Versatile resource computer-based training system

Abstract

A computer-based training (CBT) system using versatile resources to support multiple training scenarios in a multi-user environment. The CBT system includes an authoring program module accessible by a lesson designer to create a number of lessons. The CBT system includes one or more runner program modules accessible by lesson takers for running the lessons created with the authoring program module. The CBT system also includes a relational database accessible by the runner program modules and comprises administrative information and information for retrieving desired resources. The versatile resources reduce the memory storage requirements for a CBT system capable of supporting multiple training scenarios in a multi-user network environment. The CBT system realistically simulates multi-mode communication systems and implements progressive mentoring and voice-based progression methodologies.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 09 / 638,771, filed Aug. 15, 2000, which claims priority to commonly-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60 / 202,792, 60 / 202,613, and 60 / 202,789, each filed on May 9, 2000.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates generally to the field of computer-based training systems and, more particularly, to a computer-based training system in which a single stored copy of a versatile resource, such as a display page, bit map, audio file, or video file may be used to create instances of the resource “on the fly” for use in connection with multiple training lessons. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Computer-based training (CBT) is an important aspect of employee and student training and evaluation for many types of applications. For example, CBT system is known to be a particularly effective method for training call center operators. Many other ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020] The CBT system is also equipped to implement training through a technique known as “progressive mentoring.” For this training method, a lesson is divided into a plurality of skill-related task types, such as typing and speaking. Each task type is configured to selectively run in a demonstration mode in which user responses are not required to prompts relating to that task type, or in a training mode in which user respon

Problems solved by technology

Although many types of CBT systems have been developed, these conventional CBT systems typically suffer from a number of drawbacks.

For example, complicated tasks such as call center operations or flight simulation involve an extremely large number of simultaneous actions and task scenarios that could occur in actual operations.

Creating a separate training scenario for each and every actual scenario that might occur might be prohibitively expensive in terms of programming time, computer memory, or other scarce resources.

Moreover, configuring the CBT system to jump from one stored scenario to another in responses to decisions or choices that occur during the course of a simulation greatly increases the complexity of the system.

As a result, only the most expensive CBT system applicatio

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