user identifier entered by the user, and determines whether the user is a learning user or an institute user. If the user is a learning user, the apparatus allows the user to access information regarding learning materials. If the user is an institute user, the apparatus permits the user to access information regarding at least one learning user. The institute user might be interested to use the apparatus to recruit employees to fill job openings. A learning user pays significantly less than an institute user to access information, so as to encourage the learning user to work on learning materials. The apparatus can also track and update information regarding the users.

1 . A computing apparatus comprising:
 a first computing device; and   a networked storage device accessible at least via a network,
 the networked storage device coupled to the first computing device, and 
 the networked storage device to have stored thereon instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to:
 receive, via a web server, a web request from a user using a second computing device to access a first set of materials via a network that includes the Internet, the web request including a user identifier identifying the user, and a service identifier at least indicating to access the first set of materials; 
 track at least some of the user's usage of the first set of materials, including accessing the first set of materials; and 
 receive, via a web server, a web request from a first entity using a third computing device to access information regarding the tracked user's usage of the first set of materials, via a network that includes the Internet, the web request including a user identifier identifying the first entity, and a service identifier at least indicating to access the information regarding the tracked user's usage of the first set of materials; 
 
 wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to:
 send advertising materials regarding the first entity via a network that includes the Internet, to the second computing device to be presented; and 
 cause the generating of an accounting record to charge the first entity so as to allow the first entity to access at least some of the information regarding the tracked user's usage of the first set of materials. 
 
   
     
     
         2 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the advertising materials include information on a product of the first entity. 
     
     
         3 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the advertising materials is sent to the second computing device in view of an interest of the user regarding at least a product of the first entity, to target the user. 
     
     
         4 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first set of materials includes materials on a product of the first entity. 
     
     
         5 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the sending of the advertising materials regarding the first entity is at least in view of the user accessing the first set of materials. 
     
     
         6 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the advertising materials regarding the first entity is sent to the second computing device in view of an interest of the user regarding at least a product of the first entity, to target the user. 
     
     
         7 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to direct the advertising materials to be in a screen showing the product of the first entity. 
     
     
         8 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to receive a piece of location information regarding where to place the advertising materials of the first entity. 
     
     
         9 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the piece of location information indicates placing the advertising materials of the first entity to be in a screen showing a product of the first entity. 
     
     
         10 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to receive a piece of timing information regarding when to present the advertising materials of the first entity. 
     
     
         11 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to receive a piece of information regarding a duration of time to present the advertising materials of the first entity. 
     
     
         12 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the advertising materials include a link to a web page of the first entity. 
     
     
         13 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 1 ,
 wherein the advertising materials are presented on a page, and   wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to track the number of times the page has been accessed.   
     
     
         14 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to track the number of times the advertising materials regarding the first entity has been accessed. 
     
     
         15 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 1 ,
 wherein the advertising materials include a link to a web page of the first entity, and   wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to track the number of times the link to the web page has been accessed.   
     
     
         16 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 1 ,
 wherein the first set of materials includes materials on a product of the first entity,   wherein the materials on the product includes materials on a feature of the product, and   wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to track the number of times the materials on the feature of the product has been accessed.   
     
     
         17 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to allow the first entity to access a piece of information resulted from activities of a plurality of users. 
     
     
         18 . A computing apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the apparatus to restrict the first entity from accessing at least some information regarding the user in view of an indication from the user.