Systems and methods for online learning in a combined game and forum setting

Abstract

The field of the invention relates to systems and methods that enable online learning in a game setting combined with community forum support and real world practice. In an embodiment, the system includes an online learning server system coupled to a public network and accessible to one or more users. The online learning server system is configured to retrieve a user's data in association with an educational game, determine at least one lesson, challenge, or mini-game, and provide the at least one lesson, challenge, or mini-game for playing. When the user unlocks a lesson or level in the game, the system unlocks the associated lesson or level in a forum associated with the game, and promotes the user to participate in the forum. At the completion of the learning game, the online learning server system calculates progress and level of the user, updates, and stores the user's data.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for online learning, and more particularly to systems and methods that enable online learning in a combined game and forum setting.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]With the widespread availability of online access through the Internet, massive open online courses (MOOCs) have become popular in both first world nations, adopted by prestigious colleges and universities, as well as third world countries whereby free MOOC content is being absorbed at a rapidly increasing rate. Traditionally, the Internet has been a medium for learning by way of passive teaching methods—reading instructional content, listening to audio, and watching videos. These methods, however, only promote 30% average engagement (National Training Laboratories). Aside from the convenience of learning online, these types of education lack the motivation, engagement, and fun required to attract more learners and promote further learni...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for online learning, and more particularly to systems and methods that enable online learning in a game setting combined with a community game forum (herein referred to as forum or game forum) to support real world practice. The systems and methods for online learning of the invention include, among others, passive teaching methods, gamification components, participatory teaching methods, forum components, storyline elements, and real world activity upon graduation. The online learning provides lessons, objectives, and mini-games that simulate real life activities, and an associated community forum for the users to help and teach others. Upon completion of a game, the online learning systems and methods of the invention also provide a conduit to real world use of the newly learned skills.

Problems solved by technology

These methods, however, only promote 30% average engagement (National Training Laboratories).

Aside from the convenience of learning online, these types of education lack the motivation, engagement, and fun required to attract more learners and promote further learning.

Still, these additions have only resulted in a near 10% industry standard completion rate.

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