A virtual learning
system environment which provides for progressive education of children, at their own pace, through enhancement in both language arts (e.g. spelling, reading comprehension) and physical skills (interactive prompts). The
system of this invention includes a
microphone for sensing an audible word or command, a
video camera for sensing bodily movement, and means for effecting a computer generated response to said audible word or command, or said bodily movement, wherein said response includes both graphical depiction of the letters of said audible word or command, an object image corresponding to bodily movement or said audible word or command, and an action or object related to said bodily movement or said audible word or command, or any combination thereof, so as to effect a progressive learning or teaching experience. The
system also provides for direction to a pathway alternative to said system based upon a series of links, similar to the Encarta
Encyclopedia, to web pages and the like, where it directs the child to additional sources of information concerning the one or more aspects of the learning exercise. In addition, the system allows for a live or computer
mediator to monitor the progress of the learning experience.